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ASMR is gaining much popularity over the past time. It has the power to communicate with our autonomous system producing a tingling sensation rising from the scalp and spreading throughout the body. But inducing the effects is a delicate task. It can go both ways. If composed correctly, it can be the most relaxing thing one can hear, but if formulated roughly, it can be the most irritating thing one can come across. Your microphone plays a vital role in determining the quality of your ASMR audio, so you should know the Best Equalizer for ASMR Settings.
Here let me introduce my readers to the concept of an equalizer and how important a role it plays in an outstanding and genuinely relaxing ASMR.
So basically, your equalizer, as the name indicates, works to equalize your audio frequency. Once you set your equalizer settings, they closely work with the frequency, or in other words, you can say the color of your audio signal.
They emit the frequency that you find undesirable and work to enhance the frequency of your choice. It tends to alter the pitch of your audio and make it huskier and heavier. These traits make your ASMR effective. So in this article, I will be giving a close look at how you can enhance your ASMR by equalizer settings.
What is an ASMR?
ASMR refers to Autonomous Sensory Median Response. It refers to the feeling of deep relaxation that people feel when they hear a specific frequency. The feeling arises from the scalp and extends throughout the spine and to the other body parts. The sounds are therefore referred to as ASMR.
These sounds have gained incredible high popularity in recent years. Many YouTubers and podcasters have shifted to this niche of audio.
It consists of different sounds such as whispering, paper crumbling, eating food, combing hairs, etc.
Well, it’s tricky to capture such slight frequencies with perfection. Things can go the other way round, causing your viewer or listener to develop frustration and agitation, leading to one result, and that is drop-in views.
There are many microphones options available in the market that are specialists in providing a smooth ASMR effect to the audio, but they also require a proper setting and knowledge to be used properly.
What is an Equalizer?
Equalizer or EQ, as the name indicates, refers to equalizing the volume and frequencies of the audio. You set your EQ according to the predicted perfect frequency or volume of the audio. It filters out the audio signal from the audio that is either too loud or too soft for your choice.
It also regulates the decibel level for your audio. When you purchase a microphone, it’s written in the specifications what is the dB limit of that microphone. You regulate the loudness and frequency by using the equalizer. Here I will introduce my readers to another concept that most of you must have read in old school physics.
Audio changes color as it moves from one frequency range to the other, which is also known as audio signaling. We distinguish audio frequencies according to the changing colors of audio signals. The equalizer works closer with the coloring of the audio signals and keeps them in the desired range.
Types of Equalizers and Their Working
There are three types of equalizers available in the market. We Name them as Parametric equalizer, high pass, low pass filter, and graphic equalizer. Each of them performs a different function and works closely with distinguishing components of audio.
Here is how.
Parametric Equalizer
This equalizer works with the frequency of your audio. It either amplifies your frequency, lowers it, or cuts it off completely. The second factor on which the equalizer works is the bandwidth of the audio. It maintains a smooth difference between the high and low limits of the frequency. This factor is fundamentally essential in maintaining crisp and clear audio.
Last but not least, Is the control maintainer or control level its actual controller, which sets up all your desired settings for the audio. A parametric equalizer is available in all the audio editing software and apps. Here I would recommend my users to go for high-quality software such as Audacity. Because their EQ does exceptionally well.
Graphic Equalizer
The graphic equalizer is found with almost every signaling device such as home stereo systems, sound systems, studio amps, pedals, etc.
It comes in two various types one is with five bands, and the other is three bands.
These bands divide the frequencies into different parts. There is a knob for each section to fade or boost the frequency. Three bands usually are labeled as bass, mid and treble, respectively. Some professional graphic equalizers also consist of bands as many as 30 that divide the frequency into smaller sections. Doing so brings ease to the users and brings more accuracy to the results. A graphic equalizer is not efficient as previously discussed Parametric EQ is, but if settings are adjusted carefully it performs a pretty decent job.
High Pass and Low Pass Filters
High-pass and low-pass filters are part of every microphone. They are the simplest type of equalizer without involving any complex settings. A high pass filter allows high-range frequencies to pass through it while inhabiting the low-class frequencies. On the other hand, the low-pass filter performs the exact opposite. It permits the low-range frequencies to pass and blocks the high-band frequencies. For ASMR, you need a Low pass filter.
How to Adjust ASMR Equalizer Settings in Audio Editing Software?
The majority of users prefer audio editing software to get their audio done. Most of the software offers pretty good equalization settings for the audio. Here are the steps to adjust equalization settings on your device:
- Install the audio editing app on your device. I recommend Audacity.
- Connect your microphone to the device. Checking the audio quality before adjusting the settings will give you a clear idea about the values you need to change. So don’t miss this step.
- Go to the tab present at the top of the app and search for effects.
- From here, click the equalization option. Now select the choice of graphic equalization.
- The graphic equalization option works just like a manual Graphic EQ. It may consist of 31 different sliders that you can use to adjust the frequency of your audio. You can elevate the frequency. Depress it, or neglect a specific range by using these equalizers.
- After setting the equalizer, again test the audio.
For ASMR, you should adjust the equalizer settings to the low frequency and set the pass filter to the low pass filter. Once you have final, the adjustments Click on OK or Apply to confirm and retain them.
How to Adjust Manual Graphic Equalizer for ASMR?
Setting up equalizer settings on a manual graphic equalizer may be a tricky job.
Here are the steps you can follow to achieve a good ASMR setting using a graphic equalizer.
- Connect your equalizer to the microphone and output device.
- Test the audio.
- Adjust the frequencies to super low and mid-low, respectively, according to the need. Keep it between 600 to 850 Hz for best results.
- Switch on the low pass filter.
Look if the ASMR is giving perfect results. Repeat the sequence and adjust the frequencies again.
FAQs on Best EQ for ASMR
1. How can I make my ASMR sound better and effective?
You can make your ASMR sound better by bringing the source of sound closer to the microphone, directing the source directly to the microphone, using a windscreen or pop filter to avoid wind interference or obs. Choose an environment where other noises are not present. Check the microphone before starting recording, as internal sounds can interrupt the recording. Use good editing software for editing.
2 Which setting on Blue Yeti is best for ASMR?
Blue Yeti microphone is a multi-polar pattern microphone. It picks up the audio from all directions technically. The best audio setting for a microphone is a stereo pick-up pattern. It is ideal for recording three dimensions audio which is the fundamental demand to provoke an ASMR.
3 Can you do ASMR with Airpods?
Doing ASMR with AirPods is a good idea. It isolates the desired audio from the environment. AirPods can amplify and bring great clarity to the audio, with the frequency ranging between 20 Hz to 650 Hz. This is ideal to record ASMR consisting of whispers, crumbling, etc.
4 Which microphone I should choose to record ASMR?
ASMR goes quite well with all the microphones and even other devices such as built-in speakers of your cell phones and Airpods. Professionals recommend using condenser mics to record ASMR. As the condenser microphones have a sensitive microphone as compared to the other microphones and give a crisp audio quality.
Final Thoughts on ASMR EQ Settings
ASMR is a growing niche that is attracting the attention of people from all walks of life. ASMR is very delicate audio that needs special attention while recording. It can be calming if recorded accurately, but at the same time, it can go the other way round if recorded carelessly. Equalizer plays a vital role in the final output of the audio. EQ comes in three different types. Ranging from the digital EQ that we call parametric EQ to simple high and low bypass filters. You can choose according to your stage and experience. I recommend beginners start from the bypass filter and then ascend towards the thirty to thirty-one band frequency equalizer.
Another factor that plays a role in ASMR mic settings is the directionality of the source, the quality of your recording system, and editing.
By keeping all the factors in view you can record a good ASMR.
