Things You'll Need:
- Music (recorded or live)
- Some kind of EQ (graphic or parametric)
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Step 1
Listen to the music. Before touching a single EQ knob, you must listen to the music as it sounds. You may notice certain problem areas. Perhaps there is too much bass. Maybe the vocalist sounds a bit shrill. These are problems that can be remedied with some EQ.
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Step 2
Find problem frequencies and cut them. If there is too much low end, you can try cutting some of the low frequencies. If the music is too muddy, you'll need to cut lo-mid frequencies. Too much sibilance (the "sss" sound) means too many hi-mids. To find problems frequencies using a parametric EQ, make a drastic cut in the lo or hi-mids, about 6 to 12 db. Then slowly sweep through the frequencies, listening to the changes in each frequency band. When you find a problem frequency, you can reduce the cut to a few db, unless the frequency is causing serious problems. This is a great way to identify problem frequencies in individual instruments when mixing live music, as well.
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Step 3
Find good frequencies to boost. This can be done in a similar way as cutting frequencies. Boost the lo-mids or hi-mids drastically. Sweep through the spectrum and listen for frequencies that bring out good characteristics of the music. When you find a good frequency, bring the boost down to just a few db, unless you're looking for a radically different sound.
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Step 4
Cut or boost low and high frequencies as needed. If the sound is too bass-heavy, cut a bit. On the other hand, maybe you'll want to boost the lo-end and really make the subs work. Add some high end to give the music more air. It's all up to individual taste.
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Step 1
Listen to the music and find problem frequencies. The concept of using a graphic EQ is the same as using parametric EQ, only a graphic EQ already has controls for specific frequencies. This way, you can cut frequencies without having to sweep through the sound spectrum. Try a drastic cut in each band and listen to the results, then reduce the level of cut to a less drastic level.
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Step 2
Find complementary frequencies and boost them. Bass, mids or highs can easily be accentuated with a graphic EQ. Boost each frequency and listen to the results to find the best frequencies in the music.
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Step 3
Listen again to the original and EQ'd versions and assess what you've done. Make sure that the music sounds better after you've EQ'd. Always check with the original to make sure that you're not going backwards and making things sound worse.
