EQ Demystified: What to Cut, What to Boost, and Why
Equalization: It’s one of the most essential — and most misunderstood — tools in the recording and mixing process. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive deep into the mysterious world of EQ, breaking down the most common types, what they do, and how to use them like a pro.
Should you be boosting? Cutting? Or doing both? What’s the real difference between corrective EQ and creative EQ? The duo explores how each approach plays a role depending on whether you’re shaping tone, fixing issues, or adding that elusive polish to a mix.
From shelves and bells to parametric sculpting and subtractive strategies, you’ll get a clear, practical breakdown that helps you move beyond guesswork — no matter your DAW or skill level.
Whether you’re working with vocals, guitars, or full mixes, this episode offers recording setup tips and home studio gearadvice that can elevate your sound instantly. Plus, as always, you can count on a dash of nonsense and a few unexpected audio metaphors along the way.
We do give a little tribute to Eddie Van Halen in this episode as well.
Shoutout to: Waves, Fab Filter, Pultec, iZotope, Maag, Marcel Jacob, BOSS, Steven Slate, Seymour Duncan, TSE Bass Overdrive, BOSS GT-1000CORE, and Justin Sayne.
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Gear we used:
Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E
Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E
Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.
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If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com