If you’re already familiar with all the parameters on your EQ, feel free to skip to the EQ mastering tutorial on the next page.

On Logic’s Linear Phase EQ there are buttons at the top with a little symbol in each. These buttons activate, or deactivate that band of frequencies. The symbol illustrates the shape in which the EQ cuts or boosts. They are fairly self-explanatory, the way the symbol looks is a reflection of how it will look on the EQ when you adjust that particular band.

Linear Phase EQ Parameters Demonstration

This video demonstrates the controls on Logics Linear Phase EQ and follows the explanation written beneath.

 

The first symbol is known as a ‘low cut’. This band cuts everything below the chosen frequency. For this band, the Q will adjust the shape and gradient of the cut. Unlike most of the other bands, this first adjuster has a ‘slope’ as opposed to ‘gain’. This is measured in decibels per octave and will also adjust the shape and gradient of the cut. Taking Q up past 1 starts to create a lift at the selected frequency. Adjustment of the slope can give you a long drawn out curve, or a steep drop.

The next symbol is known as a ‘shelf’. Again, the way it looks is a reflection on how the EQ will look when using this control. The gain adjuster on this one will create a slope leading to a shelf like shape at the selected frequency which will extend down to the bottom of the spectrum, or until it is affected by another band. Like the first band (low cut), the Q will give you a change in the gradient and shape of the slope.

The next group of symbols are known as contours (sometimes referred to as ‘bell’). You may agree they are simpler in the way they work. The gain boosts or attenuates the frequency selected in that band. The Q adjusts the width of the band. A low Q setting will equal a wide band width.

Toward the end you’ll find another shelf, and then a ‘high cut’. They are precisely the same as the first two, only they are facing the opposite way. The high cut will attenuate everything above the chosen frequency. The gradient and shape are dependent on the slope and Q settings.

Next Page… EQ Decisions