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How to use the EQ and dynamics processor in DaVinci Resolve Fairlight

DaVinci Resolve Fairlight includes a 6-band parametric EQ with graphic display plus an expander/gate, compressor, and limiter on every track. This guide covers EQ setup, dynamics processing, and A/B auditioning.

How do you use the 6-band parametric EQ in DaVinci Resolve Fairlight?

Double-click the EQ area above any channel strip in the mixer to open the 6-band parametric equalizer. Each band can be set to low shelf, high shelf, bell, notch, or bandpass mode. The graphic display shows the EQ curve overlaid on the frequency spectrum. Drag control points directly on the graph to adjust frequency, gain, and Q width. Each track has its own EQ, independent of the six effect insert slots.

The 6-band EQ is available on every track without using an effect slot. Use it for essential tonal shaping — rolling off low-end rumble, reducing boxy mids, or adding air to vocals. The effect insert slots are reserved for additional Fairlight FX or third-party plugins.

For more DaVinci Resolve tips, read our guide on DaVinci Resolve AI Tools for Colorists and Editors.

Improve your audio workflow with How to adjust clip level, pan, and pitch in DaVinci Resolve Fairlight.

How do you set up the dynamics processor in Fairlight?

Double-click the Dynamics area on any channel strip to open the dynamics window. Three processors are available in series: an Expander/Gate, a Compressor, and a Limiter.

The Expander/Gate reduces the level of signals below a threshold. Use it to remove low-level noise between dialogue phrases. Set the Threshold just above the noise floor, adjust the Ratio (2:1 for gentle expansion, 10:1 for gating), and set the Attack and Release for natural-sounding opening and closing.

The Compressor reduces the dynamic range by attenuating signals above the threshold. Use it to even out vocal levels. Set the Ratio between 2:1 and 4:1 for natural compression on dialogue. Higher ratios (8:1 to 20:1) are for limiting and effect compression.

The Limiter prevents the signal from exceeding a set ceiling. Place it last in the dynamics chain to catch any remaining peaks. Set the Ceiling to -1 dB for broadcast delivery or -3 dB for streaming platforms.

How do you A/B audition EQ and dynamics settings?

Each EQ and dynamics processor includes an A/B comparison feature. Click the A/B button in the processor window to switch between two settings. Adjust one set of parameters for A, then switch to B and adjust differently. Toggle between them to compare. This is useful for trying different EQ curves or compression ratios without losing your original setting.

Presets can be saved for both EQ and dynamics. Click the preset menu to save the current settings. Saved presets are available on any track in any project.