6 Top Ways to Get the Most Out of Any Dynamic Eq Plugin in a Mix
Dynamic EQ is a versatile tool used by mixing (and sometimes mastering) engineers for both problem-solving and creative purposes. If you're unsure how it works or how it differs from traditional EQ, or if you're already familiar it but want to explore new techniques then this article has you covered.
What is a Dynamic EQ?
A Dynamic EQ is similar to any everyday EQ, yet it takes the basic functionality with multiple bands and allows each band to act like a compressor or expander on the frequencies passing through it.
The chief benefit of a dynamic EQ is that a band’s processing isn’t “always on” – instead, a cut or boost is usually set to change in power (level) only as the signal level through particular frequencies increases.
This means a dynamic EQ can be placed to reduce harshness, unwanted resonances and so on only when they occur, leaving those frequencies untouched when these problems aren’t being experienced.
F6 Floating-Band Dynamic EQ is ideal for isolating specific problems on individual tracks and addressing them transparently only when they pop out. The plugin’s advanced mid-side processing capabilities give you even greater ability to carve out EQ space in a busy mix, so you can breathe more life into your mixes.
Why and When Would I Use a Dynamic EQ?
Put simply, you can use a dynamic EQ when you have problems at particular frequencies that need a solution that comes and goes alongside that problem.
Focused Sidechain Ducking for Kick and Bass
If you’re mixing kick and bass, you might benefit from a dynamic EQ shelving band that compresses just the low frequencies of the bass whenever the kick plays, thanks to a sidechain input from the kick feeding the band on the bass.
Using Dynamic EQ on Multi-Mic'd Recordings with Bleed
Dynamic EQ is a powerful tool for managing bleed in multi-mic'd recordings. For example, when a drum kit element bleeds into another microphone's channel, a dynamic EQ can help isolate the desired instrument. The EQ band reacts only when the target frequencies reach a certain threshold, allowing it to process the main signal while leaving quieter bleed largely unaffected. This approach maintains clarity without compromising the natural sound of the recording.
Reducing Resonances
For drums, cymbals, guitars, vocals, reverb… well, anything – resonances can build up. When cutting these out, using solely EQ is a static solution that’s “always on”, reducing these frequencies even when they aren’t present. Some tight notches of Dynamic EQ can solve these problems only when they appear.
Need quick and easy resonance suppression? Try Curves Equator for its signal-soothing benefits.
Control Reverb on a Vocal
Vocals can be very dynamic, which is one reason they sound great, one reason they (generally) need compression, and one reason why vocal reverb can be very dynamic too. What if your reverb swells too much while the vocals are loud, but its settings work perfectly at lower levels? Here, dynamic EQ bands can be set up on the reverb at key vocal frequencies ranges, reducing these frequencies only when the swell gets out of control.
Careful Mastering EQ Tweaks
Dynamic EQ may be the best type of mastering EQ, as it can have an impact at precise points without affecting the whole track. If resonances, instruments or frequencies get too over-the-top at points, a dynamic EQ can curtail these without touching the output when things are more middle-of-the-road.
For more examples of use cases for dynamic EQ, read our article, How and When to Use Dynamic EQ.
Can Dynamic EQ Act as an Expander as Well as a Compressor?
Dynamic EQ bands can also be set to work as compressors or expanders. In our F6 Dynamic EQ, the Range control lets you modify the cut or boost behavior once the threshold has been breached.
In fact, you can run the whole gamut of compression and expansion using a dynamic EQ: an EQ cut can be set to cut more or cut less, while an EQ boost can be set to boost more or boost less. Using the Gain and Range controls, as well as the Threshold, F6 can act as an upward compressor, downward expander, upward expander or downward compressor.
The dynamic approach minimises any sharpness in the mix, soothing sounds together to create that lush, wide sound you hear in your favourite work. Your music’s dynamic becomes the navigator, giving elements the space to sing without dominating the mix and evolving as the track progresses.
How Can I Use Dynamic EQ With a Sidechain?
Let’s say there is some competition between your lead vocal and instruments fighting for the same space in a mix. F6 can be used to carve out a spot for the lead, without impacting the width or fullness of your mix.
For example, you could carve a section of lower mid-range in your guitars and route your vocals to the sidechain input on that EQ band. This way, whenever the vocal is present, the band will dip, preventing the vocal form becoming buried by the guitars, as well as maintaining their warmth and thickness when the vocals are not present.
Step By Step: Using F6 Dynamic EQ to Carve Out Space For a Vocal
The first step is to group your instruments to a stereo bus and add F6. Route the lead vocal to the F6 as an external sidechain.
- Switch Band 4 Mode to M (Mid Channel)
- Switch Band 4 SC Source to EXT
- Set Band 4 frequency to desired Hz (1600hz)
- Widen the Q to desired size (0.6)
- Set range to desired dB (-2.5)
Now play the audio parts together and notice the vocal’s input on the Threshold SC Meter. The position indicator on the Threshold knob indicates whether Band 4’s Threshold is above or below the lead vocal’s input level.
Slowly lower the Threshold. When Threshold falls below the level of the singer, the band’s compressor will begin to attenuate the mid channel. The amount is indicated by the Total Curve on the Graph - now adjust to your liking!
The F6 Floating-Band Dynamic EQ is very flexible since the frequency, width, sidechain mode, and the EQ type of each band can be set individually. This allows you to assign separate EQ and dynamic processes to different frequency bands of a signal.
What’s the Difference Between a Compressor and a Dynamic EQ?
A dynamic EQ can act like multiple compressors with different settings over different areas of the frequency spectrum. A compressor works over the entire frequency spectrum to reduce the dynamic range of a signal by reducing its level when it crosses a threshold. A single band of dynamic EQ can act as a compressor on a specific range of frequencies, and multiple bands can be set up to compress different ranges of the spectrum with different settings.
What’s the Difference Between a Multiband Compressor and a Dynamic EQ?
A multiband compressor consists of several compressor or dynamics devices (usually four) separated by frequency bands. A dynamic EQ such as Waves F6 as an EQ whose bands are able to act like compressor or expander devices.
In a multiband compressor, you'd typically find more detailed dynamics controls—like attack, release, and knee settings—geared toward precision. On the other hand, a dynamic EQ often offers more EQ-focused controls, such as Q settings, for a broader, more flexible approach to problem-solving.
F6’s bands are able to overlap, making it different from a multiband setup, where there are definite boundaries between ranges.
What’s Different About Dynamic EQ?
A Dynamic EQ is different to both dynamics devices and EQ devices, but contains elements of both. In a Dynamic EQ, each band can take on the ability to compress or expand the signal running through it.
The usage of a Dynamic EQ is also different: it may be used partly as a regular EQ, but certain bands may be activated as dynamic bands.
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