What is a Shelving EQ?

A shelving EQ is a type of equalizer that increases or decreases the level of all frequencies above or below a selected cutoff point rather than affecting only a narrow band.

There are two main types of shelving filters: low-shelf filters and high-shelf filters. A low-shelf filter boosts or cuts all frequencies below a chosen frequency, while a high-shelf filter affects all frequencies above a selected point.

Shelving EQs are commonly used in mixing and mastering to shape the overall tonal balance of a sound. For example, a high-shelf boost may add brightness to vocals or cymbals, while a low-shelf cut can reduce excessive bass or rumble in a mix.