Mastering the EQ

Hi all,

Now that you have become familiar with the concepts surrounding phrasing a mix, the next step is to understand how to use the EQs to make that perfectly sounding transition.

What do EQs do?

They change the sound by manipulating the levels of certain frequency ranges, typically Low, Mid and High on mixers. You would use the low EQ to manipulate sounds such as kick drums, High for hi-hats, Mid for vocals and so on.

Typically you don’t want to have the EQs set at maximum (12 o’clock) for the same range for both tracks as the sounds could clash. As always it is best to experiment with different tracks since each transition is unique. As a general rule of thumb you can use the following list to know how the EQs should be set for both tracks:

Track A on 12 – Track B on 9
Track A on 11 – Track B on 10
Track A on 10.5 – Track B on 10.5
Track A on 10 – Track B on 11
Track A on 9 – Track B on 12

Sometimes the energy level of a track coming in may not be as powerful as the live track and you’ll have to bring it in with the EQs set high (maybe even on full).

Live Example

Watch the YouTube video using headphones to view sample transitions using different EQ setups so you can understand why using them is very important in creating the perfect transition.

Until next time….

Keep practicing and listening to your mixes through headphones and different speakers to hear how the EQing sounds. Next time we will look more into Gain levels.