If you’re an aspiring music producer, you’ve probably heard of EQ. EQ is an essential tool in music production and can help you achieve a balanced and polished sound. EQ stands for equalization, and it’s a process that allows you to adjust the levels of different frequencies in your mix. In FL Studio 20, EQ is an integral part of the mixing process, and it’s essential to learn how to use it properly.
In this tutorial, we’ll cover the basics of EQ in FL Studio 20 and show you how to use it to improve your mixes. We’ll explain what EQ is and how it works, and we’ll show you how to use the EQ plugin in FL Studio 20. We’ll also provide tips and tricks to help you achieve the best possible sound. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced producer, this tutorial will help you take your mixes to the next level. So, let’s get started!
Understanding EQ in FL Studio
What is EQ?
EQ stands for equalization, which is a process of adjusting the balance between different frequencies in an audio signal. In FL Studio, EQ is a powerful tool that allows you to shape the tonal balance of your tracks.
EQ works by boosting or cutting specific frequency ranges in an audio signal. This can be used to remove unwanted frequencies, enhance certain elements of a track, or create space in the mix for other elements to stand out.
Importance of EQ in Music Production
EQ is an essential tool for music production because it allows you to sculpt the sound of your tracks and make them sound more professional. By using EQ, you can:
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Remove unwanted frequencies: EQ can be used to remove frequencies that clash with other elements in the mix, such as low-end rumble or harsh high-end frequencies.
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Enhance certain elements: By boosting specific frequencies, you can bring out certain elements of a track, such as the warmth of a vocal or the punch of a kick drum.
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Create space in the mix: By cutting frequencies in certain elements, you can create space in the mix for other elements to stand out. For example, cutting the low-end frequencies in a guitar track can make room for the bass guitar to sit better in the mix.
Parameters of EQ in FL Studio
In FL Studio, there are several parameters that you can adjust when using EQ:
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Frequency: This determines which frequency range you are boosting or cutting.
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Gain: This determines how much you are boosting or cutting the selected frequency range.
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Q: This determines the width of the frequency range that is being affected. A narrow Q will only affect a small range of frequencies, while a wider Q will affect a broader range.
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High-pass and Low-pass filters: These allow you to cut frequencies above or below a certain point, which can be useful for removing unwanted frequencies or creating space in the mix.
By understanding these parameters, you can use EQ to shape the tonal balance of your tracks and make them sound more professional.
When you first open FL Studio 20, the interface can be a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be navigating the software like a pro. In this section, we’ll go over the main areas of the interface and what they do.
The Mixer
The Mixer is where you’ll be doing most of your mixing and mastering. It’s where you’ll adjust the levels of each track, apply effects, and EQ your sounds. To open the Mixer, press F9 or click the Mixer button on the toolbar.
The Mixer consists of several channels, each representing a different track. You can adjust the volume, panning, and effects for each channel by clicking on the corresponding mixer track. You can also add new channels by right-clicking on the Mixer and selecting “Insert” from the dropdown menu.
The Playlist
The Playlist is where you’ll be arranging your patterns and creating your songs. It’s where you’ll add and arrange your sounds, loops, and samples. To open the Playlist, press F5 or click the Playlist button on the toolbar.
The Playlist consists of several tracks, each representing a different pattern. You can add new patterns by right-clicking on the Playlist and selecting “Insert” from the dropdown menu. You can also drag and drop patterns to rearrange them, and use the paintbrush tool to draw in new notes.
Piano Roll
The Piano Roll is where you’ll be creating and editing your melodies and chords. It’s where you’ll adjust the timing and velocity of each note, and add effects like slides and vibrato. To open the Piano Roll, double-click on a pattern in the Playlist.
The Piano Roll consists of a grid, with each row representing a different note and each column representing a different time. You can draw in notes by clicking on the grid, and adjust their length and position by dragging them. You can also adjust the velocity of each note by clicking and dragging on the velocity bar on the left side of the Piano Roll.
FL Studio Mobile
FL Studio Mobile is the mobile version of FL Studio, designed for use on smartphones and tablets. It’s a great way to work on your music on the go, and sync your projects with your desktop version of FL Studio. To use FL Studio Mobile, download it from the App Store or Google Play.
FL Studio Mobile has a similar interface to the desktop version of FL Studio, but with a few differences. The Mixer and Playlist are combined into one screen, and the Piano Roll is a separate screen. You can still create and edit patterns and melodies, and mix and master your tracks, but with a more streamlined interface.
That’s it for navigating the FL Studio interface. Once you’re familiar with these areas, you’ll be able to create your own music with ease.
Mastering EQ Tools in FL Studio
If you’re looking to take your mastering to the next level, EQ is an essential tool in your arsenal. FL Studio 20 offers several different EQ options to choose from, each with their own unique features and benefits.
Parametric EQ
The Parametric EQ is a classic EQ tool that allows you to adjust the frequency, gain, and bandwidth of each individual band. This gives you precise control over the EQ curve, making it ideal for mastering applications.
Parametric EQ 2
The Parametric EQ 2 is an advanced 7-band parametric equalizer plugin that offers both standard and advanced linear phase modes. This allows for fast parameter changes that aren’t possible with conventional FFT filters. The Parametric EQ 2 also includes a built-in spectrum analyzer, making it easy to visualize the EQ curve.
Fruity Parametric EQ
The Fruity Parametric EQ is a 3-band parametric equalizer that offers simple and intuitive controls. It’s ideal for quick EQ adjustments and is great for beginners who are just starting to learn how to use EQ.
Fruity Parametric EQ 2
The Fruity Parametric EQ 2 is an advanced 7-band parametric equalizer with both standard and advanced linear phase modes. It offers precise control over the EQ curve and includes a built-in spectrum analyzer. The Fruity Parametric EQ 2 is ideal for mastering applications and advanced users who need precise control over their EQ.
EQO
The EQO is a unique EQ tool that offers a visual representation of the EQ curve. It’s designed to be simple and intuitive, making it ideal for beginners. The EQO is also great for live performances, as it allows you to make quick EQ adjustments on the fly.
FL Studio 20 offers a wide range of EQ tools that are ideal for mastering applications. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, there’s an EQ tool that’s perfect for your needs. So why not give them a try and take your mastering to the next level?
Understanding Frequencies
When it comes to EQing in FL Studio 20, it’s important to have a basic understanding of frequencies. In this section, we’ll cover the basics of low and high frequencies, as well as the frequency spectrum.
Low Frequencies
Low frequencies are generally considered to be in the range of 20Hz to 250Hz. These frequencies are responsible for the overall “weight” or “punch” of a track. They can also be the source of unwanted rumble or mud in a mix. It’s important to be careful when boosting low frequencies, as it can quickly lead to a “boomy” or muddy sound. On the other hand, cutting low frequencies can help clean up a mix and make it sound tighter.
High Frequencies
High frequencies are generally considered to be in the range of 2kHz to 20kHz. These frequencies are responsible for the “air” or “sparkle” in a mix. Boosting high frequencies can help bring out detail and clarity in a track, but be careful not to overdo it, as it can quickly become harsh or shrill. Cutting high frequencies can help reduce sibilance and harshness in a mix.
Frequency Spectrum
The frequency spectrum is a visual representation of the frequencies present in a track. In FL Studio 20, you can view the frequency spectrum using the Fruity Parametric EQ 2 plugin. This can be a helpful tool when EQing, as it allows you to see which frequencies are dominant in a track and which ones need to be adjusted. When viewing the frequency spectrum, keep in mind that the human ear is most sensitive to frequencies in the range of 2kHz to 5kHz, so it’s important to pay close attention to these frequencies when EQing.
understanding frequencies is a crucial part of EQing in FL Studio 20. By having a basic understanding of low and high frequencies, as well as the frequency spectrum, you can make informed decisions when EQing your tracks and achieve a cleaner, more balanced mix.
Working with Filters
When it comes to EQing in FL Studio 20, filters are an essential tool for shaping your sound. Filters allow you to target specific frequencies and remove or boost them as needed. There are several types of filters available in FL Studio, each with its own unique characteristics.
Low Pass
A low-pass filter is used to remove high frequencies from a sound. This is useful when you want to remove harshness or sibilance from a vocal track or to create a muffled effect on a synth. In FL Studio, the Fruity Parametric EQ 2 plugin has a low-pass filter option that allows you to adjust the cutoff frequency to target specific frequencies.
High Pass
A high-pass filter is the opposite of a low-pass filter, as it removes low frequencies from a sound. This is useful when you want to remove rumble or low-end noise from a recording. In FL Studio, the Fruity Parametric EQ 2 plugin has a high-pass filter option that allows you to adjust the cutoff frequency to target specific frequencies.
Band Pass
A band-pass filter allows you to target a specific range of frequencies and remove everything outside of that range. This is useful when you want to isolate a particular frequency range, such as the mid-range of a guitar or the bass frequencies of a kick drum. In FL Studio, the Fruity Parametric EQ 2 plugin has a band-pass filter option that allows you to adjust the center frequency and bandwidth to target specific frequencies.
Notch Filters
A notch filter is used to remove a specific frequency from a sound. This is useful when you have a particular frequency that is causing problems in your mix, such as a resonant frequency in a room or a hum from an electrical source. In FL Studio, the Fruity Parametric EQ 2 plugin has a notch filter option that allows you to adjust the center frequency and bandwidth to target specific frequencies.
filters are a powerful tool for EQing in FL Studio 20. Whether you need to remove unwanted frequencies or boost specific ranges, filters can help you shape your sound to perfection. By using the low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch filter options available in the Fruity Parametric EQ 2 plugin, you can achieve precise control over your sound and take your mixes to the next level.
Manipulating Sound
In FL Studio 20, equalization (EQ) is a powerful tool for manipulating sound. It allows you to adjust the frequency balance of your audio tracks and make them sound cleaner, brighter, or warmer. However, EQ is just one of the many tools you can use to shape your sound. In this section, we’ll explore other ways to manipulate sound in FL Studio 20.
Gain Control
Gain control is the process of adjusting the volume of your audio tracks. It’s a fundamental technique that can help you balance the levels of your tracks and prevent clipping. In FL Studio 20, you can adjust the gain of your tracks using the mixer or the channel rack.
The mixer is a powerful tool that allows you to adjust the gain of individual tracks and groups of tracks. To adjust the gain of a track, simply click on the fader and drag it up or down. You can also use the channel rack to adjust the gain of your tracks. Simply click on the volume knob and drag it up or down.
Panning
Panning is the process of adjusting the stereo position of your audio tracks. It allows you to create a sense of space and depth in your mix. In FL Studio 20, you can adjust the panning of your tracks using the mixer or the channel rack.
The mixer allows you to adjust the panning of individual tracks and groups of tracks. To adjust the panning of a track, simply click on the pan knob and drag it left or right. You can also use the channel rack to adjust the panning of your tracks. Simply click on the pan knob and drag it left or right.
Compression
Compression is the process of reducing the dynamic range of your audio tracks. It allows you to control the volume of your tracks and make them sound more consistent. In FL Studio 20, you can use the Fruity Compressor plugin to apply compression to your tracks.
To use the Fruity Compressor plugin, simply add it to your track and adjust the settings. The Threshold setting determines the level at which compression begins to take effect. The Ratio setting determines the amount of compression that is applied. The Attack and Release settings determine how quickly the compressor reacts to changes in volume.
By using gain control, panning, compression, and other sound design techniques, you can shape your audio tracks and create a professional-sounding mix in FL Studio 20.
Advanced EQ Techniques
If you’re looking to take your EQ skills in FL Studio 20 to the next level, there are a few advanced techniques you can try. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Automation
One of the most powerful features of FL Studio’s EQ is its ability to automate parameters over time. This means you can create dynamic EQ changes that evolve over the course of your track. For example, you could use automation to gradually boost the bass in a breakdown section, or to create a filter sweep effect on a synth lead.
To automate an EQ parameter, simply right-click on the knob or slider you want to control, and select “Create automation clip”. This will create a new automation clip in the playlist, which you can then edit using the automation tools in the toolbar. You can also use the “Link to controller” feature to map the parameter to a MIDI controller or automation clip.
Using Presets
While it’s always a good idea to learn how to EQ from scratch, sometimes you just need to get a quick result. That’s where EQ presets come in handy. FL Studio comes with a wide range of EQ presets that cover everything from basic tone shaping to surgical frequency cuts.
To access the EQ presets, simply open the EQ plugin and click on the “Presets” dropdown menu. From here, you can browse through the various categories and select a preset that fits your needs. You can also save your own custom presets for future use.
Equalizer Plugin
FL Studio’s EQ plugin, the Parametric EQ 2, is a powerful tool for shaping the frequency response of your tracks. It features up to 20 bands of EQ, with a variety of filter types and slope options. You can also adjust the Q factor, which controls the width of the frequency band being affected.
One useful feature of the Parametric EQ 2 is the “Analyzer” tab, which provides a real-time visual display of the frequency spectrum. This can be helpful for identifying problem areas in your mix, or for fine-tuning the EQ settings of individual tracks.
Another useful feature of the Parametric EQ 2 is the “Match EQ” function, which allows you to match the frequency response of one track to another. This can be helpful for creating a consistent tonal balance across your mix.
these advanced EQ techniques can help you take your mix to the next level. Whether you’re using automation to create dynamic changes, presets to get a quick result, or the Parametric EQ 2 plugin to fine-tune your settings, there are plenty of options to explore.
Troubleshooting EQ in FL Studio
If you’re having trouble with EQ in FL Studio, don’t worry! There are a few simple troubleshooting steps you can take to get back on track.
Reset to Default
If you’ve made a lot of changes to your EQ settings and things aren’t sounding quite right, it might be time to reset to default. This will undo all of your changes and return your EQ to its original settings.
To reset to default, simply right-click on the EQ and select “Reset” from the dropdown menu. This will reset all of the controls to their default positions.
Understanding Strength and Precision
When using EQ in FL Studio, it’s important to understand the concepts of strength and precision. Strength refers to how much you’re boosting or cutting a particular frequency. Precision refers to how narrow or wide the band of frequencies you’re affecting is.
If you’re having trouble getting the sound you want, try adjusting the strength and precision of your EQ settings. For example, if you’re boosting a frequency too much and it’s sounding unnatural, try reducing the strength. If you’re affecting too many frequencies at once, try narrowing the band of frequencies you’re affecting by increasing the precision.
Remember, EQ is all about finding the right balance. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different settings until you find the sound you’re looking for.
That’s it for troubleshooting EQ in FL Studio! With these simple steps, you should be able to get your EQ settings back on track and start creating great sounding tracks.
Conclusion
understanding how to EQ properly is essential for producers who want to create high-quality music. FL Studio 20 offers a variety of EQ plugins that can help you achieve the desired sound for your tracks.
When it comes to music production, EQing is a crucial step in the mixing process. It allows you to enhance the sound of individual instruments and make them stand out in the mix. By using EQ, you can remove unwanted frequencies and create space in the mix for each instrument to breathe.
As a producer, it’s important to experiment with different EQ settings to find what works best for your tracks. While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to EQing, there are some general guidelines that can help you get started. For example, it’s often a good idea to cut frequencies rather than boost them, as boosting can lead to distortion and other unwanted effects.
FL Studio 20 offers a variety of EQ plugins, including the Fruity Parametric EQ 2 and the Linear Phase EQ. Each of these plugins has its own unique features and capabilities, so it’s worth taking the time to explore them and find the one that works best for your needs.
mastering the art of EQing is an important skill for any producer to have. With the right tools and techniques, you can take your music to the next level and create tracks that stand out from the crowd.
