Dynamic EQ
An EQ that only moves when it has to
A normal EQ cut is always on. A dynamic EQ band works like a small compressor at one frequency: it stays still until that spot gets too loud, then turns it down, and lets go again. So a vocal that only gets harsh on its high notes stays open everywhere else. Sculpt is a 24-band EQ where any band can work this way, and you set it up by dragging dots on your sound.
How to use a dynamic EQ
- Find the problem first: play the part where it happens and sweep a narrow boost until the bad spot jumps out. Harshness on vocals usually sits between 2 and 6 kHz.
- Put a band there and make it fairly narrow, so it only touches the problem.
- Make the band dynamic and lower the threshold until it moves only on the bad moments. In the other parts it shouldn't move at all.
- Set how far it may cut: 2 to 6 dB is usually plenty. Start with a fast attack for harsh peaks and a release that doesn't pump.
- Bypass it at the same loudness and listen. If the band is moving all the time, the problem is always there, so a normal EQ cut is simpler.
Watch it explained: Sound harsh and you can't tell why? Tame the resonances
What you get with Sculpt
- Up to 24 bands: bell, shelves, tilt, notch, band pass, and low and high cuts from 6 to 96 dB/oct
- Dynamic EQ on any band: it only moves when the sound crosses the threshold, with an external sidechain too
- Live spectrum before and after, plus other Sculpt tracks and where they clash
- Grab a peak in the spectrum and a band lands right on it
- Each band on stereo, left, right, mid or side
- Zero latency, or linear phase in three resolutions for the master
- Listen to just what one band touches
- Auto gain for fair A/B, gain scale for the whole curve, undo and redo
- 57 presets for vocals, drums, instruments, mix bus and fixes
Questions
When should I use a dynamic EQ instead of a normal EQ?
When the problem comes and goes: a note that rings, S sounds, a bass note that booms. If the problem is there all the time, a normal cut does the job and is easier to set.
What's the difference between a dynamic EQ and a multiband compressor?
A multiband compressor splits the sound into wide bands and compresses each one, which is good for shaping a whole range. A dynamic EQ band can be very narrow and keeps the shape of an EQ band, so it's the cleaner tool for one specific problem. Most dynamic EQs can boost as well as cut.
Can a dynamic EQ replace a de-esser?
Often, yes. Put a band on the S sounds, usually somewhere between 5 and 10 kHz, and make it dynamic. A dedicated de-esser can be quicker to set up, while a dynamic EQ lets you choose the exact shape.
Is a dynamic EQ the same as a resonance suppressor?
They're related. A dynamic EQ works on the bands you choose. A resonance suppressor like our Hush finds the ringing frequencies by itself, like hundreds of tiny dynamic bands. Use a dynamic EQ when you know the spot, and a suppressor when many spots keep moving.
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