From Synthesis to EQ
A-Level Music Technology | 1.3 → 1.11 Bridge
Part 1
From 1.3 Synthesis
What You Already Know
These filter concepts from Topic 1.3 Synthesis are the foundation for understanding EQ. Click each card to reveal what you should already know.
Cards Revealed
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Filter Types - Key Definitions
FILTER TYPES (from 1.3 Synthesis):
• LPF (Low-Pass Filter): Allows frequencies BELOW the cutoff to pass. Removes high frequencies. Creates warm, dark sounds.
• HPF (High-Pass Filter): Allows frequencies ABOVE the cutoff to pass. Removes low frequencies. Creates thin, bright sounds.
• BPF (Band-Pass Filter): Allows only frequencies AROUND the cutoff to pass. Removes both highs and lows. Creates telephone/radio effect.
• Notch Filter: REMOVES frequencies at the cutoff point. The opposite of band-pass. Used for phaser effects when swept.
• LPF (Low-Pass Filter): Allows frequencies BELOW the cutoff to pass. Removes high frequencies. Creates warm, dark sounds.
• HPF (High-Pass Filter): Allows frequencies ABOVE the cutoff to pass. Removes low frequencies. Creates thin, bright sounds.
• BPF (Band-Pass Filter): Allows only frequencies AROUND the cutoff to pass. Removes both highs and lows. Creates telephone/radio effect.
• Notch Filter: REMOVES frequencies at the cutoff point. The opposite of band-pass. Used for phaser effects when swept.
Filter Parameters - Key Definitions
FILTER PARAMETERS:
• Cutoff Frequency: The frequency at which the signal is reduced by 3 dB (half power). Sweeping this creates the classic "wah" sound.
• Q / Resonance: Boosts frequencies at the cutoff point. Higher Q = more emphasis. Can create squelchy, acidic sounds and even self-oscillate.
• Slope (dB/octave): How steeply the filter attenuates. 24dB/oct (4-pole) = aggressive. 12dB/oct (2-pole) = gentle, musical.
• Cutoff Frequency: The frequency at which the signal is reduced by 3 dB (half power). Sweeping this creates the classic "wah" sound.
• Q / Resonance: Boosts frequencies at the cutoff point. Higher Q = more emphasis. Can create squelchy, acidic sounds and even self-oscillate.
• Slope (dB/octave): How steeply the filter attenuates. 24dB/oct (4-pole) = aggressive. 12dB/oct (2-pole) = gentle, musical.