How to Simplify EQ with James Wasem

Why do we make EQ complicated?

For the beginner, EQ just seems so obtuse. But it’s actually really helpful.

Sound is invisible, but EQ is interesting because it actually makes it visible to you. On digital consoles, see that frequency spectrum read out. On an analog console, you can see what you’re dialing in with the knob placement.

What frequency should I be adjusting?

The one that you need to you. You find it and you fix it. It’s not a defined thing. It’s not like, “Oh, to fix the vocal just go to 848 Hz and pull that down 6 dB.” No, it changes.

It’ll even change for one person on one microphone in a different room or one person on a different microphone in the same room. Or, if it’s 90 degrees, one day and 60 degrees the next day that temperature will have an impact on how you hear that tone.

We get so caught up in the specifics it just becomes a distraction.

EQ does not have to be complicated. It actually is one of your best friends. So, try to get out of your own way and allow that technical process to come when it’s time. It doesn’t have to be this precise thing every single time.

What is the most important EQ filter?

The low cut (aka high pass) filter. This one thing will clean up a mix like crazy.

Even on things that you think don’t need it like a bass guitar or a kick drum, there’s a lot of low energy that it just ends up making things really rumbly or muddy or tubby. Dealing with those extra low frequencies is your first weapon against bad sound.

Download: Low Cut Filter Cheat Sheet