---
title: Equalizers
url: 'https://www.teachmeaudio.com/mixing/equipment/equalizers'
markdown: 'https://www.teachmeaudio.com/mixing/equipment/equalizers.md'
date: '2026-10-24'
description: 'An equalizer adjusts the relative amplitudes of frequencies within the audible spectrum, shaping the overall tone and balance of sound. Explore how EQ enhances audio clarity and impact.'
---

# Equalizers 

An equalizer adjusts the relative amplitudes of frequencies within the audible spectrum, shaping the overall tone and balance of sound. Explore how EQ enhances audio clarity and impact.

![equalizer](https://www.teachmeaudio.com/user/pages/03.mixing/equipment/02.equalizers/equalizer.webp "Figure 1 - Typical hardware graphic equalizer")Figure 1 - Typical hardware graphic equalizer

 Adjusting the amplitudes of different frequencies changes the unique tone of an instrument or mix. The most common frequency ranges altered by an equalizer are:

- Bass
- Mid-range
- Treble

 Equalization may need to be applied to a single recorded channel, to a group of channels, or an entire mix.

## Types of Equalizers

There are four primary types of equalizer, each offering different levels of control:

- [Filters](#filters)
- [Shelving](#shelving)
- [Graphic](#graphic)
- [Parametric](#parametric)

### Filters

 The filter is the simplest type of equalizer, typically controlled by a single button or knob. There are three main types:

- **Low Pass Filter:** Reduces frequencies above a set threshold, rolling off high frequencies.
- **High Pass Filter:** Reduces frequencies below a set threshold, removing low-end sounds.
- **Bandpass Filter:** Allows frequencies within a set range to pass, cutting others.

![Filters](https://www.teachmeaudio.com/user/pages/03.mixing/equipment/02.equalizers/filter.webp "Figure 2 - Typical filter plugin")Figure 2 - Typical filter plugin

Filters have limited adjustment and usually affect a fixed range of frequencies.

### Shelving Equalizer

The shelving equalizer works on a fixed frequency range and allows for gain control. Types include:

- **Low-Frequency Shelf:** Normally rolls off at around 150 Hz.
- **High-Frequency Shelf:** Normally rolls off around 12 kHz.

![Low frequency equalizer](https://www.teachmeaudio.com/user/pages/03.mixing/equipment/02.equalizers/low-shelf-eq.webp "Figure 3 - Low shelf equalizer, rolled off at 115 Hz")Figure 3 - Low shelf equalizer, rolled off at 115 Hz

![High frequency equalizer](https://www.teachmeaudio.com/user/pages/03.mixing/equipment/02.equalizers/high-shelf-eq.webp "Figure 4 - High shelf equalizer, rolled off at 12 kHz")Figure 4 - High shelf equalizer, rolled off at 12 kHz

Shelving EQs are often found in home audio systems as bass and treble controls.

### Graphic Equalizer

 The graphic equalizer affects a range of frequencies evenly spaced through the audio spectrum (20–20,000 Hz), as seen in Figure 5 below.

![equalizer](https://www.teachmeaudio.com/user/pages/03.mixing/equipment/02.equalizers/graphic-equalizer.webp "Figure 5 - Software graphic equalizer")Figure 5 - Software graphic equalizer

- **Controls:** Sliders adjust signal amplitude for each frequency band.
- **Applications:** Basic models have 2–3 bands and are found on guitar amps and home audio systems; advanced models may offer 30+ bands.
- **Limitations:** Graphic EQs lack control over individual bandwidths, making them less effective for precise mixing.

### Parametric Equalizer

![parametric-eq](https://www.teachmeaudio.com/user/pages/03.mixing/equipment/02.equalizers/parametric-eq.webp "Figure 6 - Software parametric equalizer")Figure 6 - Software parametric equalizer

 The parametric equalizer allows precise adjustment of specific frequencies, with control over the frequency center, gain, and bandwidth to shape the sound spectrum.

- **Center Frequency:** Determines the primary frequency to adjust.
- **Gain Control:** Cuts or boosts signal amplitude.
- **Bandwidth Control (Q):** Defines the width of frequencies influenced, from narrow peaks (high Q) to wide curves (low Q).

This full-spectrum control makes the parametric EQ ideal for mixing.

Choosing the right type of equalizer for the job, whether a simple filter for cleanup or a full parametric EQ for surgical mixing, is key to achieving a professional sound.

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---

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