difference between low cut and low shelf?

[yummy]

Something I've been wondering for a while: what exactly is the difference between a 'low cut' and a 'low shelf' and what's the best way to use each of these different filter types? Also, what's the difference between a 'bell' filter with reduced gain vs. a notch filter?

thanks for the help

[Echoi]

The answer can be found here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equalization

[yummy]

The answer can be found here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equalization

yeah, i've already read that.

"A pass filter attenuates either high or low frequencies while allowing other frequencies to pass unfiltered. Shelving-type equalizers increase or attenuate the level of a wide range of frequencies by a fixed amount."

that's kind of a vague explanation, especially to my noob brain, and it doesn't really answer my question of when to use one vs. the other. i was kinda hoping for something a bit more practical. i'm guessing that pass filters completely remove frequencies above or below the cutoff, whereas shelf filters remove frequencies above or below the cutoff more gradually, rather than completely removing them. is this true?

[Echoi]

Basically shelving filters ignore certain frequencies whilst boosting or cutting others.

[3za]

a low shelf reduces, or increases low frequency by a set amount of db. so all frequency under the set amount will be change by the same amount of db.

were as low cut (hi-pass) rolls off low frequency, using a db per octive curve, ie 24 db/oct.

it is simple stuff but its a bit hard to explain, so if this don't help you just holla, and i will post up some screen shots.

[mickledan]

like the Q factor?

[yummy]

holla holla holla if you would be so kind to post some screen shots, or at least elaborate a bit more, that would be wicked

i guess the main thing i'm having trouble getting my head around is when and why would you use one over the other?

thanks for your help 3za!

[sinehere]

Very crude but hopefully you get the idea...

Click me!

[3za]

Low shelf


Hi-pass (low cut)

[yummy]

so one would use a cut (rather than shelf) if you wanted SOME frequencies to come thru either above or below the cutoff (relative to which type of cut you're using)?

and if a shelf affects all frequencies above or below the cutoff at the same db, wouldn't it better to use a shelf for getting rid of, say, bass frequencies from instruments not primarily sitting in that frequency range - such as with hi hats - to avoid frequency clashing with sub/mid-bass?

sorry, not sure i'm understanding correctly.

[3za]

so one would use a cut (rather than shelf) if you wanted SOME frequencies to come thru either above or below the cutoff (relative to which type of cut you're using)?

and if a shelf affects all frequencies above or below the cutoff at the same db, wouldn't it better to use a shelf for getting rid of, say, bass frequencies from instruments not primarily sitting in that frequency range - such as with hi hats - to avoid frequency clashing with sub/mid-bass?

sorry, not sure i'm understanding correctly.

you got it twisted a bit.

when it comes to rolling off low frequencies you would normal use a hi-pass filter, because the lower you go down from the cutoff point the more reduction in db (as you can see the slope in the picture)

where as with the low shelf, you would use when say you have a bass sound that has to much, or to little low end. it works as a control to turn up, or lower the frequencies down their.

hope it is all clear now.

[Ldizzy]

u could also prolly stick it to a sound and play with it for a couple minutes.

turn all the knobs. do A/Bs

could help too...

[tavravlavish]

u could also prolly stick it to a sound and play with it for a couple minutes.

turn all the knobs. do A/Bs

could help too...

[yummy]

u could also prolly stick it to a sound and play with it for a couple minutes.

turn all the knobs. do A/Bs

could help too...

eh, already did this and heard a slight difference, but didn't walk out of the experience any the wiser as far as technical understanding goes. but thanks anyway

[sinehere]

Right I've tried to make it as simple as possible:

LOW SHELF / HI SHELF = Increase or decrease volume of selected frequency
LOW CUT = Completely remove all sound below selected frequency
HI CUT = Completely remove all sound above selected frequency

Basically, if you want to say... give a guitar sample more or less bass, you would use a LOW SHELF to increase or decrease the bass frequencies

However if you wanted to remove the bass frequencies you would use a LOW CUT to (as the name suggests) CUT the bass out of the sample...

If you do not understand the difference now, I will photograph myself doing a facepalm.

Anyway I hope you understand

[yummy]

Right I've tried to make it as simple as possible:

LOW SHELF / HI SHELF = Increase or decrease volume of selected frequency
LOW CUT = Completely remove all sound below selected frequency
HI CUT = Completely remove all sound above selected frequency

Basically, if you want to say... give a guitar sample more or less bass, you would use a LOW SHELF to increase or decrease the bass frequencies

However if you wanted to remove the bass frequencies you would use a LOW CUT to (as the name suggests) CUT the bass out of the sample...

If you do not understand the difference now, I will photograph myself doing a facepalm.

Anyway I hope you understand

that's about as straightforward as it gets, and exactly what i was looking for. thanks mate

[therapist]

Very crude but hopefully you get the idea...

Click me!

Fucking lol at that. Perfect explanation, just funny.

[yummy]

Very crude but hopefully you get the idea...

Click me!

hah, didn't realize you wrote in explanations to the side. thought it was just a visual representation....guess i should've clicked as per you telling me to do so

either way thanks man i appresh you helping

[Ldizzy]

u could also prolly stick it to a sound and play with it for a couple minutes.

turn all the knobs. do A/Bs

could help too...

eh, already did this and heard a slight difference, but didn't walk out of the experience any the wiser as far as technical understanding goes. but thanks anyway

yeah sometimes reading gives a crazy quantum leap. god bless DSF

[staticcast]

Right I've tried to make it as simple as possible:

LOW SHELF / HI SHELF = Increase or decrease volume of ---> the stuff below/above the <--- selected frequency
LOW CUT = Completely remove all sound below selected frequency
HI CUT = Completely remove all sound above selected frequency

Basically, if you want to say... give a guitar sample more or less bass, you would use a LOW SHELF to increase or decrease the bass frequencies

However if you wanted to remove the bass frequencies you would use a LOW CUT to (as the name suggests) CUT the bass out of the sample...

If you do not understand the difference now, I will photograph myself doing a facepalm.

Anyway I hope you understand

fixed

otherwise correct