EQ (Equalization) is one of the most powerful tools in your mixing arsenal. By understanding the different types of EQ curves, you can surgically remove problems or add musical character to any track.
1. High Pass / Low Cut: The “Declutter” Tool
- Purpose: To cut unwanted low frequencies.
- The Use Case: Use this on almost everything except your kick and bass to remove low-end rumble and make your mix sound tighter.
2. Narrow Bell Notch: The “Surgeon”
- Purpose: To cut unwanted resonances.
- The Use Case: If you hear a sharp, “whistling” frequency or an annoying ringing in a snare drum, use a narrow notch to surgically remove just that frequency without affecting the rest of the sound.
3. Low Pass / High Cut: The “Space-Maker”
- Purpose: Bringing the sound more to the back.
- The Use Case: By cutting high frequencies, you can make an instrument sound further away or “darker,” which helps lead elements (like vocals) stand out in the front.
4. High Shelf: The “Sparkle”
- Purpose: To boost or cut high frequencies.
- The Use Case: A gentle boost with a high shelf can add “air” and expensive-sounding clarity to a vocal or acoustic guitar.
5. Wide Bell: The “Musical” Boost
- Purpose: To emphasize certain frequencies.
- The Use Case: Unlike the narrow notch, a wide bell is used for broad, musical changes—like adding a bit of “warmth” to the mids or “presence” to a lead synth.
6. Low Shelf: The “Weight” Control
- Purpose: To boost or cut low frequencies.
- The Use Case: Use this to add a consistent “body” to a thin bassline or to reduce the overall “thickness” of a track without completely removing the low end.
Pro Tip: Cut Narrow, Boost Wide
A common rule of thumb is to use Narrow Bell Notches for cutting out bad sounds and Wide Bells or Shelves for boosting the good ones. This keeps your EQ changes sounding natural and musical.
