Secondary and tertiary students learning recording techniques and technical production skills. Applies to analog and digital mixing consoles and virtually all Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software.
One of the greatest challenges in recording instruments is to know how to make the most of your equalization controls. In the end you ears must be the final arbiter of what sounds good and the overall mix that you want, but it will make life far simpler if you have a good understanding of the characteristics of the instruments first.
Getting to know the instruments.
All instruments have distinguishing features that make them identifiable purely by their sound. A competent sound engineer will know almost instantly how to bring out these characteristics just as a fine craftsman does when making the instrument. Broadly speaking, instruments have a basic frequency range (or note range) plus harmonics or overtones that can extend far higher. Of course some percussion instruments do not have a defined “note” range, but they do have overtones. The other characteristics are defined more by the way they are played. These include the “shape” of the sound such as the attack, sustain and decay. These vary greatly dependant on how the sound is being produced (bowed, struck, plucked, blown etc).
Warmth, body and other terminology.
It is common to use terms that are somewhat subjective and can often be misunderstood by the uninitiated. Fortunately you will quickly understand if you use the table below and listen as you make adjustments.
LISTEN to the overall mix.
Now you’re ready to start adjusting the EQ knobs. Depending on your mixer or software your control may vary from a simple 2 band EQ (low and high) up to multiple bands with sweepable frequencies in each band. Ideally you should at least have a sweepable mid range.
The following chart will give you some idea of instrumental ranges, overtones or harmonics and what EQ points are most effective. Remember that these are guides only and ultimately your ears must be the judge.