PARA EQ vs. Multi-Band EQ

[illuminationexcursion]

Would appreciate if fellow softies who have experience with audio mixing can explain the difference between PARA EQ and Multi-Band EQ. Which is better for what kind of use? How do you use it?

So far, my limited understanding of it is this.

With a PARA EQ, you can fix the frequency center and using the Q to fix the bandwidth affected before increasing of attenuating. The effect is that of a bell with the frequencies surround the frequency center affected more than those further away.

With a 31-Band Level EQ, each band corresponds to approximately 1/3 octaves. Because there is no Q, every frequency within that band is affected and is increased or attenuated by the same amount?

So do you guys record the tracks dry and put it through the EQ? What is the setup like?

Thanks

 

[squarehero]

Personally, I am not a user of Multi band eq/Graphical eq. This is because it is unlikely you need to cut/boost at 31 fixed bands at any one time. Usually, 4 bands is enough for me.

Being a user of Parametric EQs in DAWs, i find them pretty convenient and allow me to be very accurate as to which frequencies to affect.

A point of note, a higher Q would cause more unnatural tone changes compared to a lower Q. Higher Qs are useful for cutting out irritating frequencies like hisses though.

 

[Enjaykayb]

A graphic EQ divides the audio spectrum into a number of preset bands of equal width, and allows you to individually boost or cut each band. Many home stereos have graphic EQs, and you can hear their effect by moving their slider controls up or down. The more bands and the greater the amount of boost and cut, the more precisely you can control the effect. Since the boost/cut amounts are usually determined by the positions of vertical sliders on the unit's front panel, a graphic EQ gives you a visual representation of how it alters the input; hence, the name "graphic."

A parametric equalizer breaks the frequency spectrum into only a few bands, but it gives you control over three parameters that define each band: center frequency, bandwidth, and boost/cut amount. While graphic EQs offer a wide but preset selection of center frequencies, parametrics allow you to zero in on exactly the frequency you want, such as the sizzle of a snare drum's snares. With a parametric EQ you can narrow the effect to emphasize just the brightest portion of the snares, or widen it to emphasize a broader, heavier part of the snare drum's spectrum. The boost/cut control on a parametric is the same as the boost/cut control provided by graphic equalizers.

Hope that helps...