Audio Equalization

Equalization, or EQ for short, means boosting or reducing (attenuating) the levels of different frequencies in a signal.

The most basic type of equalization familiar to most people is the treble/bass control on home audio equipment. The treble control adjusts high frequencies, the bass control adjusts low frequencies. This is adequate for very rudimentary adjustments — it only provides two controls for the entire frequency spectrum, so each control adjusts a fairly wide range of frequencies.

Advanced equalization systems provide a fine level of frequency control. The key is to be able to adjust a narrower range of frequencies without affecting neighbouring frequencies.

Equalization is most commonly used to correct signals which sound unnatural. For example, if a sound was recorded in a room which accentuates high frequencies, an equalizer can reduce those frequencies to a more normal level. Equalization can also be used for applications such as making sounds more intelligible and reducing feedback.

There are several common types of equalization, described below.

Shelving EQ

In shelving equalization, all frequencies above or below a certain point are boosted or attenuated the same amount. This creates a "shelf" in the frequency spectrum.

Bell EQ

Bell equalization boosts or attenuates a range of frequencies centred around a certain point. The specified point is affected the most, frequencies further from the point are affected less.

Graphic EQ

Graphic equalizers provide a very intuitive way to work — separate slider controls for different frequencies are laid out in a way which represents the frequency spectrum. Each slider adjusts one frequency band so the more sliders you have, the more control.

Parametric EQ

Parametric equalizers use bell equalization, usually with knobs for different frequencies, but have the significant advantage of being able to select which frequency is being adjusted. Parametrics are found on sound mixing consoles and some amplifier units (guitar amps, small PA amps, etc).