Sometimes a precision, “surgical” EQ cut or boost is exactly what a track or channel needs to accentuate or remove a trouble frequency or to control feedback or resonances. But other times, a wider bandwidth EQ boost or cut can be just what’s needed to shape the overall frequency response of the track or channel.
Though the tendency of many engineers is to rely on narrow, surgical EQ for everything, a wider bandwidth, gentler boost or cut can be more musical sounding, with the slight adjustment gradually leveling out to normal over a wide frequency range sounding very natural.
There’s no denying that surgical EQ has its place. But the next time you think that you might want to subtly boost or cut a frequency, try expanding the bandwidth, making your change gradual, and see how it fits in. It might just be the secret sauce you’re looking for to shape the tone of your signal!