An equalizer is a sophisticated tone control, something like the bass and treble controls in a stereo system. Equalization (EQ) can be hardware, as in a mixing console, or software, as a plug-in in a digital audio workstation (DAW). Equalizers range from simple to complex. The most basic type is a bass and treble control. A graphic equalizer is usually outside the mixing console. Equalizers can also be classified by the shape of their frequency response. Peaking EQ shapes the response like a hill or peak when set for a boost. With shelving EQ, the shape of the frequency response resembles a shelf. The main use for EQ is to make an instrument sound better tonally. Extreme EQ reduces fidelity, but it also can make interesting sound effects. Mixing with EQ is more effective when the two instruments are far apart in their frequency ranges.