EQ explained: frequencies every producer should know
An equalizer shapes the frequency content of a sound. Knowing which frequencies to cut and boost changes everything about how you mix.
EQ (equalization) is the tool you use to adjust the balance of frequencies in a sound. Every instrument occupies a range of the frequency spectrum, and EQ lets you control how much of each range is present.
Cutting unwanted frequencies is almost always more powerful than boosting. A good mixing EQ session removes problems rather than adding color.
The frequency spectrum
The audible spectrum runs from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz). Each region has a distinct character.
- Sub bass (20-60 Hz): felt more than heard. Kick and bass fundamentals.
- Bass (60-250 Hz): warmth and body. Too much causes muddiness.
- Low mids (250-500 Hz): fullness. Buildup here makes mixes sound congested.
- Midrange (500 Hz-2 kHz): presence and definition. Where most instruments live.
- Upper mids (2-6 kHz): clarity and attack. Too much causes harshness.
- Presence (6-12 kHz): air and brightness. Affects intelligibility of vocals.
- Air (12-20 kHz): sparkle and openness. Gentle boosts add sheen.
EQ types and when to use them
- High-pass filter (HPF): removes everything below a cutoff point. Use on most elements except kick and bass to clean up low-end buildup.
- Low-pass filter (LPF): removes everything above a cutoff point. Use to tame harshness or create lo-fi effects.
- Bell (peak): boosts or cuts a specific frequency range. The most common EQ move.
- Shelf: affects all frequencies above or below a point. Useful for broad tonal shaping.
The two-step EQ approach
Step one: cut problems. Use a narrow bell to find resonances and harshness, then reduce them. Sweep slowly and listen for frequencies that sound unpleasant.
Step two: boost character. Use broader bell or shelf moves to emphasize what makes the sound useful. Smaller boosts (1-3 dB) on wide Q values sound the most natural.
Frequently asked questions
Should I EQ every track in my mix?
Not necessarily. Some tracks sound good without EQ. Apply EQ when there is a specific problem to fix or a frequency range that clashes with another element. EQ for a reason, not out of habit.
What is a high-pass filter and when should I use it?
A high-pass filter removes all frequencies below a set cutoff point. Use it on most tracks except kick and bass to remove low-frequency rumble and mud. This frees up space for the bass elements.
Is it better to cut or boost with EQ?
Cutting is almost always more effective than boosting. Removing a problematic frequency reduces masking and cleans up the mix. Boosts are useful for adding character but should be used sparingly.
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