In audio technology, EQ (equalization) refers to the process of adjusting the balance between different frequency components of an audio signal. EQ types are specifically designed tools that allow sound engineers to manipulate frequencies in different ways. The types of EQ generally fall into categories like graphic, parametric, shelving, and band-pass, among others.
A parametric EQ is a type of equalizer that offers control over three primary parameters:
Frequency – the specific frequency to be adjusted.
Gain – the amount of boost or cut applied to the selected frequency.
Q (Quality Factor) – the bandwidth or range of frequencies affected around the selected frequency.
Unlike other choices, a parametric EQ provides precise control over these settings, making it highly versatile in audio production. The other options are not types of EQ but rather different types of audio processing tools:
Gate: Used to control the amplitude of an audio signal, often to suppress noise below a certain threshold.
Limiter: A dynamics processor that prevents a signal from exceeding a set level.
Compressor: Reduces the dynamic range of an audio signal by attenuating louder parts above a threshold.
CTS Technology Specialist ReferenceThe use of parametric EQ is a standard practice in AV system design, as outlined in the CTS (Certified Technology Specialist) training materials, which discuss various EQ types and their applications in optimizing audio fidelity. Parametric EQs are favored in professional settings for their flexibility and control over specific frequencies, as compared to fixed-frequency or limited-band EQs.