Streamlining track manipulation through sidechaining: Perfectly sync one track to another by causing the main track to lower within the problem frequency spectrum - a remarkable time-saver in music production!
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EQs, the unsung heroes of your mixing desk, come in all shapes and sizes. But the core concept remains: shaping the balance of frequencies in your soundscape.
Most analogue equipment has inherent EQ capabilities, but it's the early EQ units that truly caught our attention with their unique sonic signature, often unintuitive to modern producers. The Pultec, for instance, was a game-changer, inspiring a host of follow-up designs built around the 'parametric' workflow (Frequency, Gain, and Q) that eventually became the standard in hardware equalization[1].
As the hardware EQs improved, they became more transparent, preserving the subtleties of your audioTake a peek at how to master the eternal dance of dynamics with Dynamic Equalization when neither straight EQ nor compression alone will suffice. With the addition of EQ functions in mixing consoles, sculpting and shaping your mix became a breeze, with tonal tweaks available on every channel[K1].
With the arrival of digital EQs, enriching your mix became easier without losing ground on sound quality - a basic digital EQ would sound identical to any other - but the pursuit of analogue emulation and linear-phase EQs continued to shape the industry[1]. Most advancements in digital EQs focused on user experience - making it lightning-fast to create, visualize, and modify EQ bands using intuitive assists[K2].
As analogue effects reemerged in popularity, modern engineers unearthed emulations of beloved vintage units, breathing new life into modern mixes[K3]. Techniques like the Pultec low-end trick, once exclusive to the older units, could be replicated on digital EQs using resonant shelf filters[K3].
New-age Equalizers – a blend of the old and the new
Today's EQ plugins represent a melting pot of innovation and reverence for the past[K4]. There's a push towards recapturing the warmth of analogue EQs, while simultaneously pioneering new approaches. Some plugins focus on analogue-style EQs that deliver top-notch sound quality, while others innovate by introducing unmasking solutions that simplify mixing processes for increased efficiency[K4].
Let's dive into the world of EQ plugins and see what they have in store.
A Side-Splitting Adventure: Mid/Side and Left/Right EQ with Pro-Q 3
Take a stereo piano, for example, and let's break its frequencies down the middle. With Pro-Q 3, you can create a mindful balance by boosting high frequencies on the right and lows on the left through left/right and mid/side EQ techniques[K5].
Unmasking – Banishing Audio Conflicts
In a world where we no longer have to mix tracks competing for the same frequency space by hand, we can turn to unmasking plugins. These tools sidechain the weaker track to the stronger one, making room for both in a single mix without resorting to intricate automation[K6].
Sonible's pure:unmask offers a simple setup, while Neutron 4 gives you the power to uncover hidden elements in your tracks by fine-tuning the sidechain through Sensitivity, Attack, and Release controls[K6].
Exploring Kirchhoff EQ's Capability Set
Kirchhoff EQ is here to shake things up with a slew of additional features compared to Pro-Q 3. Its diverse filter types and advanced stereo and dynamic controls make it an all-in-one powerhouse EQ plugin for the modern era[K7]. Though its user interface can get a bit crowded on high-resolution screens, it brings an array of possibilities for seasoned engineers and beginners alike.
Harmonious EQ with Scaler EQ
With Scaler EQ's innovative harmonic bands, you can boost or attenuate frequencies only within a specific key, offering a unique, theory-friendly approach to EQ[K8]. Simply choose your sample loop's key and watch as the boosting and attenuating bands adapt to the tonal spectrum of your instrument.
The Future of EQ Development
Advancements in technology continue to push the boundaries of what's possible with EQ plugins, as algorithms and modeling techniques improve to replicate the analogue experience with more accuracy[K9]. With versatility and accessibility becoming ever more important, it's never been easier to find the perfect EQ plugin to suit your mixing needs.
From unmasking plugins that simplify complex mixing tasks to new approaches in frequency management exploiting musical theory, the EQ landscape is ripe for exploration[K9]. So get out there and find the tools that empower your unique sound – 2025 and beyond hold a host of tonal opportunities!
References:
- EQing – All About Recording's Wiki
- Pro-Q 3 – iZotope
- Pultec History – Slate Digital
- Plugin Alliance – Lindell Audio EQ825
- Analog EQ Emulation Plugins: A Comprehensive Review – Loopmasters Tech Blog
- Unmasking Plugins for Simplifying the Mixing Process
- Kirchhoff EQ User's Guide
- Scaler EQ on Splice – Blog
- The Evolution of EQ – Mixmag
- As the pursuit of analogue emulation and linear-phase EQs continued to shape the industry, the advancements in digital EQs focused on user experience, making it lightning-fast to create, visualize, and modify EQ bands using intuitive assists.
- From unmasking plugins that simplify complex mixing tasks to new approaches in frequency management exploiting musical theory, the EQ landscape is ripe for exploration, as advancements in technology continue to push the boundaries of what's possible with EQ plugins, offering tonal opportunities in 2025 and beyond.
