How to Set the Equalizer in Pro Tools

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Proper use of the equalizer is critical to making your tracks blend correctly in your mix. The equalizer allows you to sonically manipulate your instruments so that they don't fight for space with tracks that are competing in the same frequency range. Sometimes you may see an equalizer referred to in Pro Tools as "EQ." The the terms equalizer and EQ are synonymous. Learn how to use the basic controls of an equalizer plug-in in Pro Tools.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Pro Tools software
Pro Tools hardware interface
Computer

Step1

Click the insert button for the track that you want to apply an equalizer to.

Step2

Select an equalizer plug-in. If you have not purchased a third party EQ plug-in, there's no need to worry. The Pro Tools software comes with some great equalizers to get you started.

Step3

Select the frequency that you wish to manipulate. Bass is generally between 80Hz to 250Hz, lower mid-range is found at 250Hhz to 500Hz, mid-range 500Hz to 2kHz, upper mid-range is about 2.5khHz to 4kHz, and presence is roughly 4kHhz to 6kHz.

Step4

Select the Q setting. The Q setting controls how wide a range of frequencies will be effected by your equalizer.

Step5

Next, you must decide whether to cut or boost the frequency range you have selected. Boosting will bring out more of the character of that specific range. Cutting will remove those frequencies. Boost or cut to suit your taste and to achieve the sound you are going for.

Step6

Experiment! Learning how to use an equalizer is a skill that takes a great deal of practice. Experiment by learning what effect boosting or cutting certain frequency ranges has on the sounds of different instruments. In time you will be able to get the exact sound you want!