Eq is often used as a shortened version of the word equalisation or equalization (depending on where you live!).
At its most basic level equalisation allows the user to adjust the bass and treble components of a sound level, found on any home stereo.
Equalisation in modern studios is a far more complex affair and consists of the following:
- Frequency – This is the frequency band, measured in Hz for lower frequencies and KHz for upper. In most cases this is variable but in some it can be a fixed band – for example 10Khz.
- Gain – This is the amount the frequency can be boosted or cut, this is measured in db (decibels)
- Q – The is the width affected by the boost or cut, based around the frequency chosen. The wider the Q the more the frequencies around the centre frequency will be affected, if some extreme sound repair is required then very narrow bands are used.
The above are the 3 most common features in a modern equaliser, however in some cases you will simply have a fixed frequency that can be cut or boosted.