Dynamic EQ
A band that moves only above a threshold, doing less collateral damage than a static EQ.
Related
The question
A static EQ cuts the quiet passages and the loud ones alike. A dynamic EQ changes a band only when its level passes a threshold, reaching in only when needed.
How it works
A dynamic EQ combines a band-pass detector with a gain stage. When the chosen band exceeds the threshold, it is cut or boosted by a ratio. It can act on one bell or follow a sidechain. Its band is narrower than multiband compression and closer to an EQ shape, suiting resonance rather than overall dynamics. Threshold, attack and release set how fast it engages and leaves.
Settings and what you hear
Place the frequency at the problem, set Q between 1 and 3, and start with 3 dB of range. Attack of 1 to 10 ms catches transients; release of 50 to 200 ms follows phrases. To tame boxiness, set the threshold above normal singing so it acts on loud notes only; to add presence, reverse the direction.
What to listen for
On piano, find the low boom and let the dynamic EQ cut 3 dB only on strong chords; quiet playing stays untouched. On a voice, set 3 kHz to trigger on shouts and hear sibilance separate from the shout.
Common misconceptions
That a dynamic EQ is just a compressor; that it replaces all manual automation; that it can only cut and never boost.
Listen in the library
All tracks from midicn-lib — inline badge is the license tier (C1 commercial / C2 non-commercial / C3 study only).
Sources
- Udo Zölzer, DAFX — Digital Audio Effects, filters and dynamics sections — background checked, not quoted
- Bristow-Johnson, Cookbook Formulae for Audio EQ Biquad Filter Coefficients — filter shapes checked, not quoted
Used for fact-checking only; all prose is original.