How To Use FL Studio’s Fruity Parametric EQ 2 Plugin

FL Studio’s Fruity Parametric EQ 2 is a versatile and powerful tool for mixing music. Understanding how to utilize this parametric equalizer can significantly enhance the clarity and quality of your tracks. Below, we’ll explore a parametric EQ, and provide specific settings for mixing vocals and various instruments.

What is a Parametric EQ?

A parametric EQ is an equalizer that allows you to adjust the amplitude of audio signals at specific frequencies. It gives you control over several parameters:

• Frequency: The center point in the frequency range that will be affected.
• Gain: The frequency’s increase or decrease in intensity (amplitude).
• Bandwidth (Q): Determines the range of frequencies around the center frequency that will be affected. A narrower bandwidth affects a smaller range of frequencies, while a wider bandwidth affects a larger range.

This capability makes parametric EQs extraordinarily flexible and precise for sculpting the sound within a mix.

Mixing Vocals Settings

Vocals are often the focal point of a song, making it crucial to get the EQ setting right.

• High-Pass Filter: Start by cutting out unnecessary low frequencies that can muddy the vocal. Set a high-pass filter around 90-120 Hz.
• Reduce Boxiness: Implement a cut around 300-500Hz to diminish the boxiness of the vocals. This helps clarify the mix and allows the vocals to stand out more distinctly.
• Presence Boost: Enhance clarity and presence by slightly boosting around 3-6 kHz.
• Add Air: Give the vocal a breathy and airy quality by boosting slightly at 10-15 kHz.
• Low-Pass Filter: Apply this around 20 kHz to trim off unnecessary ultra-high frequencies that might introduce harshness or noise into the vocal track.

Place for Screenshot: Insert a screenshot of the EQ curve for vocal settings here.

Pro Vocal EQ Tips:

• Roll off your low end more gradually to preserve the natural elements.
• Consider implementing smaller and wider dips in both the low-mid and high-mid frequency ranges to better control the boxiness and harshness while maintaining an authentic vocal tone.
• A Subtle boost in the high-end will suffice. If not, try more later after you compress.
• Don’t steeply cut out all the low-end. That will make your vocal sound thin.
• Don’t make to many surgical EQ cuts. This can make your vocal sound unnatural.

Mixing Pianos Settings

Pianos can occupy a broad frequency range, but tweaking their EQ can help them sit well in a mix without overpowering other instruments.

• Low Cut: Apply a high-pass filter at 40 Hz to remove rumble.
• Body Control: Reduce muddiness by cutting at 200-300 Hz.
• Brightness: Boost around 4 kHz to enhance the attack of the keys.

Place for Screenshot: Insert a screenshot of the EQ curve for piano settings here.

Mixing Guitars Settings

Electric and acoustic guitars have different EQ needs, but both can benefit from thoughtful adjustments.

Acoustic Guitars:

• Low Cut: High-pass filter at 100 Hz to clean up low-end.
• Reduce Booming: Cut around 200 Hz if the guitar sounds too boomy.
• Add Sparkle: Boost slightly at around 10 kHz for brightness.

Electric Guitars:

• Low Cut: High-pass filter at 80 Hz.
• Mid-Range Emphasis: Boost around 2-3 kHz to bring the guitar forward in the mix.

Place for Screenshot: Insert a screenshot of the EQ curve for guitar settings here.

Mixing Bass Settings

The bass needs careful handling to support the track without overwhelming it.

• Subtractive EQ: Cut around 20-30 Hz to remove subsonic frequencies that consume headroom.
• Fundamental Frequency: Boost slightly around 80-100 Hz to enhance warmth.
• Cut Muddiness: Reduce around 200-250 Hz if the bass sounds muddy.

Place for Screenshot: Insert a screenshot of the EQ curve for bass settings here.

Mixing Kick Drums Settings

A well-EQ’d kick drum is essential for driving the rhythm of most genres.

• Low-End Boost: Enhance the thump of the kick by boosting around 60-80 Hz.
• Remove Boxiness: Cut around 400 Hz to clean up the sound.
• Add Click: Boost at 3-5 kHz for more attack.

Place for Screenshot: Insert a screenshot of the EQ curve for kick drum settings here.

The Fruity Parametric EQ 2 in FL Studio is a flexible tool that, when used wisely, can transform muddy mixes into clear, professional-sounding tracks. Remember, these settings are just starting points. The unique elements of each recording will dictate the specific adjustments needed.

Use these guidelines as a foundation and tweak them based on what your ears tell you. Always trust your hearing and make adjustments that suit the specific needs of your mix.

Also read: How To Do FL Studio Sidechain Compression

If mixing and mastering are still a headache for you, check out our FL Studio Vocal Mixing Presets, which include over 30 voice-ready vocal mixing chains using only FL Studio stock plugins.