Shelving equalizers are an essential tool in music production, known for their ability to adjust all frequencies above or below a specific cutoff point. This type of equalization is particularly useful for making global adjustments at the extremes of the frequency spectrum, providing effective and flexible control over bass and treble. Below, we explore the practical applications of shelving EQs and how to use them to enhance your mixes.
Definition and Operation of Shelving Equalizers
A shelving equalizer affects all frequencies above (high shelf) or below (low shelf) a given frequency. Typical controls of a shelving equalizer include:
- Cutoff Frequency: The point in the frequency spectrum where the adjustment begins.
- Gain: The amount of boost or cut applied to frequencies above or below the cutoff point.
These equalizers are especially useful for making broad, natural adjustments, since they affect a wide range of frequencies rather than a narrow band.
Practical Applications of Shelving Equalizers
Low Shelf (Low Shelf) Response Adjustment 2.
Application:
- Increased Depth and Power: Enhancing low frequencies can add depth and power to instruments such as bass and kick drum.
- Rumble Reduction: Attenuating very low frequencies can eliminate unwanted noise and low frequency resonances that can muddy the mix.
How to Use:
- Crossover Frequency: Adjusts around 60-100 Hz to boost or attenuate low frequencies.
- Gain: Increase the gain to add weight to the bass or reduce it to clean up the sound.
Example:
- In a drum mix, a low shelf can be used to boost the kick drum, adding body and power. Set the cutoff frequency to 80 Hz and increase the gain to achieve the desired effect.
2. Treble Response Adjustment (High Shelf).
Application:
- Brightness and Clarity Enhancement: Enhancing high frequencies can add brightness and clarity to vocals, guitars, cymbals and other high frequency instruments.
- Sibilance Reduction: Attenuating high frequencies can reduce sibilance in vocals and harsh sounds in other instruments.
How to Use:
- Cutoff Frequency: Adjusts around 6-10 kHz to boost or attenuate high frequencies.
- Gain: Increase the gain to add brightness or reduce it to soften the sound.
Example:
- On a vocal track, a high shelf can be used to add air and presence. Set the cutoff frequency to 8 kHz and increase the gain slightly to bring out the high frequencies without adding harshness.
3. Global Mix Adjustment.
Application:
- Overall Tonal Balance: Uses shelving equalizers to balance the bass and treble response of the entire mix, ensuring it sounds good on a variety of playback systems.
- Acoustic Problem Correction: Compensates for acoustic deficiencies in the mixing room or recording environment.
How to Use:
- Crossover Frequency: Adjusts according to the specific needs of the mix, generally between 50-100 Hz for bass and 6-10 kHz for treble.
- Gain: Makes subtle adjustments to avoid drastic changes in tonality.
Example:
- At the end of a mix, you can use a low shelf to slightly attenuate frequencies below 60 Hz, reducing rumble and cleaning up the sound, and a high shelf to boost frequencies above 10 kHz, adding brightness and air to the entire mix.
Become an expert in equalization with the recommended book “ EQ in Music Production” (click on the image to go to the link):
4. Individual Track Matching.
Application:
- Solo Instruments: Adjust high frequencies to add presence to solo instruments such as guitars and vocals.
- Rhythm Sections: Enhance the lows in rhythm sections to add impact and presence.
How To Use:
- Cutoff Frequency: Determines the cutoff frequency based on the range of the specific instrument.
- Gain: Adjusts the gain to achieve the desired effect without overdoing it.
Example:
- On an electric guitar, use a high shelf to add brightness and clarity by setting the cutoff frequency to 7 kHz and slightly increasing the gain.
Considerations and Tips
- Moderation in Adjustments: Make gain adjustments sparingly to avoid abrupt changes in tonality.
- Critical Listening: Always listen to changes in context with the full mix to ensure that adjustments improve the overall sound.
- Combined Use: Combine shelving EQs with other types of EQ, such as parametric, for more precise and detailed control.