How the EQ Guide for IEMs Is Structured, and Whether You Need to Read It in Order

Updated

You do not need to read the EQ Guide for IEMs in order. The guide explicitly states there is no required sequence and recommends opening whichever section you need as you progress. It is organized into seven main sections plus a changelog and an FAQ/contact page, all reachable from a table of contents on the left, with a secondary menu on the right of each page for topics within that page.

The seven main sections

Section What it covers
Audio & EQ Basics Foundational knowledge, summarized
How to EQ Detailed instructions and information on the EQ process
Case Studies Demonstrations of EQ in different contexts
Rigs, Curves, & Targets Metrology and preference testing
Measurement Databases Examination of relevant and popular measurement databases
Myths & Misconceptions Common mistaken assumptions, examined and debunked
Additional Tools Other EQ/measurement tools, with instructions

Two further pages sit alongside these: a changelog recording every change daily, and an FAQ/Contact page.

How to navigate it

  • Use the left table of contents to move between the main sections.
  • Use the right-side menu on each page to jump to specific topics within that page.
  • Treat the sections as reference material rather than a course. The guide itself suggests checking and reading sections "when you want or need to as you progress."

What to expect before you start

The guide describes itself as really long and not meant to be an easy read; it requires active effort and participation from the reader. Some basic theory is summarized, but a general understanding of the hearing system, audio, and waves is useful going in.

If you want a quicker introduction, the guide points to a condensed alternative: in squig.link databases, the Equalizer tab has a yellow question-mark button that presents a small chunk of the guide's content in shortened form, suitable for most people who want a brief intro without the details.

A practical way to approach it

  1. Start with Audio & EQ Basics if you are new, since later sections assume foundational knowledge.
  2. Jump to How to EQ when you are ready to actually apply EQ, and use Case Studies alongside it for context.
  3. Dip into Rigs, Curves, & Targets and Measurement Databases when you need to interpret measurements or choose a target.
  4. Check Myths & Misconceptions whenever a claim you have read elsewhere seems questionable.
  5. Use Additional Tools when you want to go beyond basic EQ work.

Readers who only want a fast start can use the squig.link condensed guide first and return to the full guide for depth.