The Mystery of EQ

EQ Tutorial Series - Part 1

Author

Master Editor
November 03, 2024

How much difference can a proper EQ and Processing make to a voice? Watch this demo to feel the difference between: https://youtu.be/MrIf8XGLRXg

Both audio had the same peak level: -3 dB. However, the processed version seems louder and better to listen to.

The Secret? EQ.

Mastering EQ: The Swiss Army Knife of Audio Effects

Equalization, or EQ, is often hailed as the "Swiss Army knife" of audio effects. It is a powerful tool that can shape a voice in countless ways.

Yet, despite its potential, EQ is one of the most misunderstood audio effects.

What makes EQ so versatile is that it can mimic other audio effects. For example, EQ can act as a volume control, allowing you to adjust frequencies to raise or lower specific sounds within a track. 

It can also help reduce noise, soften harsh tones, and make voices sound smoother and clearer.

 But achieving these results isn't as simple as just turning a knob; EQ requires a nuanced approach and a good ear.

Why is EQ so complex? To understand, we need to distinguish it from other audio effects.

EQ vs. Other Audio Effects: The Subjective Factor

Unlike other audio effects, which often have clear, objective settings, EQ is highly subjective. 

Effects like Normalize are entirely objective. They are set to achieve a specific goal, such as a -3 dB peak loudness. There’s no question of whether -3 dB is "good" or "bad"; it's simply a target.

Similarly, with a Compressor, while you assess the result subjectively to some extent, the settings are typically constrained within a certain range.

However, EQ is unique. Every adjustment, even if grounded in objective tweaks, ultimately depends on how it sounds to you. A particular EQ setting might make one voice sound clearer or richer, but the same setting might not work at all for a different voice.

This subjectivity is what makes EQ a challenging and rewarding tool. In this blog series, we’ll explore the basics of EQ, focusing primarily on its benefits and how to get started.

Learning the EQ can open the door to endless creative possibilities.

Who Can Benefit from EQ?

EQ is essential for anyone working with audio but is especially valuable for professionals like voice-over artists, narrators, and content creators. 

A voice-over for a cinematic trailer requires a different tonal quality than a voice for a furniture commercial, and EQ helps you achieve that ideal tone. 

Whether creating a podcast, narrating an audiobook, or producing YouTube videos, EQ can elevate your audio quality and make your voice stand out.

Getting Started with EQ: High Pass Filter

For beginners, a great starting point is the High Pass Filter, which is the most basic form of EQ. 

A high pass filter allows higher frequencies to "pass" through while reducing lower frequencies, effectively removing unwanted background noise and rumble. 

I cover this technique in depth in my YouTube tutorials, where you can see how a high-pass filter can improve the clarity of your audio.

Diving Deeper: Tutorials and Presets

To improve your EQ skills, you need to learn how to find the right EQ settings for your particular audio setup and goals.

I have created a video tutorial on choosing the best EQ settings in software like Audacity and Adobe Audition. 

These videos and my YouTube playlist dedicated to EQ offer a solid foundation for beginners and intermediate users.

In the upcoming posts, I’ll discuss different EQ techniques and how you can learn to apply them in your projects. 

Whether you’re an audio pro or just starting out, understanding EQ is key to improving your audio quality.

Stay tuned for more insights on EQ.

If you wonder how your voice will sound with a proper EQ, you can use the custom EQ and Preset, which can be used in Adobe Audition or Audacity.

You can also receive a free demo of how your voice will sound with custom EQ. Please send me your raw voice recording, and I will send you a demo.