How do you use an equalizer?

[Bookworm2]

I don't mean "what do you do with an equalizer", I mean "how do I use the interface to get the results I want"? I've tried looking it up, but everything I've found is just explaining what it does and what to cut. I'm sorry if this is an annoying request, but I'm just about at my limit. For reference, I'm using Waveform 13 and the default 1, 3, and 8 band (whatever those mean) equalizers that come with it. Thanks!

 

[MagicalMiku]

What results do you want?
I don't know about Waveform 13, but each band of the equalizer controls a specific range of frequencies. They start from the low frequencies, then the middles and the highs. That's it. A band set to "0" means neutral volume for that range of frequencies, if you set +1 or +2, you give more lows/mids/highs. If you set -1, -2, you reduce them.
Equalizer is used in a room setting, or also for the live concerts, because each room/venue is different, but you want the song to be played like it was meant to be.
Or if you have some headphones or speakers that are too bassy, you can reduce some of the lows.
That's why monitor studio headphones and monitor speakers are usually neutral.
Be careful that if you set band#1 to -2, is better that band #2 is set to -1. You don't want a sudden drop to 0 for the next band. And never go over 1/3 or half of the level of each band, you'll only get distorsion and bad results.
It's easy to understand, but it take months, years of experience to know how to use well an equalizer. I recommend you start with some songs you know well, very well, and listen to them on your pc with some good headphones. Each music player (like vlc or winamp) has an equalizer setting, and try to change some of the profiles and some of bands levels, like "I want to hear more vocals" or "I prefer more lows and a warmer sound,let's try this".

 

[parallax_fifths]

Becoming proficient with EQ takes years, and is arguably an ongoing process as every mix is different. One thing you can do to speed up the learning process.is try some program that helps you to recognize different frequencies.

In the meantime, a good starting point is to learn using high pass filters (AKA low cut filters). This alone can go a long way in cleaning up a mix.

My EQ skills are honestly lackluster, but nevertheless always improving with every mix. One thing that I personally found useful was using an EQ with limited options and no graphic display. Although I no longer use TDR EQ plugins, you can try the free version of Slick EQ:

TDR VOS SlickEQ | Tokyo Dawn Records

A mixing/mastering equalizer designed for intuitive use, musical flexibility and impeccable sound.

www.tokyodawn.net

When using the above plugin, if you hold down the "Ctrl" key (on Windows) when changing frequencies or dB settings, it will step to preset values. In my experience, limiting options in this manner helps in learning what to hear without being overwhelmed by options. And as your ear improves, you can stop using the "Ctrl" key and just freehand values.

I do have a current favourite EQ plugin, but it's paid so I won't recommend it here.

And a word of warning: TDR EQs have auto gain compensation turned on by default. This can be handy when learning, but it can also be misleading. Great for sustained sounds like vocals, not so great for transient sounds like snares or kicks.

 

[parallax_fifths]

Come to think of it, another important bit of knowledge to have when using EQ is an understanding of sound theory. I'll try my best to summarize:

(My apologies if you already know this.)

There's only one waveform in the physical universe: sine wave.

Complex sounds are made up of multiple sine waves.

Pitched sounds have sine waves organized along the harmonic series. For example, if the funadmental frequency is 100 Hz, the second harmonic is 200 Hz, the third is 300 Hz, the fouth 400 Hz, etc. Vowels are examples of pitched sounds, as are musical instruments that can play notes on a scale. Furthermore, not all harmonics have to be present for the sound to be pitched. Most woodwinds (with transverse flutes being a notable exception) only create the odd harmonics. In our above example that would mean a pattern of 100 Hz, 300 Hz, 500 Hz, etc.

Non-pitched sounds are random noise, and often contain far more individual sine waves. However, despite their "random" nature, they can still have shape, such as favouring higher frequencies, different attack, sustain, decay rates, etc. Consonants are an example of non-pitched sounds, as are cymbals. Note that consant sounds, such as "s" sounds, tend to remain in the same range for each person's voice. This is in contranst with pitched sounds that move with, well, pitch.

Most real world sounds are a mix of pitched and non-pitched. Voiced consonants are an example. Transverse flutes are another obvious example, as the flautist's breath noise can easily be heard over the flute's pitched sounds. Piano hammer noises, however, are much queiter and require more concentration to hear.

Occasionally checking out a spectrum analyzer whilst working on a song can be very informative when learning to mix. Prism by TDR is free, and I do use this plugin:

TDR Prism | Tokyo Dawn Records

A modern spectrum analyzer with a focus on human audio perception, easy to use and configurable.

www.tokyodawn.net