An EQ curve featuring boosted low and high frequencies (or cut midrange frequencies). The term comes from how such an EQ curve appears on a graphic equalizer – it resembles a smile. Many listeners enjoy a smiley face EQ curve, as the hyped sound that results is both brighter and bassier, which sounds better at low volume levels. Some guitar players, particularly in metal styles, EQ their amp in this way, resulting in “scooped mids” with a lot of low end and bright top end.

For audio production work, this type of EQ should be avoided; rather the goal is for a flat response that allows for greater transportability of mixes.