Does the amount of information displayed in parametric equalizers impact decision making and workflow?

Abstract: Mixing audio is not only an aural activity, but also, becoming increasingly more visual, and connections between the engineer’s action and interface are not yet fully understood. This study aimed to investigate how different amounts and types of data displayed in parametric equalizers impact mix decisions and workflow. A usability test with audio engineer students were conducted. The test consisted of three different interfaces with variable information displayed and subjects were to perform six common equalization tasks. Two categories of stimuli were used, surgical and aesthetic. The parameters that were measured was effectiveness, efficiency, workflow, and preference. A post session questionnaire was also conducted. Each interface and category were compared and a t-test for each comparison were conducted. Task completion and time for task completion were determined and calculated. Eight t-tests were also conducted between interfaces. Parameters adjusted, order of adjustment, and most used parameter were determined. Preference ratings were categorized and analyzed. The results show that the EQ with graphic display performed better for the surgical category. Significant differences were also found for the surgical category between interfaces with most dissimilarities. The workflow tended to alternate between interface designs. The preference rating showed a clear preference for the interface with graphic display.