PrP - Audio Effects - EQ (Equalisation)

Owned by Adam Barrett
Last updated: Mar 18, 2019
3 min read

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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