Principles of equalization: how to EQ your mix

EQ is a fundamental tool used by audio engineers to shape the sound of music, voice recordings, and other audio content.  With equalization, you can boost or cut specific frequencies to make certain elements of the audio stand out more clearly, to make the overall sound more balanced, or to add certain tonal qualities to the audio. 

EQ can be tricky to understand, so before we dive into the technicalities, listen to a piece of music and ask yourself some questions. How does each instrument sit with you? Listen to how the bass hits you in your gut, and to how the cymbals draw your attention from one side to another. Notice how the reverb extends and elongates notes. What words do you use to describe what you hear? Bright? Full? Harsh? Smooth?

As this article takes you on a technical journey through EQ concepts and terminology, referring back to this listening experience will ultimately let you make good use of the information that follows.

Now let’s get started. if you don’t know the first thing about EQ (the shorthand of “equalization,”) this one’s for you. 

Follow along with this tutorial using iZotope  Music Production Suite  that contains multiple professional EQs in  Nectar ,  Neutron , and  Ozone  that can help you achieve your desired sound. 

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What is equalization (EQ) in music? 

Equalization (EQ) in music is the process of adjusting the level or amplitude of specific frequencies to achieve a clear and balanced mix.

All music is merely the combination of sound waves vibrating at various frequencies. All sound can be described in terms of its frequency, as frequencies determine a note’s pitch.

A frequency vibrating at 440 Hz is the note “A” in modern western musical tuning.