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322 Chapter 23 Ultrabeat
The shelving EQ is activated by pressing the upper of the two EQ Type buttons. The peak
EQ is activated by pressing the lower of the two EQ Type buttons.
Note: The shelving filter in band 1 offers a low shelving EQ while the shelving filter in
band 2 features a high shelving EQ. Low shelving means that the frequencies below the
set frequency are affected. High shelving affects frequencies above the set frequency.
Note: Shelving EQs function similarly to synthesizer lowpass and highpass filters. The
fundamental difference: while lowpass and highpass filters merely dampen certain
frequencies (filter them out), shelving EQs also allow these frequencies to be boosted.
The EQ Gain knob is bipolar. Positive values (turned to the right) boost a certain
frequency range as determined by the EQ Type and Hz settings. Negative gain values (to
the left) lower the gain of the frequency range. If the Gain knob set to the mean value
of 0, the EQ has no effect.
Note: You can also return this knob to its neutral position by Option-clicking on it.
Alternately, you can click on the tiny 0 above the EQ Gain knob.
The frequency (measured in scale units called Hertz) is set by click-dragging vertically
on the Hz parameter field. This determines the frequency range to be boosted or
reduced.
Note: Option-clicking the Hz parameter returns its value to a neutral position. This is
200 Hz for the first band and 2000 Hz for the second. The selection of these default
frequencies was made in accordance with the different shelving characteristics of each
frequency band. Band 1 is designed to filter low frequencies and band 2, high
frequencies.
The Q factor is regulated by click-dragging vertically on the Q parameter field. The
effect of Q on the sound is heavily dependent on the selected EQ Type:
• With shelving filters, as the Q value goes up, the area around the threshold frequency
becomes more pronounced.
• With the peak EQ, Q determines the width of the frequency band selection: low Q
values select a broad band while high Q values select a very narrow band to be
boosted or reduced with the Gain control.
Editing the EQ Bands Graphically
The EQ bands each have their own display which shows changes on a frequency
response curve. The display provides immediate access to the Gain, Hz, and Q EQ
parameters. Just grab the graphical frequency response curve with the mouse, and
alter it by moving the mouse vertically and/or horizontally! Horizontal moves change
the EQ frequency, and vertical moves influence the Gain. At the peak (maximum point)
of the EQ, a handle can be dragged vertically to change the Q factor. This procedure is
much like that used in Logic’s Channel EQ.