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.
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