Recording tips from engineers, producers and other industry insiders.

The Danger of EQ

Roger Nichols, famous for his work with Steely Dan, has a philosophy about recording tracks with EQ: "Don't."

Here are some guidelines for controlling the use of EQ in the studio:

• Equalizers can be wonderful tools for the shaping and toning of sound. They can also be weapons of mass destruction. A little goes a long way!
  
  
• When you mike an acoustic instrument such as guitar, drums, or saxophone, listen to the instrument being played. Put your head in different places and where it sounds the best, put the mic. If you must apply some EQ, do it sparingly.
  
  
• The secret to using EQ is to take away what you have too much of, not add what you have too little of.
  

Hope this helps!

by:

Lynn Allread
Berry Music Group
Kansas City, KS