Equalisation (EQ) is one of the most powerful tools in music production, allowing us to shape and balance frequencies across an entire mix. Whether adding warmth to a synth, removing muddiness from vocals, or adding presence to a guitar, EQ is essential for bringing a track to life, and placing your sounds in the mix. While stock DAW EQs are fantastic starting points, certain EQs offer unique colour and character that can make all the difference. Here’s a look at a few different EQs and their individual strengths, including some of our personal favourites.
The Basics of EQ: Stock DAW EQs
Every Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) includes a built-in EQ, which is often more than capable for most basic mixing needs. Typically, stock EQs are digital and transparent – They don’t add extra colouration, which makes them ideal for tasks like cutting harsh frequencies or boosting clarity in a mix. Stock EQs are (usually) great for precise adjustments, especially if you want to keep your CPU load low in a larger mix.
While stock EQs are solid all-rounders, exploring more characterful EQs can reveal new layers of sound, adding subtle depth or distinct colour.
Unique EQs and Their Use Cases
Different EQs offer different sonic characteristics, often thanks to their analogue design or emulation. Here are a few specialised EQs we find invaluable and where they shine in a mix.
FabFilter Pro-Q3
The Pro-Q3 is a modern, digital EQ known for its precision and detailed visual interface. It features dynamic EQ, mid/side processing, and fully customisable curves, making it Ideal for surgical work and resonance control. Pro-Q3 is our go to EQ for everything from precise dynamic adjustments, to automated filter curves. All without adding any colouration.
SSL G and E-Series EQs
SSL EQs have a distinct sound often described as “tight” and “gluey.” The G-Series EQ, in particular, is known for its smooth high-end and tight low-end, while the E-Series offers a slightly more aggressive bite. SSL EQs are a staple for mixing drums and vocals. The G-Series is great for smooth high-end boosts, adding clarity without harshness, while the E-Series can help shape punchy, dynamic drums or add a bit of grit to vocals. SSL EQs are great for creating cohesion across the mix as a whole.
API 550A/550B EQ
The API EQs (550A and 550B), are known for their punchy, aggressive sound. They feature fixed frequency bands and a proportional Q, which means the bandwidth narrows as you boost more—great for adding energy to a mix. Use the API EQs when you want to add presence to guitars, drums, or vocals. Their aggressive midrange character can help certain elements stand out in the mix.
UAD Pultec EQs
The Pultec EQ emulation is known for its warm, musical character, derived from the original Pultec passive EQ hardware. Unlike digital EQs, it imparts a natural, rich tone that enhances rather than adjusts. Pultec EQs are perfect for broad tonal shaping, especially in the low-end. This EQ can add punch to bass or kick drums without muddiness and adds a beautiful shine to vocals and synths. It’s not about precision but about adding that vintage warmth and depth. Our go to for external synths.
Digital vs. Analogue-Style EQs
The difference between digital and analogue-style EQs often comes down to colour and character. Digital EQs like FabFilter Pro-Q3 are transparent, offering clean and precise adjustments.
Analogue EQs like the Pultec, API, and SSL bring added warmth and harmonic richness, making them well-suited for creative sound shaping and tonal enhancement. To simplify, here’s a quick rundown:
- Corrective Tasks: Digital EQs (stock or FabFilter) are perfect for removing unwanted frequencies without altering the sound.
- Character and Depth: Analogue-style EQs add musicality, ideal for enhancing the low end, adding midrange punch, or brightening vocals with a smooth high end.
So, which to choose?
There’s no right or wrong choice here. Music is a creative endeavour afterall; but typically EQ’s are chosen based on the job.
If you’re mixing and want clean, fine adjustments – digital is the way to go. It won’t colour the sound much (if at all), and it’ll allow you to dynamically place elements of your mix.
If you’re recording an instrument or vocals, colourful analogue EQ’s are excellent to add character. Subtlety is key, but when used correctly, can add so much to an existing sound.
One of our favourite hardware synthesisers here at Form Audioworks is the excellent Novation Peak, and when paired with various analogue style EQs, it sounds phenomenal. An integral part of our sound design; we typically use the Pultec EQ’s to add colour on the way in, and use Pro Q3 to adjust the sound surgically later in the chain. This way, we get the benefits of both worlds.
Finding Your EQ Sound
While stock DAW EQs provide a great foundation, exploring various EQs can open new creative pathways in your mix. The right EQ choice depends on your goals—whether it’s surgical precision or adding subtle warmth. Each EQ brings something unique, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different types and discover what resonates with your style. EQ is both art and science, and finding your favourites can be transformative for your sound and your mixes overall.