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Table Of Contents
64 Chapter 5 EQ
Frequency Ranges Used With EQ
All sounds can be thought of as falling into one of three basic frequency ranges: bass,
midrange, or high (or treble). These can each be further divided to include low bass,
low and high midrange, and low and high highs. The following table describes some of
the sounds that fall into each range:
Note: The frequencies shown for each range are approximate. Any division of sound
into frequency ranges is somewhat arbitrary, and is meant only to give a general
indication of each range.
Name Frequency range Description
High High 8–20 kHz Includes cymbal sounds and highest harmonics of
instruments. Boosting frequencies in this range slightly can
add sparkle and presence.
High 5–8 kHz This range corresponds roughly to the treble tone control
on a stereo. Boosting frequencies in this range can add
brightness and shine.
Low High 2.5–5 kHz Includes the higher harmonics of voices and musical
instruments. This range is important for adding presence.
Excessive boosting in this range can sound shrill or harsh.
High Midrange 1.2–2.5 kHz Includes the consonants of voices and the high harmonics
of musical instruments, especially brass instruments.
Excessive boosting in this range can create a pinched, nasal
sound.
Midrange 750 Hz–1.2 kHz Includes the vowels of voices and the harmonics of musical
instruments that create tone color.
Low Midrange 250–750 Hz Includes the fundamentals and lower harmonics of voices
and musical instruments; careful EQing of each can keep
them from competing. Excessive boosting in this range can
result in muddy and unclear audio; excessive cutting can
produce thin-sounding audio.
Bass 50–250 Hz Corresponds roughly to the bass tone control on a stereo.
Includes the fundamental frequencies of voices and of
musical instruments. Excessive boosting in this range can
sound boomy and thick.
Low Bass 50 Hz and below Also called sub bass. Very little of the sound of voices or
musical instruments falls in this range. Many sound effects
used in movies, such as explosions and earthquakes, fall in
this range.