ABSTRACT
Equalization, or EQ, is available on every mixing console and in every Digital Audio Workstation. EQ will probably be necessary at some point during most recording and mixing projects. This chapter talks about EQ because EQ is such an intrinsic part of the recording process, used to complement the mic techniques. EQ is a creative tool that should be used to give a mix clarity – assuming great sounding tracks were recorded in the first place. The stereo soundstage is the space-compressed environment between the loudspeakers, into which many sound sources are placed. Most loud or important sounds are panned on top of each other in the center, where they compete for physical and frequency space. Digital EQs can offer a level of precision, control, and linear behavior that analog devices cannot. In some applications and to some engineers this can be a benefit. In other situations or to other engineers it’s a lack of necessary character.
