EQ Tutorial | The Secret You Didn't Know

Summary

In this video, Wavy Wayne from Wavywayne.com reveals a little-known secret about the stock EQ in Pro Tools. He walks viewers through the basic controls of the EQ, explaining input and output gain, filters, and frequency bands. Wayne also shares techniques like boosting and cutting frequencies, using the solo function for precise adjustments. His 'dirty little secret' involves using a shortcut (Control + Shift) to solo a specific frequency band, which enhances control and accuracy during EQ adjustments. The video emphasizes how to optimize the stock EQ for better mixing without needing expensive alternatives.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video introduces a 'dirty little secret' about the stock EQ in Pro Tools, which offers hidden functionalities for users.
• 😀 Wavy Wayne gives a shout-out to the Wavy Seals Elite group, emphasizing their learning progress and encouraging viewers to join the community.
• 😀 The channel's focus is on helping people record and mix music more efficiently and effectively.
• 😀 The EQ in Pro Tools includes input and output gain controls, allowing users to adjust signal levels and prevent clipping or enhance weak signals.
• 😀 The high-pass (low cut) and low-pass (high cut) filters are key features of the EQ, useful for cleaning up unwanted frequencies.
• 😀 Filters in the EQ allow users to adjust the cutoff frequencies and slopes, offering flexibility for different audio needs.
• 😀 The EQ's low and high frequency bands default to shelving EQs, which affect a broad range of frequencies for bass and treble adjustments.
• 😀 The mid-frequency bands offer parametric EQ control with gain, frequency, and Q control, which helps users make precise adjustments to narrower frequency ranges.
• 😀 The video demonstrates how to use the EQ's filters and bands, highlighting the differences between low-pass, high-pass, and shelving EQs.
• 😀 A key EQ technique is the 'boost and cut' method, where users can boost frequencies to find problem areas and then cut them after pinpointing their location.
• 😀 The video reveals a shortcut for soloing frequencies within a band by holding Control + Shift (or Windows + Shift), giving users greater control over their adjustments.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The video focuses on explaining a 'dirty little secret' about the stock EQ in Pro Tools, providing tips and techniques for using the EQ effectively in recording and mixing.

What is the significance of input and output gain in the stock EQ?

The input and output gain allow users to adjust the overall level of the signal entering or leaving the EQ. This is important for preventing clipping or boosting the signal as needed when working with the EQ.

What is the difference between a high-pass and a low-pass filter in the EQ?

A high-pass filter cuts low frequencies and lets high frequencies pass through, while a low-pass filter cuts high frequencies and lets low frequencies pass through. Both filters allow users to clean up unwanted frequencies in the signal.

How can the slope setting affect the filters in Pro Tools EQ?

The slope setting determines how aggressive or subtle the filter cut is. A steeper slope (e.g., 24 dB per octave) will create a more pronounced and sharper cutoff, while a gentler slope (e.g., 6 dB per octave) results in a more gradual reduction of frequencies.

What is a shelving EQ, and where is it used in the Pro Tools EQ?

A shelving EQ boosts or cuts frequencies evenly above or below a certain point. In the Pro Tools EQ, both the low and high-frequency bands are defaulted as shelving EQs, meaning they boost or cut the entire range of frequencies beyond their cutoff point.

What is the function of the Q control in the Pro Tools EQ?

The Q control, also known as bandwidth, adjusts how narrow or wide the effect of a frequency band is. A higher Q value results in a narrower, more focused adjustment, while a lower Q value affects a wider range of frequencies.

How does using the 'boost and cut' method help in EQ adjustments?

The 'boost and cut' method involves boosting a frequency range, then sweeping through the bands to find problem areas. Once a problematic frequency is identified, it can be cut or reduced, helping to improve the sound balance and eliminate unwanted frequencies.

What is the shortcut to solo a frequency band in Pro Tools EQ?

To solo a frequency band in the Pro Tools EQ, hold the 'Control' and 'Shift' keys on Mac, or the 'Windows' and 'Shift' keys on PC while adjusting the frequency. This allows users to focus on one specific band of frequencies at a time.

How does soloing a frequency band improve EQ adjustments?

Soloing a frequency band isolates it, making it easier to identify problem frequencies and make precise adjustments. This technique enhances control over the EQ process, allowing users to fine-tune their mixes more effectively.

Why is the stock EQ in Pro Tools considered a powerful tool despite being free?

The stock EQ in Pro Tools is highly functional, offering features such as filter controls, the ability to perform both shelving and bell curve EQ adjustments, and the secret soloing technique for precise frequency control. This makes it a versatile tool for both beginners and professionals, eliminating the need for expensive third-party EQ plugins.