- 1). Click on the “Track Info” pane and click in the box next to “Visual EQ.” EQ stands for "equalizer," which is a tool for boosting and cutting selected frequencies. It is typically used during mixing, to enhance and clarify sounds in the mix. But you you can use EQ to filter out sounds, too.
- 2). Click “Edit.” This makes the equalizer graphic appear. In the graphic is a curve, superimposed over a grid. The grid represents the current frequency spectrum. The vertical axis denotes amplitude and the horizontal axis represents frequency. The curve shows you which frequencies are prominent. If you hit “Play” you’ll notice that the curve moves as the frequencies change.
- 3). Hit “Play” and click on the curve. Drag it around the grid, below the center line, until you hear the instrumental go dull or “dip” in the mix. By pulling the curve around, you alter the frequency spectrum of the audio. By dragging the curve down, you cut out the corresponding frequency on the vertical axis. Eventually you’ll hit on a prominent instrumental frequency. For example, the snare drum is very distinct from the human voice.
- 4). Double-click on the curve when you notice that the unwanted instrumental is getting duller. This means the frequencies that make up the instrumental sounds are getting weaker as you pull the curve around. By double-clicking, you fix the selected frequency at the selected amplitude. This enables you to leave that frequency where it is, while honing in on other frequencies.
- 5). Move the curve around again and continue to suppress the unwanted frequencies. You’ll reach a point where the instrumental sounds are so dull and quiet they are barely discernible.
- 6). Move the curve up and enhance the vocal sounds. This is effectively doing the opposite of what you did to the instrumental. By boosting the vocal frequencies, you mask the already dull instrumental sounds. When you’re satisfied with the balance between vocals and instrumental, exit the equalizer, click “File” and save the project under a new name if you want to keep it for later.
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