Mastering EQ, what should the spectrum look like?

[Smashmello]

Hey guys,
I watched a few turials on how the frequency spectrum should look like for a nicely balanced, loud and linear sound. But I've heard two different things. The one says that all frequencies should be of the same loudness to be balanced, another one says that it should look like a linear falling graph, with louder basses and quieter highs. Since I recently got apqualizer (an EQ that lets you see the whole frequency spectrum in contrast to good ol' fruity eq) I was really wondering what would be the right way. Maybe someone here knows something to that topic

 

[Wallengard]

First off the spectrum analyzer is a great tool, for spotting various things that can otherwise be tricky to hear. But on the other hand I don't really think you should be looking at a spectrum analyzer for your mastering EQ just to be able to figure out whether or not the track is well balanced. If your spectrum analyzer shows a relatively straight line on your master I'd say you definitely did something wrong

 

[bandcoach]

consider the Fletcher-Munson and the later Iso-Phon curves - the basics are that we are less sensitive to low frequency sounds and high frequency sounds, so tend to push more energy into the low and high ends of the audio spectrum when mixing live or in the studio for a song to sound balanced across the spectrum

 

[krushing]

Consider using your ears instead of trying to get a spectrum analyzer to look "right". It's like driving a car by listening to the traffic.

 

[Smashmello]

Thanks for all your answers! I will definitely read into fletcher-munson curves.
@krushing: I do that mostly but my krk's are not the most linear speakers in the world and using just my ear will result in a great song on those, but not on my fathers shitty speakers for example. whereas commercially mastered songs also sound good on his. That's what I was wondering about.

 

[krushing]

@krushing: I do that mostly but my krk's are not the most linear speakers in the world and using just my ear will result in a great song on those, but not on my fathers shitty speakers for example.

Nor are my Genelecs in my untreated room, so I'll just try to listen on multiple systems (such as those shitty speakers) to identify problem areas Someone said it well when it comes to spectrum analyzers and "visual" EQs: "use them only to verify what you're already hearing and not the other way around and you'll be good".

 

[Smashmello]

Okay thanks, that's some advice I can clearly follow on!

 

[jordonrenn]

I agree with Krushing, that is really the best way to get good dynamics that sounds good on multiple different systems. But i usually try and have my highs and lows similar levels with a slight dip in the lower mids. It seems to work for me. I either use multiband limiting or just EQ.