Audio Production Level 2 - EQ (Equalizer) from Udemy

Audio Production Level 2 - EQ (Equalizer)

This course makes EQ theory understandable, and gives many practical examples and comparisons to help you improve your audio production. I provide all the audio and plugins needed. Instead of just giving pre-determined settings for EQs for different instruments/voices, this course provides the knowledge so that you can work out your own settings for absolutely any given situation. As with Audio Production Level 2 - Compressors, it gives a solid grounding, moving forward in the competent use of EQ.Introduction

A comprehensive breakdown of everything you will learn in every section of this course

A recommendation to do the course in the order it's presented to get the most out of it and why

How to contact the tutor if you have any questions.

Section 2: Frequencies

Spectrum Analyzers Using one plugin and two audio files

What is a Spectrum Analyzer, what it does, and how it can be useful

A description of the plugin

A step by step guide to setting up the plugin

Saving settings as a pre-set

Useful features of the plugin

Solving a problem using the Spectrum Analyser and the Reaper EQ

Harmonic Series Part 1

The plugin and audio file that are used

The different ways and terms of measuring the capability of human hearing

The direct relationship between frequencies and musical notes

What the harmonic series is

An explanation of the Harmonic Series Chart

Harmonic Series Part 2

Hearing the different harmonics within an audio note

What effect it has when the different harmonics are turned down

Having a first look at a spectrogram

Using the EQ to remove individual harmonics and hearing the difference it makes

Frequency Ranges

Explanation of what's on the screen

Dividing the sound into 3 frequency ranges

Listening to how cutting the different frequency ranges sounds

Using the EQ to boost the high frequency

Section 3: EQing Effectivel7

High Pass Filters

High Pass Filters on vocals

The plugins being used in this lesson

Why you use a high pass filter when it's hard to hear any difference

Looking and listening to below the turnover frequency

What we are listening to

The two main reasons to use a High Pass Filter

Shelf EQs

High shelf and Low shelf Eqs

What they are really effective for

Alternative ways to achieve a similar effect

Listening to and fine tuning the EQ

Examples using High and Low shelf EQs

Frequency Sweeping Part 1Why we use frequency sweeping

The three different frequency sweeping techniques

How each of them work

Using solo and sweep with Reaper's EQ and then with SPAN.

Frequency Sweeping Part 2

Frequency sweeping for problem solving to be turned down

Enhancing "sweet spots" by turning them up

Bell EQ

A closer look at the Bell EQ and extending its usefulness

Using two Eqs to change the shape of a Bell EQ and hearing the effect

How the ColourEQ works

All its functions and its pros and cons

EQing by Microphone Placement

Looking at what an EQ is

How to alter the tone of the audio with careful microphone placement

Listening to how the different mic placements affect the recording

Combining different microphones

Section 4: Frequency Juggling

Lecture 13 Frequency Masking

Using two audio files and two plug-ins

Looking at how the new plug-in works

Understanding why we use frequency juggling

Examples of when frequency juggling isn't wanted

Visuals of different instruments playing the same note

Panning option pros and cons

Pitch shift option

Boosts and Filters

Frequency juggling within the context of a small mix

Where to use EQ boosts and why

Using frequency sweeping to find the nice and less nice sounding frequencies

Listening to before and after using EQ

Using Filters to affect the backing vocals and make them blend with the rest of the track

Kick and Bass

Explanation of basic filtering of the tracks used in this lecture

Listening to tracks with and without kick and bass

Looking at the spectrum analyser to see the frequency ranges in the kick and bass

Using boosting and cutting to help both kick and bass to be clearly heard

Section 5: Spectral Editing

Spectral Editing Intro

The audio and plugin used in this lecture

What Spectral Editing means

Looking at the various ways of visualising audio

Information about Spectro

Opening the plugin

An example of the plugin in action

Spectral Editing - Fixing

Example of fixing in action in a drum loop

Example of fixing in action in a guitar loop

An overview of Spectro and the buttons not already covered

Demonstrations of the fixes

Spectral Editing - Enhancing

The audio used in this session

Where we want to enhance

Before and after using the enhancement

Section 6: EQ-ing With Your Ears

Intro

The huge importance of training your ears, rather than completely relying on visual aids

An introduction to this section

An in-depth explanation of the SSQ plug-in (with minimal visual aids) used in this section

Exercise 1, Single Track

Starting by EQ-ing a single track

Watching volume levels and why

Deciding on beefing up the kik and making it tighter

Enhancing the ride cymbal

A full explanation of what I am doing with the SSQ plug-in

Listening to the "before" and "after"

Exercise 2, Mixing

Mixing a section of the multi-track session just using EQ and to show what a big part EQ plays when mixing

Using and naming the 6 tracks being used

The plugin which will be used

Referring to many techniques used in previous lectures

A point to remember when Mixing

Getting a general mix before EQ-ing

Listening to the drum overheads and using EQ to adjust and balance

Listening to the bass, and making both the bass and the drums work well together and hear each clearly

Making sure the guitar and bass can be heard clearly

Bringing in the snare

Listening and EQ-ing the rhythm guitar

Listening and EQ-ing the lead guitar

Using EQ to sit well together

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to use spectrum analysers for analysing and problem solving
The harmonic series
Frequency ranges and their effect
Frequency sweeping – techniques and uses
High pass filters and why we use them

Shelf and bell eqs
Eqing by microphone placement
Frequency juggling – how to blend instruments/vocals to form a cohesive mix
Spectral editing – for both fixing and enhancing
Eqing with your ears – exercises for training your ears

How to use spectrum analysers for analysing and problem solving
The harmonic series
Frequency ranges and their effect
Frequency sweeping – techniques and uses
High pass filters and why we use them
Shelf and bell eqs
Eqing by microphone placement
Frequency juggling – how to blend instruments/vocals to form a cohesive mix
Spectral editing – for both fixing and enhancing
Eqing with your ears – exercises for training your ears

Syllabus

Introduction

Introduction Video
A comprehensive breakdown of everything you will learn in each section of this course

A recommendation to do the course in the order it's presented to get the most out of it, and why that's important

How to contact the tutor if you have any questions

For those of you who have not done my Level 1 course, this lecture explains the differences between theme 3.0m (which I use to teach my courses on) and the current theme 6, currently available. I felt it important to include as there are some fundamental differences Reaper has made to the appearance, which some might find confusing. If you wish to download the same theme as I use, I have included it, along with instructions on how to download, in a zip file in the Resources for this lecture.

Spectrum Analyzers

Using one plugin and two audio files, what is a Spectrum Analyzer, what it does, how it can be useful.

A description of the plugin and step by step guide to setting it up, how to save settings as a pre-set, useful features of the plugin, solving a problem using the Spectrum Analyzer and the Reaper EQ

Harmonic Series Part 1

The plugin and audio file that are used

The different ways and terms of measuring the capability of human hearing

The direct relationship between frequencies and musical notes,

What the harmonic series is,

An explanation of the Harmonic Series Chart

Harmonic Series Part 2

Hearing the different harmonics within an audio note

What effect it has when the different harmonics are turned down

Having a first look at a spectrogram

Using the EQ to remove individual harmonics and hearing the difference it makes

Frequency Ranges

Explanation of what's on the screen

Dividing the sound into 3 frequency ranges

Listening to how cutting the different frequency ranges sounds

Using the EQ to boost the high frequency.

High Pass Filters

Using High Pass Filters on vocals

Description of the plugins being used in this lesson

Why you use a high pass filter when it's hard to hear any difference

Looking and listening to below the turnover frequency and what we are listening to

The two main reasons to use a High Pass Filter.

Shelf EQs

High shelf and Low shelf EQs and what they are really effective for

Alternative ways to achieve a similar effect

Listening to and fine tuning the EQ

Examples using High and Low shelf EQs

Frequency Sweeping Part 1

Why we use frequency sweeping

The three different frequency sweeping techniques and how each of them work

Using solo and sweep with Reaper's EQ and then with SPAN.

Frequency Sweeping Part 2

Frequency sweeping for problem solving to be turned down

Frequency sweeping for enhancing "sweet spots" by turning them up

Bell EQ

A closer look at the Bell EQ and extending its usefulness

Using two EQs to change the shape of a Bell EQ and hearing the effect

How the Colour EQ works, all its functions and its pros and cons

EQing by Microphone Placement

Looking at what an EQ is

How to alter the tone of the audio with careful microphone placement

Listening to how the different mic placements affect the recording

Combining different microphones

Frequency Masking

Using two audio files and two plug-ins

Looking at how the new plug-in works

Understanding why we use frequency juggling

Examples of when frequency juggling isn't wanted

Visuals of different instruments playing the same note

Panning option pros and cons

Pitch shift option.

Boosts and Filters

Frequency juggling within the context of a small mix

Where to use EQ boosts and why

Using frequency sweeping to find the nice and less nice sounding frequencies

Listening to before and after using EQ

Using Filters to affect the backing vocals and make them blend with the rest of the track.

Kick and Bass

Explanation of basic filtering of the tracks used in this lecture

Listening to tracks with and without kick and bass

Looking at the spectrum analyser to see the frequency ranges in the kick and bass

Using boosting and cutting to help both kick and bass to be clearly heard

Spectral Editing Intro

The audio and plugin used in this lecture

What Spectral Editing means

Looking at the various ways of visualising audio

Information about Spectro

Opening the plugin

An example of the plugin in action

Spectral Editing - Enhancing

The audio used in this session

Where we want to enhance

Before and after using the enhancement

Exercise 1, Single Track

Starting by EQing a single track

Watching volume levels and why

Deciding on beefing up the kik and making it tighter

Enhancing the ride cymbal

A full explanation of what I am doing with the SSQ plug-in

Listening to the "before" and "after"

Exercise 2, Mixing

Mixing a section of the multi-track session just using EQ and to show what a big part EQ plays when mixing

Using and naming the 6 tracks being used

The plugin which will be used

Referring to many techniques used in previous lectures

A point to remember when Mixing

Getting a general mix before EQing

Listening to the drum overheads and using EQ to adjust and balance

Listening to the bass, and making both the bass and the drums work well together and hear each clearly

Making sure the guitar and bass can be heard clearly

Bringing in the snare

Listening and EQing the rhythm guitar

Listening and EQing the lead guitar

Using EQ to sit well together

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Breaks down EQ theory and offers practical examples, which helps learners develop a deeper understanding of audio production techniques

Covers spectrum analyzers, harmonic series, frequency ranges, and spectral editing, which are essential concepts in audio engineering

Includes exercises for training ears to EQ, which is a crucial skill for audio engineers and music producers

Requires learners to have plugins to complete the exercises, which may require additional purchases

Builds upon the knowledge from Audio Production Level 1, which may require learners to take the first course before this one

Reviews summary

Practical eq techniques for audio production

According to learners, this course offers a clear and practical approach to understanding and applying EQ in audio production. Students particularly appreciate the useful audio examples and included plugins that aid learning. A key highlight is the emphasis on ear training exercises, helping move beyond visual analysis. While the course effectively covers topics like frequency sweeping and juggling, some feel certain sections, such as spectral editing, could benefit from more depth or examples. The material is presented clearly, making complex ideas understandable, although users of DAWs other than Reaper might need to adapt the workflow demonstrated.

Demonstrations use Reaper, may require adaptation.

"The instructor uses Reaper, which is fine, but I use Pro Tools and had to adapt."

"The course heavily relies on the instructor's workflow in Reaper... While the concepts apply elsewhere, it's something to be aware of."

Covers advanced techniques like juggling and sweeping.

"The section on frequency juggling was particularly helpful..."

"The frequency sweeping techniques were explained so well."

"Covers a wide range of EQ topics."

Focuses on training your ears, not just visuals.

"The exercises on ear training are invaluable."

"I loved the focus on listening with your ears, not just looking at analyzers."

"The huge importance of training your ears, rather than completely relying on visual aids."

Course includes helpful audio files and plugins.

"I provide all the audio and plugins needed."

"The included plugins and audio files are a big bonus."

"I provide all the audio and plugins needed."

Instructor clearly breaks down complex EQ concepts.

"The instructor's explanations are very clear and practical."

"The instructor is very good at breaking down complex ideas."

"This course makes EQ theory understandable..."

Course provides excellent, useful audio examples.

"The audio examples are excellent and the instructor's explanations are very clear and practical."

"The practical examples for kick and bass, and masking, were very useful."

"Provides many practical examples and comparisons to help you improve your audio production."

A few reviewers found it hard to follow or slow.

"Found it hard to follow at times. The instructor goes quickly through some concepts."

"Okay course. It covers the topics but sometimes feels a bit slow."

"Felt like I needed more foundational knowledge... Not enough detail on *why* certain EQ choices are made in context."

Some wish the spectral editing section was longer.

"I found the spectral editing part fascinating, though wished there were more hands-on examples for it."

"The Spectral Editing section was a bit brief for my liking."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Audio Production Level 2 - EQ (Equalizer) with these activities:

Review Frequency Ranges

Show steps

Solidify your understanding of frequency ranges before diving into EQ techniques. Knowing the impact of different frequency ranges is crucial for effective EQing.

Show steps

Review notes on frequency ranges.
Listen to audio samples focusing on specific frequency bands.
Identify instruments and sounds within different frequency ranges.

Frequency Sweeping Exercises

Show steps

Practice frequency sweeping to identify problem areas and sweet spots in audio. This hands-on practice will improve your ability to quickly find and address frequency issues.

Show steps

Select a variety of audio tracks.
Use a parametric EQ to sweep through the frequency spectrum.
Identify resonant frequencies and areas needing adjustment.
Practice cutting and boosting frequencies to improve the sound.

EQ Plugin Deep Dive

Show steps

Follow tutorials that explore the features and functionalities of specific EQ plugins. This will help you become proficient with different EQ tools and understand their unique characteristics.

Show steps

Choose a few popular EQ plugins (e.g., FabFilter Pro-Q 3, Waves SSL E-Channel).
Search for in-depth tutorials on each plugin.
Follow along with the tutorials, experimenting with the plugin's features.
Take notes on the plugin's strengths and weaknesses.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio

Show steps

Read 'Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio' to gain practical insights into EQ techniques for mixing. This book offers valuable tips and tricks for achieving professional-sounding mixes.

View Recording Secrets for the Small Studio (Sound... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the chapters related to EQ and frequency balancing.
Experiment with the techniques described in the book.
Apply the concepts to your own mixing projects.

EQ Before/After Comparison

Show steps

Create a short audio demo showcasing the impact of EQ on a track. This will help you internalize the effects of different EQ settings and develop your ear.

Show steps

Choose an audio track with clear sonic issues.
Apply EQ to address the issues.
Record a before and after comparison.
Explain the EQ choices you made and why.

Mix a Song Using Only EQ

Show steps

Undertake a mixing project where EQ is the primary tool for shaping the sound. This will force you to think critically about frequency relationships and develop your EQ skills.

Show steps

Select a multitrack song with distinct instruments.
Use EQ to balance the levels and create separation between instruments.
Focus on carving out space for each instrument in the frequency spectrum.
Refine the mix until it sounds balanced and clear.

Mastering Audio: The Art and the Science

Show steps

Explore 'Mastering Audio: The Art and the Science' to understand advanced EQ techniques used in mastering. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the mastering process and the role of EQ.

View Mastering Audio: The Art and the Science on Amazon

Show steps

Read the sections on EQ in mastering.
Analyze the EQ choices made in professional masters.
Experiment with subtle EQ adjustments on your own mixes.

Career center

Learners who complete Audio Production Level 2 - EQ (Equalizer) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Mixing Engineer

A mixing engineer is a specialized audio professional focusing on blending individual tracks into a cohesive stereo or surround mix. This course is of central importance to a mixing engineer, covering a wide range of topics directly applicable to their work. The course's focus on using EQ to blend instruments, solve frequency masking issues, and understand the relationship between frequencies and musical notes is highly relevant to mixing. A mixing engineer can use these concepts daily. The course also provides instruction on spectral editing to further refine the quality of their mixes. The course teaches skills critical for a mixing engineer to make professional, polished recordings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mixing Engineer

Audio Engineer

An audio engineer is responsible for the technical aspects of sound, including recording, mixing, and mastering. This course, focusing on equalization, directly helps the audio engineer in shaping the sonic characteristics of audio signals. It covers essential topics such as frequency ranges, filters, and spectral editing, all of which are core aspects of an audio engineer’s daily work. The course particularly emphasizes using EQ to sculpt sounds, mix tracks effectively, and make instruments sit well within a mix, which is critical for producing high-quality audio. This course provides the theory and practice necessary for an audio engineer to refine their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Engineer

Music Producer

A music producer oversees the creative and technical aspects of a recording project, and this course is incredibly relevant because of its emphasis on equalization. While a producer needs a wide range of skills, a solid understanding of EQ is vital to shaping the sound of a song. This course details how to use EQ for enhancing or fixing sounds, blending instruments, and creating a cohesive mix, all of which are key for a producer. The course’s focus on frequency ranges, filters, and ear training provides a foundation for a music producer who intends to make informed and artistic decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Producer

Mastering Engineer

A mastering engineer is responsible for the final processing of audio tracks to ensure they sound their best across different playback systems. This course helps a mastering engineer by providing them with an advanced understanding of equalization. The course’s detailed analysis of frequency ranges and the use of filters is essential for making the subtle adjustments that characterize mastering, and it provides the knowledge to make precise modifications to sound. The training in spectral editing is also vital for repairing elements within a file. This course provides valuable practice and theory for a mastering engineer looking to enhance their skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mastering Engineer

Sound Designer

A sound designer creates the audio for various media, such as films, video games, or theatrical productions. This course helps a sound designer refine their work using EQ. The course’s in-depth exploration of frequency analysis and spectral editing equips a sound designer with the knowledge to manipulate audio, create specific sonic textures, and mix sound effects. The course covers key skills, like using high and low pass filters, frequency sweeping, and spectral editing, all of which are essential to creating unique and impactful soundscapes. Aspiring sound designers will benefit significantly from the hands on approach to equalization presented in this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sound Designer

Live Sound Engineer

A live sound engineer manages the audio during live performances, and they benefit from a keen understanding of EQ. This course's focus on frequency ranges, filters, and practical examples equips a live sound engineer with the ability to effectively use an EQ, a central tool in their daily work. Because of this, this course is incredibly helpful. The course includes training on frequency juggling to make the vocals and instruments blend and ensures clarity in a live sound mix. The course also trains one to use their ears which is crucial in live settings. This course can help a live sound engineer improve their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Live Sound Engineer

Sound Technician

A sound technician is a generalist working in audio across industries. For example, they may set up equipment for events, or work in a recording studio. This course can improve the technical skills of a sound technician, especially when it comes to equalization. The course directly covers frequency ranges, filters, and spectral editing that a technician may encounter when working with sound. This course offers foundational training, particularly when dealing with frequencies, filters, and spectral editing. A sound technician will benefit from this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sound Technician

Audio Editor

An audio editor works on the post production of audio. They may work on podcasts or videos or other media. This course helps an audio editor become more competent using an equalizer. The course teaches how to use EQ to sculpt sound and repair audio. This course provides a grounding in spectral editing, frequency masking, and mixing and blending all of which are useful to audio editors. This course can lead an audio editor to improve their skills when adjusting audio in post-production.

See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Editor

Game Audio Designer

A game audio designer creates and integrates sound effects, music, and voiceovers for video games. This course helps a game audio designer better understand equalization. The course covers frequency ranges, filters, and spectral editing, all of which are valuable to refine sound effects and music. Knowing how to use EQ to blend and mask sounds is important to a game audio designer, and is explored in this course. This course is a useful means for a game audio designer to enhance their skills and provide higher quality sounds in a game.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Audio Designer

Audio Post Production Supervisor

An audio post-production supervisor manages audio in the post-production phase, and should have a deep understanding of audio editing and mixing, which this course can help provide. This course on equalization trains one to manipulate sound with an EQ. This course also includes spectral editing and frequency masking exercises. With an in-depth understanding of these techniques, an audio post-production supervisor can further enrich their skills. This course provides a solid foundation to further their understanding.

See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Post Production Supervisor

Broadcast Engineer

A broadcast engineer manages sound for television or radio. This course may help a broadcast engineer better understand the nuances of audio. The course trains engineers to use an equalizer. It discusses frequency ranges, and the use of filters. A broadcast engineer can use concepts from this course to improve the quality of audio that they manage. The course is helpful to improve audio understanding, including spectral editing and frequency masking, all of which are important to the work of a broadcast engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Broadcast Engineer

Film Sound Mixer

A film sound mixer is responsible for the recording of audio on set, and so this course may be helpful. While a film sound mixer needs to be skilled in areas like microphone placement, they may find use for this course's training with equalization. This course discusses frequency ranges, filtering, and spectral editing. All of these skills are valuable for a film sound mixer to manipulate the captured audio better. The course gives the training needed to improve the quality of audio in film. As such, this course is useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Film Sound Mixer

Podcast Producer

A podcast producer is involved in the production of podcast content, which often includes audio editing and mixing. This course may be helpful to a podcast producer, as understanding equalization is key to improving the overall sound of a podcast. The course provides key skills, such as spectral editing and training in the use of high pass filters, that can help a podcast producer remove unwanted noise and enhance vocal clarity. The lessons on frequency ranges and masking make a podcast producer better able to blend elements effectively. This course gives valuable knowledge for any podcast producer wanting to develop their audio production skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Podcast Producer

Acoustic Consultant

An acoustic consultant analyzes, manages, and controls sound, and so this course may be valuable to an acoustic consultant. The frequency ranges and filters taught in the course may help an acoustic consultant understand the physics of sound. The knowledge of spectral editing may help when managing problematic sounds. An acoustic consultant must be able to analyze and understand sound. This course can help an acoustic consultant deepen their understanding of complex audio.

See salaries and explore the career path for Acoustic Consultant

A DJ uses audio equipment to create a mix of music. A DJ must have a keen understanding of the nuances of sound. This course provides helpful training in the use of equalization, including frequency ranges and filters. The course trains the ear and allows for more nuanced control of sound. The course may help a DJ better manage the many elements of a mix, and it provides a base level of knowledge useful in the profession.

See salaries and explore the career path for DJ

Audio Production Level 2 - EQ (Equalizer)

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Practical eq techniques for audio production

Activities

Career center

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