Hello artists, producers & engineers,
Today's article focuses on Equalisation (EQ). EQ is the most fundamental tool in the audio engineering process as it has the ability to drastically alter the character of an instrument's sound. This article will delve into the concept of reductive EQ (or subtractive EQ), specifically, how EQ can be used to clean instruments and as a result, add clarity to the mix.
For new readers, I have also prepared a document titled (click link): THE HOME STUDIO EQUIPMENT GUIDE, PART 1: RECORDING. This document lists microphones, audio interfaces, headphones, DAW's and other equipment in relation with different budgets.
It is freely available and will help you immensely when choosing specific recording equipment for your home studio!
Lets get started on today's article...
1) WHAT IS REDUCTIVE OR SUBTRACTIVE EQ?
Reductive or subtractive EQ is the process of removing problem frequencies to add clarity to an instrument. These problem frequencies are typically called resonant frequencies, and are primarily a result of recording in a room that is not properly treated.
Sometimes, other unnecessary frequencies are captured as a by-product of the recording process, and can be removed to clear up the overall signal. This article will focus on subtractive EQ in the sense of removing frequency information that is not needed in an instrument.
2) UNDERSTANDING FREQUENCY
If we think of a cymbal from a drum kit, the main frequency information consists of high-end energy. This means we can remove information from the frequency spectrum that falls in the mid and low regions in order to provide clarity to the cymbal.
3) REMOVING THE BAD
In order to remove the unnecessary frequency information in the cymbal, we select the high pass filter (also known as low cut) & then drag the band through the frequency spectrum towards the higher end (cutting out the unnecessary low & mid energy). However, be very careful not to drastically alter the character of the cymbal. The goal here is to remove information that is unnecessary without drastically changing the original tone of the instrument.
4) WHAT ABOUT OTHER INSTRUMENTS?
Using high pass & low pass filters to cut out unnecessary frequencies is fundamental to creating a clear mix. In the above example, we used a cymbal, but the same process can be done with each instrument in oder to create clarity in the mix as a whole. This means you will need to listen to the instrument and determine where the bulk of its frequency information is on the spectrum.
If we think of a piano, the main energy is towards the middle of the frequency spectrum. In this case, you will be required to use a high pass filter to cut some low-end and a low pass filter to remove some unnecessary high-end.
5) IMPORTANT FINAL POINTS
The most important point you must remember is to not alter the tone of the instrument to a point where it sounds completely different or worse in the mix. Clean up each instrument on an individual basis, but double check how it sounds with the other elements in the mix after the cuts have been done.
Also, If you feel that some mid energy adds to the body of the Cymbal, and complements the high-end, then by all means, keep some of the mids. If you feel that cutting some high-end on the cymbal removes unwanted sharpness, then please, go ahead and remove those high frequencies.
Remember, at the end of the day, mixing is all about using your ears to determine what sounds good.
Leave me a comment below if you'd like more information!
RESOURCES:
Please feel free to contact me via email if you have any questions regarding studio recording, mixing & mastering.
Also feel free to check out my downloadable home studio equipment guide if you are interested in learning more about the specific gear needed for recording. (click link): THE HOME STUDIO EQUIPMENT GUIDE, PART 1: RECORDING.
Thanks for reading and happy mixing!
Regards,
Dex.
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