Audio Advice: Traveling Sounds (page 2)

Equalization

Equalization or EQ is similar to filtering, but with much more control. Think of equalization as the tone control on your car stereo taken to a much grander scale. Equalization of your audio soundtrack requires more than the simple twist of a knob, but the results are worth the effort. A simple equalizer has one band of control for each octave of the sound spectrum, giving you control of nine or ten ranges of sound. A more aggressive EQ might have as many as 31 bands of control -- three for each octave. You can boost or cut each band to shape the tone of your audio. To improve the clarity of your dialog, you may have to boost the upper two or three bands. This increases the high frequency content of the sound, making it crisper and easier to understand. Alternatively, you could reduce the sound in the middle or lower bands to remove the mud in that range, also improving the clarity of sound. However you choose to apply EQ, start with small adjustments and try pulling a few bands down before you start boosting everything…

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