Apply EQ to a selection of sounds within a composition, with consideration to the overall tonal balance of the mix
Encourage learners to further develop their skills with preset EQ curves. Many DAWs have categories of EQ curves, specific to common instruments, for example ‘clear acoustic guitar’, ‘bright piano’ or ‘boomy kick drum’.
Learners should be encouraged to consider bands of frequencies and the effect of boosting or attenuating these:
- Low
- Low-mid
- Mid
- High-mid
- High
Some learners may be tempted to make drastic alterations, such as massively boosting bass frequencies. Learners should be invited to listen critically and asked if they decisions sound good in the context of the mix and correct their DAW setting accordingly.
Encourage learners to listen to the effect different EQ settings have on a variety of sounds such as short percussive sounds and longer, sustained notes.
A common need for EQing comes from having a ‘muddy’ mix; typically this is where the combination of sounds in the low-mid frequency area results in a lack of clarity. Attenuating low-mids in certain instruments can address problems.
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