How can you use EQ to improve audio recordings during editing?

1 Know your frequency spectrum

The first step to using EQ effectively is to understand the frequency spectrum of your audio source and how it affects your perception of sound. The frequency spectrum is divided into three main regions: low, mid, and high. Each region has a different impact on the loudness, warmth, presence, and brightness of your audio. For example, low frequencies can add depth and power to your voice, but too much can make it sound muddy and boomy. High frequencies can bring out the details and crispness of your audio, but too much can make it sound harsh and sibilant. Mid frequencies are the most important for conveying the emotion and intelligibility of your voice, but they can also create unwanted resonances and nasal tones. By knowing how each frequency region affects your audio, you can use EQ to adjust them accordingly and achieve a balanced and natural sound.

2 Use EQ to fix problems

One of the main reasons to use EQ during editing is to fix any problems that may have occurred during recording, such as background noise, hum, hiss, distortion, or feedback. These problems can ruin your audio quality and distract your listeners. To fix them, you need to identify the frequency range where they occur and use EQ to reduce or eliminate them. For example, if you have a low-frequency hum in your audio, you can use a high-pass filter to cut off everything below a certain threshold, such as 80 Hz. If you have a high-frequency hiss in your audio, you can use a low-pass filter to cut off everything above a certain threshold, such as 12 kHz. If you have a specific frequency that is causing distortion or feedback, you can use a notch filter to narrow down and remove it. The key is to use EQ sparingly and only to fix what is necessary, without affecting the rest of your audio.

4 Use EQ to achieve a professional result

The final reason to use EQ during editing is to achieve a professional result that meets the standards and expectations of your industry and your audience. EQ can help you optimize your audio for different platforms, devices, and formats, ensuring that your audio sounds consistent and clear across different listening environments. EQ can also help you match your audio to a reference track, such as a similar podcast, song, or video, that has the quality and style that you want to emulate. To achieve a professional result, you need to use EQ to fine-tune your audio and make sure that it has the right balance, loudness, and clarity for your intended purpose. For example, if you are creating a podcast, you can use EQ to make sure that your voice has enough presence and intelligibility, without being too loud or too bright. If you are creating a music track, you can use EQ to make sure that your instruments and vocals blend well together, without being too muddy or too thin. If you are creating a video, you can use EQ to make sure that your audio matches the mood and tone of your visuals, without being too dull or too harsh. The key is to use EQ carefully and objectively, without compromising your artistic expression or your audience's satisfaction.

5 Here’s what else to consider

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