How To Use EQ in Studio

The EQ (Equalizer) is a powerful audio processing tool that allows you to shape the tonal character of your sound by adjusting specific frequency bands. This graphic equalizer with additional parametric controls provide precise control over your audio spectrum with multiple adjustable bands.

Located in the top-left corner, the EQ toggle switch enables or disables the equalizer processing. When enabled (blue), the EQ actively processes your audio signal. To access the EQ for your track, select the track you want to use the EQ on, then click Track in the Details Panel.

• Preset Display: Shows the current preset name (displayed as "[Custom]" when manually adjusted)

• Navigation Arrows: Browse through available presets using the left and right arrow buttons

The visual display shows your EQ curve in real-time:

• Horizontal axis: Represents the frequency spectrum (low to high frequencies)

• Vertical axis: Represents gain (boost or cut in dB)

• Blue line: Your current EQ curve

• Control points: Draggable nodes that represent each active band

The equalizer offers 6 selectable bands (numbered 1-6). Active bands are highlighted in blue, allowing you to adjust multiple frequency ranges simultaneously. You can enable or disable individual bands as needed.

Six different filter shapes are available (shown as wave icons):

Bell/Peak (first icon - selected in image): Boosts or cuts a specific frequency range

High-pass: Removes low frequencies below the set point

Low-pass: Removes high frequencies above the set point

High-shelf: Boosts or cuts all frequencies above the set point

Low-shelf: Boosts or cuts all frequencies below the set point

\Notch: Creates a narrow cut at a specific frequency

• Range: Displayed as "60Hz" in the example

• Function: Sets the center frequency for the selected band

• Rotate the dial to select which frequency range you want to adjust

• Lower values affect bass, mid-range values affect vocals and instruments, higher values affect brightness and air

• Range: Displayed as "-0.4dB" in the example

• Function: Boosts (+) or cuts (-) the volume at the selected frequency

• Positive values enhance the selected frequency range

• Negative values reduce the selected frequency range

• Typical range: -12dB to +12dB

• Range: Displayed as "0.71" in the example

• Function: Controls the width of the frequency band being affected

• Lower values create a wider, more gentle curve

• Higher values create a narrower, more precise adjustment

• Use narrow Q for surgical corrections, wider Q for musical shaping

Getting Started:

1. Enable the EQ using the top toggle switch

2. Select a band (1-6) you want to adjust

3. Choose an appropriate filter type for your needs

4. Adjust Freq to target the desired frequency range

5. Use Gain to boost or cut as needed

6. Fine-tune Res to control how wide or narrow the effect is

Best Practices:

• Start with subtle adjustments (±3dB) and increase only if needed

• Use cuts rather than boosts when possible for more natural results

• Enable only the bands you're actively using

• Use the visual graph to ensure your EQ curve is smooth and musical

• Save useful settings as presets for quick recall

Common Applications:

• Remove muddiness by cutting around 200-400Hz

• Add presence by boosting around 2-5kHz

• Reduce harshness by cutting around 3-4kHz

• Add air and sparkle by gently boosting above 10kHz

• Control bass by adjusting below 100Hz