How to make a professional sound recording on a small budget

Part 8 - Use EQ and compression to shape the sound

Even without expensive plugins or hardware, you can use basic EQ and compression tools to shape the sound of your recordings and improve their overall balance and volume.

EQ, or equalization, is a tool that allows you to adjust the frequency response of your recordings. By boosting or cutting specific frequency ranges, you can emphasize or reduce certain aspects of the sound. For example, you can boost the bass frequencies of a kick drum to make it punchier, or reduce the high frequencies of a guitar to make it less harsh.
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When using EQ, it's important to be subtle and avoid making drastic changes. A little bit of EQ can go a long way, and too much boosting or cutting can result in a thin, unnatural sound.

Compression is another tool

that can help shape the sound of your recordings. Compression works by reducing the dynamic range of a recording, which means it reduces the difference between the loudest and softest parts of the sound. This can help even out the overall volume and make the recording sound more consistent.

When using compression, it's important to be careful not to overdo it. Too much compression can result in a squashed, lifeless sound. Start with a low ratio and threshold, and adjust as needed.

Both EQ and compression can be used creatively to achieve different sounds and styles. For example, you can use compression to add sustain to a guitar or boost the attack of a snare drum. EQ can be used to create a lo-fi, vintage sound by reducing the high frequencies and boosting the low frequencies.
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Overall, using EQ and compression to shape the sound of your recordings is an important step in achieving a professional-sounding final product. While there are many advanced tools and techniques available, even basic EQ and compression can make a big difference in improving the quality and balance of your recordings.

​By Vladimir Gilis