On the Level meters to the right of each analyser plugin, the dark shade indicates the current peak level and the light shade indicates the current RMS level. For this reason you will probably find yourself monitoring RMS levels more closely than you will peak levels. The RMS level is closely proportional to the ear’s perception of loudness. Side note: Peak and RMS are explained further in the Dynamics Processing (mastering compressor) chapters, for now let me just say that peak is the highest level that the audio wave reaches, and RMS is an average of the various levels making up the waveforms. These are two snap shots taken from my spectrograph when playing a typical commercial pop song in Logic. Have a look at the following two images, one shows peak and one shows RMS. On the Level metres to the right of each spectrograph, the dark blue indicates peak levels and the light blue indicates RMS levels. The RMS level is closely proportional to the ears’ perception of loudness.
Peak and RMS are explained further in the Dynamics Processing chapters, for now let me just say that peak is the highest level that the audio wave reaches, and RMS is an average of the peaks. Have a look at the following two images, one shows peaks and one shows RMS. In fact, the actual frequency curve for commercial pop, when viewed on a spectrograph, can appear to take the shape of a bell curve. In most cases the fullest, or richest sounding music tends to have an even spread across most of the frequency range. The trick is to know what you are looking for. It can also play a musical role by exposing a hidden gem in a mix like the lush high mid of a synth pad, or the meaty low mid of a lead guitar. Generally it is used to bring tonal balance to a mix, although it can surgically correct problem frequencies like resonance. The skill of detecting what is required using mastering EQ will come as you practice the techniques found in this mastering tutorial.ĮQ in mastering has more than one use.
Even the slightest adjustments can have a detrimental impact on the whole mix. As I’ve mentioned, mastering EQ is possibly the most important tool you are ever likely to use.