GarageBand EQ Basics & Ear Training
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Sound Frequency Basics
Sound is the disruption of air through vibrations
The faster the vibration the higher the pitch of sound
The number of sound waves per second is the frequency (Hz) of the pitch
Every sound has harmonic overtones and undertones, therefore we can raise or lower the volumes of certain frequencies and altar the tone of the sound
This process is called Equalization
The faster the vibration the higher the pitch of sound
The number of sound waves per second is the frequency (Hz) of the pitch
Every sound has harmonic overtones and undertones, therefore we can raise or lower the volumes of certain frequencies and altar the tone of the sound
This process is called Equalization
Exploring Equalization (EQ)
EQ is:
EQ is:
- The most useful tool you have for mixing
- Used to adjust various frequencies of each instrument in order to make room for them in the stereo mix
- Necessary in getting rid of unwanted frequencies in each track
Three Types of EQ
- Parametric
- Low-Shelf/High-Shelf
- Low-Pass/High-Pass
Parametric EQ
- Allows you to choose and change specific frequencies as well as the range of frequencies around a specific point
- Often called a peak (mountain shaped) or a notch (valley shaped)
- The Range is shapeable and is often called the Q (can affect between 1/2 an octave to 2 octaves)
Low-Shelf/High-Shelf EQ
- Affects a range of frequencies above (High-Shelf) or below (Low-Shelf) the target frequency
- Generally used to roll off or boost the top or bottom ends of the frequency spectrum
- Setting the low shelf to roll off all frequencies below 250Hz will reduce low rumble
- Boost the high-shelf on vocals to make them shine
Low-Pass/High-Pass EQ
- Eliminates/filters out unwanted frequencies
- Low-Pass = filters out the unwanted high frequencies
- HIgh-Pass = Filters out the unwanted low frequencies
Other Charts & Visuals to Help with EQ
EQ Ear Training Assignment
Go to the Audio Frequency Trainer site by clicking on the linked button below. Select Intermediate level, then click new tone to preview the tone. Select which frequency you think the tone is (remember that the lower the tone, the lower the frequency).
Complete a total of 20 frequency tones and try to score at least 50% correct on your total score.
Complete a total of 20 frequency tones and try to score at least 50% correct on your total score.
Go to the EQ Ear Training site by clicking on the linked button below. Complete the first three levels of the EQ ear training game, and try to score at least a total of 200 points.