# EQ

## Q

The Q value can be translated into octaves by the following theorem:

$\left(4\times Q^{2+1}\right)^5=B$

$\log _2\left(\frac{B+1}{B-1}\right)=\text{Octave}$

## Practical EQ

1. EQ subtractively - never "boost"
2. Find each instrument's "home" - open the default parametric eq:1) select #3 (a spike) and lift it all the way up; 2) Move the spike left and right until you find the "essence" of the instrument [example: Bass drums typically have 2 "homes," one at about 50 hz and the other around 250 hz]. 3) Keep moving the thing left and right, but this time find the nasty spots (where it just sounds bad). 4) In the places where you found the nasty, eq into the negative.
3. "Carve" spaces in instruments to let others through - if you find that an instrument's "essence" is occpied by other instruments, use subtractive eq to make a space for the most important one.

Note: In the "exploration" you're boosting. You never stop there - the boost is just to find the sweet and sour spots - you then use that knowledge to pinpoint your carving locations.