Instruments and Effects

Chapter 5 EQ 93
 Smoothing slider and field: Sets the amount of smoothing for the filter curve. A value
of 0.0 leaves the filter curve unchanged. At all other settings, the filter curve is
smoothed at a constant bandwidth, determined by the set value in semitones. For
example, a value of 1.0 means that the smoothing uses a bandwidth of one
semitone. A value of 4.0 produces a smoothing bandwidth of four semitones (a
major third), a value of 12.0 produces a bandwidth of one octave, and so on.
Note: Smoothing does not affect any manual changes you make to the filter curve.
 Fade Extremes pop-up menu (extended parameters): Choose On to smooth the filter
curve at the high and low extremes of the frequency spectrum.
Using the Match EQ
Match EQ is a learning equalizer that analyzes or learns the frequency spectrum of an
audio signal, such as, an audio file, a track input signal, or a template. You can also load
a previously saved plug-in settings file, or import the settings of another Match EQ
instance by copying and pasting.
Match EQ analyzes the average frequency spectrum of the source file (the template)
and of your project (the current material), then matches the two spectra, creating a
filter curve. This filter curve adapts the frequency response of the current material to
match that of the template. Before applying the filter curve, you can modify it by
boosting or cutting any number of frequencies, or by inverting the curve. The Analyzer
allows you to visually compare the frequency spectrum of the source file and the
resulting curve, making it easier to make manual corrections at specific points within
the spectrum.
You can use the Match EQ in different ways, depending on your intent and the audio
you’re working with. In general, you will want to make your mix sound similar to an
existing recording—either your own or that of another artist. Following is a common
usage example that you can adapt to your own workflow. In this example, you match
the frequency spectrum of a mix to the spectrum of a source audio file.
To match the EQ of a project mix to the EQ of a source audio file:
1 In the project you want to match to the source audio file, instantiate a Match EQ
(typically on Output 1-2).
2 Drag the source audio file onto the Template Learn button.
3 Return to the start of your mix, click Current Material Learn, then play your mix (the
current material) from start to finish.
4 When done, click Current Material Match (this automatically disengages the Current
Material Learn button).