
This vocal EQ cheat sheet to serve as a guideline for EQ’ing vocals in a mix. Vocal EQ Chart (Your Vocal EQ Cheat Sheet) By using our link, you get free access to all Skillshare classes, including this one. An example of an EQ being used with creative intent in order to achieve a ‘phone’ effect.Ĭlick here for a comprehensive Skillshare video course on mixing, hosted by Young Guru. If you’re interested in learning about the different types of EQ, practices and common use-cases then look no further, we break down everything you need to know here. The world of equalization is both exciting and difficult to master. While an EQ was originally intended as a corrective tool, its uses go far beyond that, and an entire book could probably be written on solely creative ways to use EQ as a way to color your songwriting and create interest in your sonic mix. So in the instance of an unwanted air conditioner ‘hum’ making its way into what would’ve been an otherwise fantastic recording, an EQ becomes a corrective tool because it gives you the ability to identify and pull out those unwanted frequencies. If you’ve ever recorded a vocal in a space where environmental sounds are bleeding into the microphone and re-recording is not an option, an EQ could be your saving grace. Typically this will be done with software (or a ”plugin”) in a producer’s DAW, many of these not only sound great but are completely free. In sound design and music production, an EQ gives you the ability to cut or boost frequencies to achieve the tonal balance you desire. That’s because they are the perfect analogy to describe one of the primary functions: tonal shaping.


Hang out with producers long enough and you’ll likely hear the words ‘carve’ or ‘sculpt’ being used in conjunction with EQ. WikipediaĪn EQ can be used in countless ways and varying applications, but its main function can be broken down into 2 main categories: 1. Equalization is the process of adjusting the balance between frequency components within an electronic signal.
