Mastering the use of parametric equalization takes some time and practice.
The parametric equalizer (EQ) is a valuable audio tool that takes its name from its ability to adjust the various parameters of sound. These parameters are frequency, bandwidth, and gain, according to Astralsound. Whether you're getting started recording or performing music, or simply looking for a powerful tool to customize your home audio system, examining a basic tutorial for parametric EQ is a key step in getting that perfect sound.
Instructions
1. Connect your parametric equalizer to your audio equipment, or enable the virtual parametric EQ from the audio mixing software you are using. If you are using a multi-channel EQ to mix vocals and instruments, assign a channel of the parametric EQ to each audio input source and label them accordingly. Before starting your audio device(s), set your parametric EQ to a neutral configuration by adjusting the gain control to 0 dB, the bandwidth (or Q) control to midway through its range, and the frequency to the low end of its range.
2. Turn on your audio device and assess the initial sound. You can boost the sound levels by adjusting the parametric EQ gain control. Using the bandwidth and frequency controls, you can modify your boosted sound, "shaping" it as desired by raising or lowering the frequency and bandwidth in relation to the gain level. Gain is the overall boosted sound level, and frequency is the sound "envelope" which contains bandwidth, or the amount of octaves over which the sound signal is affected by gain, reports Astralsound. Experiment with these controls in relation to each other to get a sense of how they affect each other.
3. Control extreme high frequencies--often the squealing of feedback--and very low frequencies (humming or buzzing) by using the high and low pass filter sliders. These filters, according to Recording Review, can be set to a certain measurement of Khz or Hz (kilohertz and hertz, respectively) to manage extremes of sound on the high and low end. For instance, setting a low pass filter to 5 Khz will cut all frequencies above 5 Khz, and setting a high pass filter to 100 Hz will eliminate all low frequencies below this setting, enabling you to manage high-end feedback and low-end buzzing or humming.
4. Mix the EQ of each audio device armed with an understanding the way that the parametric settings affect different types of musical instruments and vocals. For instance, electric guitars achieve a clarity of sound with a low pass filter setting of 5 Khz, and a full bottom end with a high pass filter setting of 125 Hz, according to Ethan Winer's The Art of Equalization. Drums such as snares, kicks and toms have a desirable "slap" at low pass settings of 2 to 3 Khz, while the high pass for each typically ranges from 60 Hz to 200 Hz.
5. Read the owner's manual for your parametric EQ. Since each equalizer model is different, your parametric EQ unit or software may boast special features which you can use to your advantage. For instance, preset gain, frequency, bandwidth, and high and low pass filter levels come standard with many parametric EQs, and can help you get started with a framework of settings you can work with to get the specific sound you're looking for.
Tags: pass filter, high pass, high pass filter, your parametric, audio device, frequency bandwidth
