18
Passeq Analog Code
®
Plug-in
Using Equalizers
First cut, then boost
“The ear” is more used to energy reductions in a frequency
range, thus boosts attract more attention. That is, a 6 dB boost
is perceived to be similar in amount to a 9 dB cut. Therefore when
wishing to emphasize one frequency, it is typically better first to
consider a reduction in others. The result will bring more transpar-
ency and clarity as well as reduce possible unwanted coloration
of the signal.
Reducing bleed from other instruments or
noise outside an instrument‘s range
Wide band filters setups should be chosen with threshold fre-
quencies in ranges from one-to-two octaves above or below the
highest or deepest instrument‘s frequency. Example: To eliminate
cymbal bleeding in a kick drum recording, one should try a setting
from about 10 kHz with a 10-15 dB cut.
Reducing bleed within an instrument‘s range
The main frequencies of the bleeding instrument should be
reduced as far as possible while avoiding to alter the natural
sound of the main instrument in an unnatural way.
Boosting harmonic frequency levels
Harmonic enhancement is one of the foremost techniques for
increasing the clarity and definition of an instrument. An overview
for three typical instruments:
Bass – 400 Hz: Bass lines will be accented
Bass – 1500 Hz: More clarity and attack sounds
Guitar – 3 kHz: Clearer attacks
Guitar – 5 kHz: Brighter, more brilliance
Vocals – 5 kHz: More presence
Vocals – 10 kHz: Brighten up
Note that each instrument will have at least two frequencies where
EQ can achieve a greater clarity or brilliance.
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