EQ The goal when using an equalizer is to either boost, cut or attenuate certain audio frequencies of sounds to give them depth and space in a mix, emphasize certain characteristics of sounds so they cut through the mix better, isolate or remove specific frequencies, and reduce muddiness with competing frequency ranges to achieve clarity. Human audible range is from 20Hz to 20,000Hz (20kHz) An adult male voice is roughly 200 – 6,000 Hz An adult female voice is roughly 400 – 8,000 Hz
	Parametric Equalizer This displays the filter. The blue line represents the range of human hearing from 20 – 20,000 Hz (bass is ALWAYS on the left). The seven white dots represent control points: L. A low-cut filter used for removing deep rumbles 1. Frequencies below human speech used for enhancing drums and bass guitar 2. Frequencies at the low-end (bass) of human speech, we use this setting to warm-up a voice 3. Frequencies in the middle of human speech 4. Frequencies at the upper-end (treble) of human speech, we use this setting to improve clarity 5. Frequencies above human speech, used for brightening music and adding “air” H. A high-cut filter used for removing extreme high frequencies. The numbers at the bottom of the filter window represent the adjustments we can make. Frequency. This sets the center of the range of frequencies we want adjusted. Gain. This determines the amount of change. Positive numbers boost the gain in that range of frequencies, while negative numbers reduce the gain in that range. Q/Width. This determines the width of the range of frequencies we want to adjust. Higher numbers create narrow ranges. When adjusting values for a voice, the default setting of 2 is a good choice. To warm a voice: Men: Add 3-5 dB around 180 – 200 Hz. Women: Add 3-5 dB around 400 Hz. To improve clarity: Men: Add 4-6 dB around 3,000 Hz Women: Add 4-6 dB around 4,000 Hz
	Graphic Equalizer (30 Bands) At the low end - roll off all frequencies below 100hz to remove rumbles, hums, wind and other low-end noises. At the top end - roll off everything above 10khz to remove sizzles, squeaks and high-pitched noise Tips: Add Male Power = Parametric EQ at 160Hz with +2db and Q=1 Nasally Dialog = EQ reduction between 2kHZ to 4kHz by several db Add Female Thickness= EQ boost at 150hz by several db Add Vocal Presence = EQ boost at 5kHz by several db Female Sibilance Reduction = EQ reduction at 6kHz to 8kHz (find it) Male Sibilance Reduction= EQ reduction at 4kHz to 6kHz (find it) *General Dialog Boost = EQ boost at 2.5kHz by 3db
Read Me! The above information has been extracted from these two wonderfully short and succinct articles which will give you additional tools for mastering EQ: Warm a voice and improve clarity 5 EQ Tips for Filmmakers
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