An EQ (aka an equalization) is the process of changing the balance of different frequency components in an audio signal. EQ can be used as a tool to manipulate the frequency content of your mix so that everything is balanced and clear.
When it comes to using an instrument while EQ-ing, different instruments have different timbres and frequencies. These timbres are known as complex sounds, which then contain sine wave components called "partials". Partials determine whether an instrument can be harmonic with another instrument through a whole number ratio (like 2:1) or inharmonic.
Masking is when one instrument overpowers the other, which makes it difficult to hear both instruments clearly. The EQ can be used to help reduce this effect and make it so that each instrument can be heard equally.
There are four types of filters able to be used through EQ-ing: type, slope, Q, and gain
type - this filter determines the shape of the EQ band. Common types of "type": high/low pass, bell, notch, high/low shelf.
Low Pass is also known as LPF
High Pass is also known as HPF
Bell is used for boosting and cutting. The Q parameter can change their shape.
Shelf is used for boosting or cutting all frequencies above or below the corner frequency.
Notch is used for selectively eliminating extremely narrow frequency ranges.
slope - this filter refers to how aggressively the sound beyond its corner frequency is reduced. Slope is measured in dB/octave. Common slopes: 6dB/octave to 24dB/octave (some EQ's can create 96dB/octave slopes). The higher the number, the steeper the drop off around the corner frequency of said filter. Use 6 or 12dB/octave for gentle filtering; 24 or 48dB/octave for aggressive filtering.
Q (short for "quality factor" - this filter is the "bandwidth" of the EQ band. Q values of less than 1 will give you broader EQ curves; values greater than 1 will give you tighter boosts/cuts.
gain - this filter determines the amount of boost or cut applied with the EQ; measured in dB; positive gains indicate a boost, negative gains indicate a cut.
BONUS ➝ frequency - determines range where boosts or cuts will occur; located in the center of the EQ band's action.
When it comes to Adding and Subtracting through the EQ, the first rule is: less is more.
Additive EQ - boosting frequencies to achieve the results wanted.
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