What is the best EQ setting for music?

An equalizer (EQ) is an audio filter that allows users to adjust the volume levels of specific frequency ranges. The main purpose of an EQ is to improve the overall sound quality and balance of an audio system. With an EQ, bass, treble, and midrange frequencies can be boosted or cut as needed to enhance clarity, adjust tonality, and minimize distortion or masking.

EQ allows listeners to customize the frequency response of their speakers, headphones, or other playback system to match their preferences and the characteristics of their listening environment. For example, boosting low frequencies can help compensate for smaller speakers that lack bass response. Lowering overly bright treble frequencies can make music sound warmer and less fatiguing. Careful EQ adjustment can bring out details, improve stereo imaging, and create a more engaging listening experience.

When used properly, equalization is a powerful tool for refining the tonal quality of music playback. This guide covers EQ concepts and techniques to help listeners get the most out of their music libraries.

EQ Basics

EQ, which stands for equalization, is a processing technique used in audio mixing and reproduction to adjust the level or “equalize” the frequency response of an audio signal. EQ allows you to boost or attenuate specific frequency ranges within an audio signal to achieve a desired tonal balance.

As explained on the Audio Issues website, “EQ is the most important mixing processor to create separation in your instruments and balance in your mixes” (https://www.audio-issues.com/music-mixing/equalization/what-is-eq/). Using EQ, an audio engineer can highlight important frequencies in each instrument while removing conflicting frequencies between instruments that cause “muddiness” in a mix.

EQ essentially acts like a precise volume control, allowing you to turn up or down the volume of particular frequencies only. This enables shaping the tonal characteristics of audio to achieve a desired sound.

Types of EQ

The two main types of EQ are graphic EQ and parametric EQ. Graphic EQ has fixed frequency bands with adjustable gain, while parametric EQ offers control over the center frequency, Q/bandwidth, and gain for each band. As explained on Parametric EQ Explained, the key difference is that a graphic EQ offers gain control over a fixed set of frequency bands whereas a parametric EQ allows you to freely set the frequency, bandwidth, and gain.

As a Digital Audio Tech Quiz on Quizlet highlights, graphic EQ modules have fixed frequencies while parametric EQ modules allow you to select the frequency. Parametric EQ gives you more flexible and precise control to target specific frequencies.

According to Sound Algorithm, while graphic EQ is simpler and more visual, parametric EQ allows for more surgical and customizable adjustments. So in summary, graphic EQ has predetermined bands while parametric EQ gives you adjustable parameters.

EQ Curves

EQ curves refer to the shape of the frequency response that an EQ applies to the sound. The most common EQ curve shapes include:

• Low shelf: Boosts or cuts frequencies below a set point. Creates a ‘shelf’ effect by lifting or attenuating bass frequencies.1
• High shelf: Boosts or cuts frequencies above a set point. Creates a ‘shelf’ effect by boosting or cutting treble frequencies.1
• Bell curve: Boosts or cuts frequencies around a set center point, tapering off on either side. Allows isolating and controlling a specific frequency range.

The slope or Q factor determines how wide or narrow the boost or cut is for each curve shape. A lower Q value creates a more gradual boost/cut across a wide frequency band. A higher Q narrows the range for more surgical and precise EQ adjustments.1

Basic EQ Settings

The most basic EQ settings focus on adjusting the bass, midrange, and treble frequencies. This is known as a 3-band EQ and allows for simple boosting or cutting of the low, middle, and high frequency ranges. Some common guidelines for basic EQ settings are:

• Bass (low end): 60-100 Hz – boost to add warmth or cut to reduce muddiness
• Midrange: 500 Hz to 2 kHz – boost for presence and clarity, cut to reduce harshness
• Treble (high end): 5-10 kHz – boost for airiness and detail, cut to smooth out harshness

A good starting point is to cut mids slightly, add a subtle boost to bass, and a gentle treble boost. The goal is to get a balanced sound, not an extreme V-shape with overboosted bass/treble and scooped mids. Many audio devices come with pre-programmed EQ settings for general usage like “flat”, “pop”, or “rock” that follow these principles.

According to the Virtual DJ user manual, their standard EQ frequencies on the inner channels are 60 Hz, 170 Hz, 310 Hz, 600 Hz, 1 kHz, 3 kHz, 6 kHz, 12 kHz, and 14 kHz which align with the typical bass, lower-mids, mids, upper-mids, and treble ranges (source). This allows for boosting or cutting the major frequency ranges.

EQ for Different Genres

The optimal EQ settings can vary depending on the genre of music you are listening to. Here are some recommendations for EQ settings for common music genres:

Rock

For rock music, you typically want to boost the midrange frequencies (500 Hz to 2 kHz) to bring out the crunch of electric guitars. You can also add a slight boost around 5 kHz for additional presence and “bite.” Reduce the sub-bass frequencies below 80 Hz to tighten up the low end.

Try setting the lows to -5 dB, mids to +3 dB, highs to +5 dB, and sub-bass to -8 dB.

Pop

Pop music tends to be focused on vocals, so try boosting the midrange slightly around 2-5 kHz to add clarity and presence to the singers. Add a subtle boost around 10 kHz for extra sparkle and detail. Reduce frequencies below 100 Hz to minimize muddiness.

Good settings for pop are lows at 0 dB, mids at +5 dB, highs at +3 dB, and sub-bass at -5 dB.

Jazz

With jazz, you want to highlight the natural tone of acoustic instruments. Boost the lower midrange around 400-600 Hz to bring out warmth in the upright bass and low register brass instruments. Add a gentle boost around 8-10 kHz to accentuate the airiness of cymbals and higher horns.

Jazz EQ settings may include lows at +3 dB, mids at +5 dB, highs at +2 dB, and sub-bass flattened.

Some additional EQ tips for other genres:

• For classical music, aim for a relatively flat EQ to preserve the natural tonal balance.
• With hip-hop, boost the 60-100 Hz range for thicker low end on beats and basslines.
• For acoustic genres like folk or bluegrass, add brilliance in the 5-8 kHz zone.
• With EDM or dance music, pump up the sub-bass around 40-100 Hz for thumping bass.

The best way to find your ideal EQ is to experiment with different settings while listening to your favorite tracks. Let your ears guide you to what sounds best on your system.

Advanced EQ Techniques

When mixing and mastering music, more advanced EQ techniques can help enhance the overall sound quality and achieve a more professional result. Two key concepts in advanced EQ are cutting versus boosting frequencies and using narrow versus wide Q.

Cutting frequencies means attenuating or reducing certain frequency ranges rather than boosting or increasing them. This subtractive approach provides cleaner results by removing problem frequencies like harshness, muddiness, or masking effects. As the saying goes, it’s easier to take away than to add. Cutting is often preferable to boosting, which can more easily introduce phase issues or an unnatural sound.

The Q refers to the width of the EQ band you are adjusting. A narrow Q targets a very precise frequency range. This surgical approach works well for removing unpleasant resonances or honing in on problem spots. A wide Q makes broader tonal changes across a wider frequency spectrum. This global approach works better for general tone shaping.

Using strategic cuts with a mix of narrow and wide Q adjustments gives the most control over sculpting the EQ. For example, a wide low-shelf cut can clean up muddy bass. A narrow notch can eliminate a sharp resonance. Blending subtractive narrow and wide boosts and cuts enables balancing and polish.

EQ Plugins

There are many great EQ plugins available to producers and mix engineers. Some of the most popular and highly-regarded include:

FabFilter Pro-Q 3 – This flexible EQ from FabFilter offers up to 24 bands of parametric equalization, linear phase processing, dynamic EQ, and more. It’s praised for its clean, transparent sound.

Waves API 550 – Modeled after API’s famous 550 EQ hardware, this plugin emulates the punchy, musical sound of the original analog unit.

iZotope Ozone – Ozone’s EQ module provides your choice of vintage and modern EQ curves to shape your sound with character.

Other popular options include EQs from Plugin Alliance, UAD, Slate Digital, Soundtoys, and more. It’s worth trying out demos to find the EQ plugins that best suit your personal workflow and taste.

EQ for Headphones

When listening to music through headphones, it’s important to compensate for their specific frequency response characteristics. Most headphones, especially consumer models, do not have a perfectly flat frequency response. There are usually peaks and valleys across the frequency spectrum that color the sound.

For example, many headphones have extra bass emphasis around 60-100 Hz to provide a more exciting sound. However, this can make the bass sound bloated. There may also be a dip in the high mids around 2-4 kHz, which can make vocals and lead instruments sound distant or dull. Applying EQ can help correct these issues and provide a more balanced sound.

“To take it a step further, having a good understanding of how frequencies can help you tweak the sound of your headphones with equalization (EQ)” (Bloom Audio). Knowing your headphone’s frequency response graph, whether through measurements or reviews, allows you to see where it deviates from flat and make targeted boosts or cuts.

For example, a subtle boost around 2-4 kHz paired with a slight bass cut below 100 Hz could improve the clarity and tighten up muddy headphones. Just a few dB of correction is often sufficient. More aggressive EQ risks overcompensating and creating new issues. The goal is natural-sounding audio, not a drastically altered frequency response.

Some apps like Sonarworks True-Fi use advanced digital processing to flatten the response of many popular headphones. This can provide a more neutral baseline. You can then fine tune with additional EQ to taste. With a little customization, headphones can provide surprisingly accurate monitoring for music production and critical listening.

Conclusion

In summary, equalization (EQ) is a crucial aspect of audio engineering and music listening. Proper use of EQ can enhance the quality of music by adjusting the balance of frequencies. EQ allows audio engineers to shape the sound according to the genre, compensate for room acoustics, and tailor the listening experience. For music listeners, EQ enables you to customize the sound signature to your preferences and the audio equipment you use. Whether creating a mix or just tuning your headphones, understanding the fundamentals of EQ gives you control over the sonic landscape.

EQ plays an integral role in how we experience music. The ability to adjust bass, treble, mids, and other frequency ranges makes it possible to highlight certain instruments, set the mood, and achieve a desired aesthetic. From the recording studio to your personal listening device, EQ gives both music creators and fans the flexibility to sculpt an optimal listening experience. As music consumption moves increasingly toward digital streaming and headphones, having command of EQ techniques becomes even more impactful.

Though EQ can get quite complex, grasp the basics – the common frequencies and curves, how to read an EQ graph, and the broad strokes of EQing by genre – and you will be well on your way. Approach EQ with thoughtful intent and attentive ears. Wield this powerful audio tool to give the music you love the perfect tonal balance.