Waves H-EQ User Manual
WAVES
H-EQ
HYBRID EQUALIZER
USER GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................
1.1
WELCOME.................................................................................................................3
PRODUCT OVERVIEW.................................................................................................3
1.2
CONCEPTS AND TERMINOLOGY..................................................................................4
1.3
COMPONENTS ...........................................................................................................7
1.4
CHAPTER 2 – QUICK START GUIDE.............................................................................
CHAPTER 3 – INTERFACE AND CONTROLS ...............................................................
INTERFACE................................................................................................................9
3.1
CONTROLS..............................................................................................................10
3.2
CHAPTER 4 – THE WAVESYSTEM..............................................................................
4.1
THE WAVESYSTEM TOOLBAR...................................................................................20
PRESET HANDLING..................................................................................................20
4.2
INTERFACE CONTROLS............................................................................................23
4.3
WAVES PREFERENCES (PRO TOOLS ONLY)..............................................................25
4.4
3
8
9
20
Chapter 1 – Introduction
1.1 Welcome
Thank you for choosing Waves! In order to get the most out of your Waves processor,
please take the time to read through this manual.
In conjunction, we also suggest that you become familiar with www.wavesupport.net
There you will find an extensive Answer Base, the latest Tech Specs, detailed
Installation guides, new Software Updates, and current information on Authorization
and Registration.
By signing up at www.wavesupport.net
your registered products, reminders when updates are available, and information on
your authorization status.
, you will receive personalized information on
.
1.2 Product Overview
Waves H-EQ is a powerful Hybrid Equalizer which features:
• Vintage and modern equalization curves inspired by the finest British and
American consoles
• Seven different filter types per band, including a newly-devel
oped, one-of-a-kind
asymmetrical bell filter
• An intuitive keyboard graphic that lets you choose frequencies by clicking on
notes
• An exclusive MS matrix mode so you can apply different EQ to Mid and Side
content
• A flexible real-time frequency spectrum analyzer with multiple display options
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User Guide
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1.3 Concepts and Terminology
The H-EQ has five parametric bands plus high and low pass filters,
with seven different
EQ types available for each band: US Vintage, UK Vintage 1, UK Vintage 2, US Modern,
UK Modern, Digital 1 and Digital 2.
Modes
• Linked/Stereo
– Both left and right channels receive the same EQ processing, as
with any stereo EQ.
• Unlinked/Dual – Different EQ processing may be applied to the left and r
ight
channels.
• MS Matrix – An MS matrix is applied which separates the stereo input
(Mid) and S (Sides), thus enabling you to apply different EQ to
into M
the M and S channels. This is helpful in mastering situations where centerpanned information may require different EQ processing than side-panned
content, or when you need to correct the stereo imaging of sources such as drum
overheads.
The Analog section provides control over the level of harmonics, hum, and noise levels
added to the
signal.
Anal
yzer
The H-EQ’s frequency analyzer presents a real-time graphical display of your input
signal, outp
ut signal or
both, as well as the EQ curve currently applied to your signal.
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User Guide
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Asymmetrical Filter
The H-EQ includes a newly-developed, one-of-a-kind asymmetrical bell filter (Digital 1),
which we have found ideally-suited for creative equalization
. It's important to note that
the Q for this filter does not change the width of the bell; rather, it controls the “tilt” of the
filter. Lower Q values are especially effective on low frequency signals like bass, kick
drum, and piano, while high Q settings work well on high frequency content such as
cymbals, strings, acoustic guitar, vocals and the like.
For example, when the Q is set all the way counter-clockwise (Q=1), the slope toward
the cutoff po
int is much
more gentle than the slope coming down from the cutoff point,
which is much steeper, scooping out some of the low mids. This creates a very musical
bell shape that is ideal for boosting or cutting low frequencies.
.
When the Q is set all the way clockwise (Q=100), it creates a mirrored slope where the
left side of t
he curve rises sharply and scoops out a bit before reaching the cutoff point,
with a very gentle slope descending toward the higher frequencies.
.
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User Guide
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Keyboard
The Keyboard is a unique feature of the H-EQ which lets you choose frequencies by
clicking on n
otes. Until now, all EQs have been frequency-based, making them easier to
use for engineers who are used to manipulating frequencies, but less for musicians who
are accustomed to dealing with notes. For example, many people know that A4 = 440
Hz; putting this information to practice and building on it while mixing is considerably
more complex. This is where the power of the Keyboard comes into play; you can now
move comfortably in both musical and engineering terms.
Let’s take a look at a couple of examples:
o You are a musician, and you hear a low E1 that’s somewhat out of control
coming from the bass gu
itar. Simply select the LF frequency control, click on E1
on the Keyboard, and the band frequency will snap to 41 Hz = E1. Or, you can
grab the blue note (LF marker) on the Keyboard and sweep it down to E1.
o You are an engineer, and your client (producer or musician) says that when the
sampled violins hit F6
it becomes harsh and painful. To turn down the offending
notes, select the HMF frequency, click F6 (1397 Hz) on the Keyboard, and
presto.
You can also create narrow notches that correspond to specific musical keys, and
in
automate them to produce interest
g resonant effects. The Keyboard opens up a new
world of creative and experimental EQ possibilities.
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User Guide
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1.4 Components
WaveShell technology enables us to split Waves processors into smaller plug-ins, which
we call components. Having a choice of components for a particular processor gives
the flexibility to choose the configuration best suited to your material.
H-EQ has two components:
• H-EQ Mono
• H-EQ Stereo
you
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User Guide
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Chapter 2 – Quick Start Guide
• Insert H-EQ on track.
• Select the Mode: Linked, Unlinked, or MS
• Select a Filter Type for each band. Toggle between the types and get to know
them, each has its own
unique-soun
ding curve.
• Adjust the Frequency, Q, and Gain parameters as with any EQ.
• Turn on Analog and toggle between types to find the one that adds the color
you find mo
st pleasing.
• Play back the song and watch the Analyzer to better understand your
frequency spectrum spread.
• Adjust the EQ accordingly.
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User Guide
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