EQ Basics - Band, Frequency, Gain & QUpdated 4 months ago

Guide to Using EQ Band Types in BEACN Studio

BEACN Studio provides a range of EQ options to customize your audio when using an XLR microphone. This guide explains the six band types available, along with how to adjust their frequency, gain, and Q settings to refine your sound.

Accessing the EQ Settings

1. Open the Mic Chain Window:

   • Navigate to the mic chain window via the device panel in BEACN Studio.

   • Click the corresponding icon to access the EQ settings.

2. Locate the Band Controls:

   • The lower section of the mic chain window contains controls for six band types, along with frequency, gain, and Q settings for each band.

Band Types Overview

1. Bell Band

• Purpose: Boosts or attenuates a specific range of frequencies.

• Adjustment:

  • Set the frequency point (e.g., 150 Hz for bass boost).

  • Adjust gain to boost or cut the frequency.

  • Use Q to control the bandwidth:

    • Higher Q = Narrower band (more precise).

    • Lower Q = Wider band (more natural).

2. Low Shelf

• Purpose: Boosts lower frequencies from a specific point.

• Adjustment:

  • Set the frequency where the slope starts (e.g., 150 Hz).

  • Use Q to adjust the slope and boost.

3. Low Pass Filter

• Purpose: Cuts off frequencies above a certain point.

• Adjustment:

  • Set the cutoff frequency (e.g., 8,000 Hz to remove high-end frequencies).

  • Adjust Q for a harsher or smoother cutoff.

4. Notch Filter

• Purpose: Eliminates specific unwanted frequencies.

• Adjustment:

  • Set the offending frequency (e.g., boxy resonance range).

  • Use a high Q for precise isolation.

  • Note: Avoid overuse to prevent overprocessed audio.

5. High Shelf

• Purpose: Boosts higher frequencies from a specific point.

• Adjustment:

  • Set the starting frequency (e.g., 3,000 Hz).

  • Adjust Q to control the slope’s aggressiveness.

6. High Pass Filter

• Purpose: Cuts low-end frequencies, removing sub-bass or rumble.

• Adjustment:

  • Set the cutoff frequency (e.g., 50 Hz).

  • Adjust Q for a smoother or sharper transition.

Understanding Frequency, Gain, and Q

• Frequency:

  • Adjusts the horizontal axis (left and right) to target specific points on the audio spectrum.

• Gain:

  • Controls the vertical axis (up and down), boosting or cutting the selected frequency.

  • Positive gain increases the frequency’s presence; negative gain reduces it.

• Q:

  • Determines the width of the frequency band.

  • Higher Q = Narrower band for precise adjustments.

  • Lower Q = Wider band for natural blending.

Best Practices

• Start with Bell Bands: These are versatile and suitable for most EQ adjustments.

• Experiment with Band Types: Different bands serve different purposes—test each to see what works for your voice.

• Avoid Overprocessing: Keep EQ adjustments subtle to maintain a natural sound.