Equalization Deconstructed: Four Methods to Better Sound

Use EQ better! Mix audio and music effectively using parametric equalizers and high pass filters

4.30 (279 reviews)
Udemy
platform
English
language
Production
category
instructor
7,482
students
1 hour
content
Jul 2018
last update
FREE
regular price

What you will learn

Have a deeper understanding of how to approach equalization.

Have four distinct processes to use in a mix or for sound reinforcement.

Approach EQ in a methodical yet, creative approach.

Unserstand how to carve sounds to fit within a mix to create clarity.

Description

I built this course for beginner and intermediate audio engineers looking to refine their approach to equalization in the tracking or mixing process. With so many options, we will narrow our focus to semi-parametric, parametric and hi pass filters.


An engineer can play the mix quite safe and make minute changes. Other times, to achieve the desired results, an engineer may use every dB of a give parameter. The methods discussed in this course can help create clarity in mixes, help the important sounds stand out, and achieve a desirable tonal balance. Or they can be used to make the greatest noisiest wall of sound!


In the course, I discuss four different methods to approach sculpting a sound but these are not the only ways to approach using EQ.


Techniques discussed include:

Using High Pass Filters - removing unneeded low end

EQ for Clarity - subtracting the offending frequencies

EQ to Fit - Finding clashing areas between like-sounding instruments and creating balance between them

EQ to Make Big - Used sporadically, use on one high or mid dominant area and one low frequency area to highlight the most important sounds.


EQ though is only one part of a great mix. Volume and pan seem obvious choices, but many new mix engineers tend to overlook panning is creating a wide, interesting mix. Dynamic processing using compressors, limiters, expanders, and gates are also vital in creating a solid mix. And of course, the use of time-based effects such as reverb and delay can add air, interest, and spark to a mix.


Content

Greetings from the Instructor

Introduction

Audio Terminology and an introduction to the types of equalizers

Microphones, Pickup Patterns and Proximity Effect
Microphones, Pickup Patterns and Proximity Effect
The Recording Space Matters
The Different Types of EQ
Understanding a Parametric Equalizer
Parametric EQ
Graphic EQs
Graphic EQ
Helpful ear training tool - Spectrum Analyzer
Equalizer in Apple's Logic DAW
Exploring different equalizers
About equalizers

High Pass Filters

Introduction to High Pass Filters
Introduction to Source Material
Applying High Pass Filters
Cutting Audible Low End
High Pass Filters on bass guitar
High Pass Filters
High Pass Filters - Changes to rough mix

EQ for Clarity (Subtractive EQ)

Introduction to EQ for Clarity (Subtractive EQ)
Quick quiz on subtractive EQ
Three Methods to Subtractive EQ
Method One: Using the Pro Tools EQ as a bandpass filter
Method Two: Using the SPAN plug-in as a bandpass filter
Method Three: Subtractive EQ by adding gain

EQ to Fit

EQ to Fit: Kick drum and bass guitar
EQ to Fit: Vocals and electric guitar
EQ to Fit: Electric guitar and bass guitar
EQ to Fit

EQ to make big

EQ to Make Big: Boost fundamental and harmonics
EQ to Make Big: Making the vocal huge
EQ to Make Big

Conclusion

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Screenshots

Equalization Deconstructed: Four Methods to Better Sound - Screenshot_01Equalization Deconstructed: Four Methods to Better Sound - Screenshot_02Equalization Deconstructed: Four Methods to Better Sound - Screenshot_03Equalization Deconstructed: Four Methods to Better Sound - Screenshot_04

Reviews

Pierre
June 21, 2021
Neal is a professional with years of experience and he genuinely wants you to understand the core concepts around EQing and how this knowledge can make your tracks better than they currently are. Granted, you won't become a mixing master after taking this course but you will definitely benefit from it in various ways. For example, you'll know where certain problems may arise even before you begin EQing because you are aware of what kind of microphone was being used and how far the audio source was placed from it. I also liked the fact there was no rushing, the instructor gives students time to hear the difference and see what he has modified in his plugins.
Guven
March 5, 2021
Very useful tips and tricks for EQing process, giving a decent basic understanding of the topic in a very short time. Recommended..
Lhorwin
August 26, 2020
this is so good, nothing better than getting taught by a qualified teacher hope you do more courses ill certainly buy them
Shatis
June 14, 2020
I liked the explanantion and examples used in Subtractive EQ, EQ to fit and EQ to make big. Especially the masking frequencies of the kick and bass and bass and guitar are shown clearly.
Ebin
April 1, 2020
it was a good maching course for me as sI love sound i maximum engage in sound utilities this course helped me to learn more things with equalier as well as somethings related to harmonics michrophones etc I am completly satisfied with this course
Julio
October 6, 2019
Curso introductorio muy interesante. El docente no te da una lista de recetas para que las repliques sino te da una lista de ingredientes y cómo puedes crear tu propia aproximación. La consigna es: arriésgate... o como dirían en mi pueblo "No tengas nunca miedo a nada en la vida". Muchas gracias
Jose
July 16, 2019
I was able to learn apply a few things, such as using SPAN analyzer, that work well in my own mixing practice even before I finished the course. This is one of the courses in music production that I'll keep watching over and over again. Thank you for teaching your useful techniques.
Bryan
May 31, 2019
This course does not just teach a set of 'eq rules of thumb' you actually learn how to understand the underlying concepts and how to apply them in combination with trial and error.
Amanda
April 14, 2019
I got a lot out of this course even though I am only producing my own tracks at home and mixing for occasional online collaborations. I am sure that I will watch this again some time in the future and get even more out of it.
Seyed
April 13, 2019
Everything you need to know about an EQ. As a sound engineer with 10 years of experience it was one of the best courses I ever seen.
Luis
April 8, 2019
I really enjoyed this course. It covers all the fundamentals and different EQ techniques. Highly recommended!
Nigel
April 5, 2019
Whilst there was little in the course that came across as new to me (suggesting that it is of more value to beginners) it did both underline existing knowledge (which is always good) and provide a few subtle pointers about the way I approach a mix. Thank you.
Simon
January 11, 2019
A good course, overall. I think it's a bit of a stretch to say it's suitable for 'beginners to intermediate', as there are several assumptions about knowledge (e.g. at one point a compressor plug-in is used and tweaked, without any real explanation of why, what it does, etc.), and sometimes you're just watching the different levels being tweaked but it's not entirely clear why - particularly in the section about separating vocals and guitar; but generally I think the course was really well-presented and informative. I certainly learnt some good stuff from it.
Bikmazefe
December 5, 2018
Very useful for beginners. It's quite an important opportunity to take a relatively deeper look to equalization.
Kyle
August 3, 2018
I have no formal training in the engineering world and have basically looked on youtube for tips. I think I heard most of the terms that are used in the lessons. The instructor was easy to understand and knowledgable. I have tried recording a rock band recently so it was nice trying out the lessons learned from the course and applying to a real life situations. Overall, enjoyable and fun.

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1729352
udemy ID
6/3/2018
course created date
8/31/2019
course indexed date
Michael Wylie
course submited by