📌 Lesson: Equalization (EQ) in FL Studio – Complete Guide
In this lesson, students will learn what EQ is, the different types of EQ, when to use it (and when not to), and how to use EQ as an effect for creative mixing and sound shaping.
🎯 Lesson Overview
- What is Equalization (EQ)?
- Types of EQ & Their Functions
- When to Use EQ (And When Not to)
- How to Use EQ in FL Studio
- Using EQ as a Creative Effect
📌 Step 1: What is Equalization (EQ)?
🔍 Definition
EQ is a mixing tool that adjusts the frequency balance of a sound. It helps clean up unwanted frequencies, shape the tone of an instrument, and create space in the mix.
🎚️ The Frequency Spectrum (Important for Mixing)
- Sub-bass (20Hz – 60Hz) → Deep, rumbling bass (kick drum, sub-bass)
- Bass (60Hz – 250Hz) → Body of the mix (bass guitar, lower-end of synths)
- Low-mids (250Hz – 500Hz) → Warmth of vocals, guitars, pianos
- Mids (500Hz – 2kHz) → Clarity and presence (vocals, snare, instruments)
- High-mids (2kHz – 6kHz) → Sharpness, attack (guitar pick, snare snap)
- Treble (6kHz – 20kHz) → Airiness, brightness (hi-hats, cymbals, vocal air)
📌 Step 2: Types of EQ & Their Functions
1️⃣ Parametric EQ (Most Common – Used for Precise Adjustments)
- Allows detailed control over frequencies
- Can boost or cut specific frequency ranges
- FL Studio’s Fruity Parametric EQ 2 is a great example
💡 Use it for: Fixing problem frequencies, making surgical adjustments
2️⃣ Graphic EQ (Used for Broad Adjustments)
- Has fixed frequency bands (e.g., 10-band, 31-band)
- Great for general tone shaping
- Not as precise as a parametric EQ
💡 Use it for: Mastering or adjusting an entire mix’s tone
3️⃣ Shelving EQ (Boost or Cut Large Sections of Frequencies)
- Low shelf: Adjusts bass frequencies (e.g., adding more low-end warmth)
- High shelf: Adjusts treble frequencies (e.g., adding brightness)
💡 Use it for: Making big, broad changes to low or high frequencies
4️⃣ High-Pass & Low-Pass Filters (For Removing Unwanted Frequencies)
- High-pass filter (HPF) removes low frequencies (e.g., cleaning up vocals)
- Low-pass filter (LPF) removes high frequencies (e.g., making a sound feel distant)
💡 Use it for: Cleaning up muddy mixes or creative sound design
5️⃣ Dynamic EQ (Combination of EQ & Compression – Advanced Mixing Tool)
- Only adjusts frequencies when needed
- Useful for de-essing (removing harsh ‘S’ sounds in vocals)
- Works like a multiband compressor + parametric EQ
💡 Use it for: Fixing specific problem areas in a mix dynamically
📌 Step 3: When to Use EQ (And When Not To)
✅ When to Use EQ
✔ Removing unwanted frequencies (e.g., low-end rumble in vocals)
✔ Making space for different instruments (e.g., cutting mids in guitars to make room for vocals)
✔ Enhancing clarity (e.g., boosting highs in vocals for airiness)
✔ Fixing masking issues (when two sounds clash)
❌ When NOT to Use EQ
❌ If the recording is already clean and well-balanced
❌ Overusing EQ instead of fixing the original sound (bad recordings can’t be "fixed" with EQ)
❌ Excessive boosting, which can make the mix sound harsh or unnatural
💡 Tip: Always cut problem frequencies before boosting others.
📌 Step 4: How to Use EQ in FL Studio
Basic Steps to EQ a Track in FL Studio
1️⃣ Open Fruity Parametric EQ 2 on a track in the Mixer
2️⃣ Identify problem frequencies by sweeping with a narrow Q-band
3️⃣ Cut (reduce) harsh or muddy frequencies
4️⃣ Boost important frequencies (slightly!) for clarity
5️⃣ Adjust the Q-width for smooth transitions
Example EQ Settings for Different Instruments
✅ Vocals:
- High-pass filter below 80Hz (removes low-end rumble)
- Cut 300Hz – 500Hz (reduces muddiness)
- Boost 5kHz – 12kHz (adds brightness & clarity)
✅ Drums (Kick & Snare):
- Boost 60Hz – 100Hz (adds punch to the kick)
- Cut 250Hz – 500Hz (reduces boxiness in snares)
- Boost 2kHz – 5kHz (adds attack and sharpness)
✅ Bass:
- Boost 50Hz – 80Hz (adds weight)
- Cut 200Hz – 400Hz (reduces muddiness)
✅ Guitars & Synths:
- Cut 300Hz – 500Hz (reduces muddiness)
- Boost 3kHz – 6kHz (adds presence)
📌 Step 5: Using EQ as an Effect (Creative Uses)
🔹 Filter Sweeps (Automation for Transitions)
- Automate a low-pass filter to create a "muffled to bright" effect in intros.
🔹 Telephone/Radio Effect (Lo-Fi Sound)
- Use high-pass (cut below 500Hz) & low-pass (cut above 3kHz) to create a radio voice effect.
🔹 Resonant Boosts (Add Energy to Drops)
- Slightly boost around 800Hz – 2kHz on synths before a drop for excitement.
🔹 Reverse EQ (Boosting Where Other Sounds Cut)
- If a synth is boosted at 5kHz, reduce 5kHz in the vocal to make space.
🎯 Lesson Summary
✅ What EQ is & how it works
✅ Types of EQ & when to use them
✅ How to EQ different instruments properly
✅ When not to use EQ
✅ Creative EQ effects for unique sounds
🚀 Next Lesson: Compression – How to Control Dynamics in a Mix
Now that we’ve cleaned up frequencies, the next step is compression to control dynamics and make the mix sound tighter and more professional.
Would you like me to add more real-world examples or a practical mixing session using EQ?
