7 Pro EQ Tips
An EQ can be your main weapon for professional sounding mixes & masters if you master the art of equalization. It's the tool engineers use to amplify, attenuate and create space for instruments in the mix.
In this blog post, my goal is to show 7 Pro EQ tips that'll help you to achieve a bit more advanced equalization on your sounds and make better sounding mixes than you did in your last session.
Please avoid copying any strict values you see in this blog post because every single instrument/vocals/mix/master is different and will require different treatment.
Mid/Side EQ on a mix bus
FabFilter Pro Q3 with Side channel HPF activated
When equalizing a mix bus, we usually like to make our low end more mono, while expanding and widening the top end using our side channel shelf filter. Of course, you can use your mid channel filter to increase the impact of the kick or vocals for example. The goal to implementing this method correctly is to be selective in terms of frequency ranges & correct values of dB you're going to amplify/attenuate. Our advice is to avoid using steep filters when you're equalizing your mix bus.
Monitor frequency masking
Pro Q3 offers sidechaining feature which allows us to monitor masking via their spectrum analyzers
Using FabFilter Pro Q3, I can first use proper routing & sidechain feature to monitor where my instruments or vocals are masking. Full guide on how to set this up is available in our EQ Masterclass.Our vocal is masking with our beat, so once we identified the areas where the masking is, we boosted the vocals (which is not needed always), and we attenuated the beat in the same area where the masking is located at. This process is called "Complementary Equalization".
Thanks to FabFilter Pro Q3, I can make my EQ filters affecting only the Left or Right channel which allows me to make my mixes' stereo image slightly wider and more interesting to listeners. This is an advanced tip you don't really see everyday.
If you want to add a recommendation for the future blog post and get featured on, feel free to reach to our DM on Instagram or use our e-mail address: marko@md3sign.com
Inverse EQ Method
Using FabFilter Pro Q3 I can use the response of our sidechained signal to make our signals the opposite one to another.
I'll first EQ Match them and then reverse the EQ filters completely on one of them. Both EQ Matching & Inverse EQ lessons are fully explained in my EQ Masterclass too!
The important things to consider while doing this are:
1. Which processing mode you're going to use?
2. How many bands are you going to leave on?
3. What should the amount will be on each of them?
4. Does it sound better than before?
The important things to consider while doing this are:
1. Which processing mode you're going to use?
2. How many bands are you going to leave on?
3. What should the amount will be on each of them?
4. Does it sound better than before?
Rich Mid-Range
I created a parallel track and sent my signal to it. Each DAW features this feature, so it just might be slightly different to do it on each of the DAWs available on the market.On the parallel channel I just created, I used an EQ to isolate only mid range frequencies. This can be achieved by using a bandpass filter which actually represent the combination of a high-pass and a low-pass filter focused on the mid range.
Next, I inserted an upward compressor to bring more detail (FabFilter Pro MB). The settings I used are pretty straight-forward. Positive range (to actually trigger upward compression instead of downward), faster attack and faster release while keeping the threshold high so the upward compression triggers as soon as the signal falls down below the specified threshold (the opposite of downward compression). This is not the same as expansion, be careful!
Finally, I blended the dry and wet signal using my parallel fader. A very simple and easy to do step. Adjust to your personal taste.
Parallel Air Band
I created a parallel track and routed my signal to it. The exact same first step as in the previous tip.
Finally, I blended the dry and wet signal using my parallel fader. A very simple and easy to do step. Adjust to your personal taste.
Left-Right processing method
Dynamic EQ
Signals' loudness will trigger the EQ to work which to us sounds super natural.
Conclusion:
Using an EQ to your advantage is crucial to make the mixes and masters sound commercial ready & professional overall. Master the art of equalization with us by getting our EQ Masterclass that features over 5 hours of video lessons. From beginner to pro!If you want to add a recommendation for the future blog post and get featured on, feel free to reach to our DM on Instagram or use our e-mail address: marko@md3sign.com
Learn more from our best-sellers!
-
EQ + Compression Bundle
Original price $199.99Original price $199.99 - Original price $199.99Original price $199.99Current price $125.00$125.00 - $125.00Current price $125.00This Bundle Deal includes: The Art Of Compression:260+ pages of detailed explanationsBeginner to ProGraphic illustrationsSecret techniques used by ...
View full detailsOriginal price $199.99Original price $199.99 - Original price $199.99Original price $199.99Current price $125.00$125.00 - $125.00Current price $125.00Save 37% -
EQ Masterclass
Original price $100.00 - Original price $100.00Original price$100.00$100.00 - $100.00Current price $100.00Beginner to Pro lessons Everything you don't understand about Equalization is explained through 5h+ long Masterclass split in 28 well edited video...
View full detailsOriginal price $100.00 - Original price $100.00Original price$100.00$100.00 - $100.00Current price $100.00 -
Pro MB Pack (Compression Presets)
Original price $49.99Original price $49.99 - Original price $49.99Original price $49.99Current price $24.99$24.99 - $24.99Current price $24.99Introducing "Pro MB Presets Pack" - The Ultimate FabFilter Pro MB presets to elevate the way you compress your mixes & masters! Why You Need T...
View full detailsOriginal price $49.99Original price $49.99 - Original price $49.99Original price $49.99Current price $24.99$24.99 - $24.99Current price $24.99Save 50% -
EQ Presets Pack (FabFilter Pro Q3)
Original price $49.99Original price $49.99 - Original price $49.99Original price $49.99Current price $24.99$24.99 - $24.99Current price $24.99Introducing "EQ Presets Pack" - The Ultimate FabFilter Pro Q3 presets you need in your EQ toolkit! If you're on the market searching for some star...
View full detailsOriginal price $49.99Original price $49.99 - Original price $49.99Original price $49.99Current price $24.99$24.99 - $24.99Current price $24.99Save 50% -
The Art Of Compression
Original price $34.99 - Original price $34.99Original price$34.99$34.99 - $34.99Current price $34.99Introducing "The Art Of Compression" - The Ultimate Guide to mastering the art of audio compression. If you're looking to finally understand how th...
View full detailsOriginal price $34.99 - Original price $34.99Original price$34.99$34.99 - $34.99Current price $34.99
