1134 LEARN · 2 MIN READ

EQ starts with a question

Shape the balance of a sound by deciding what needs to change.

Listen before you reach for a band

An equalizer changes the balance of frequencies. Before adding a band, describe the problem in ordinary language: the vocal feels buried, the bass loses definition, or the cymbals dominate. A clear listening goal is more useful than a favourite curve. Listen to the full arrangement first. A sound that seems thin on its own may already occupy exactly the space the mix needs.

Choose the shape

A bell adjusts a region around a centre frequency. Its bandwidth determines how broad that region is. A shelf changes a broad area above or below its transition region. A high-pass filter attenuates low frequencies; a low-pass filter attenuates high frequencies. Filters are not brick walls, and their slopes matter. Choose the shape that matches the problem instead of stacking several bands by habit.

Make one decision at a time

Start with a modest change and return to the mix. If you sweep a boosted band to locate a resonance, keep monitoring levels comfortable and reduce the boost before deciding on a cut. A narrow soloed resonance is not automatically a mix problem. Bypass the EQ and compare at a similar perceived level so that an increase in loudness does not decide for you.

Try it in a session

Pick one element that is difficult to hear. Write down what competes with it, then try a broad adjustment on either element. Listen at a lower monitoring level and in context. Keep the change only if the musical relationship improves. There is no universal frequency chart that knows your recording or arrangement.