Equalisation is the adjusting of specific frequencies to achieve a balanced mix. EQ began in the Telephone and radio broadcasting industry where EQ-like filters were used to balance frequencies and improve clarity. EQ in this era was mainly used for technical correction and simple adjusting such as removing hums unlike in today’s mixes.
With the rise of recording studios in the 1950s, EQ was used for more musical areas as multi-track recording became more popular as well. With this, EQ was being used more creatively as well, such as engineers using treble/bass tone controls. During this era, tube based EQs were also introduced by companies such as Pultec (e.g. the Pultec EQP-1A). Tube EQs are still used today for their broad and gentle boosts/cuts that sound natural and are greatly used for enhancing instrument tone.
Mixing was revolutionised in the 1970s through EQ by the invention of parametric EQ by George Massenburg which allowed precise control over frequency, bandwidth and gain. A few years later, with the rise of digital audio, digital EQs became common in DAWs and digital consoles.
EQ plugins began surpassing classic analog gear in the ears 2000s. Linear-phase EQs and dynamic EQs also emerged, allowing for more reactive control.
The development of EQs is useful in knowing which EQs are for what. In doing this research I have an understanding that EQs can be used for more than just correcting technical issues and can be used more creatively. Now that there are many different types of EQs, such as smart EQs which adapt EQ curves automatically or tube EQs which add a melodic and softness often used for vocals. With context, these methods can be used as they were intended for, or counteracted and used creatively for something else.
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