Quick Guide to the Sonics of the EQ Frequency Spectrum
StreamLINE Music Blog - EQ Frequency Spectrum
0
0
The key to performing a proper and solid mix on your track is having a firm grasp on how to EQ and the frequency spectrum.
The spectrum is split into separate bands which are comprised of lows, mids and highs.
Below is a descriptive guide on each of those bands and the varying sonics that are create when a cut or boost is performed within their range.
Make sure to download the free pdf version of the guide at the end of this article. Enjoy!
20Hz – 60Hz (SUB BASS)
- Can be felt and perceived more than actually heard.
- Projects a sense of power.
- Too much is muddy.
- Humans can’t hear anything below 20Hz.
60Hz – 250Hz (BASS)
- Contains fundamental notes of rhythm section.
- Increase for a fatter sound.
- Decrease to make the sound thinner.
- Too much of this range can sound boomy.
250Hz – 2KHz (MIDRANGE)
- Contains the low order harmonics of most instruments.
- Too much 500k – 1kHz can be honking.
- Too much 1kHz – 2kHz can make sound tinny and/or thin.
2KHz – 6KHz (HIGH MIDRANGE)
2kHz – 4kHz:
- Range of attack in most percussive instruments.
- Vocal recognition.
- Definition in hard consonants.
- Too much can cause listener fatigue.
4kHz – 6kHz:
- Clarity and definition.
- Boost to bring forward on the mix.
- Cut to reduce sibilance/hissing.
6kHz – 20kHz (HIGH FREQUENCIES)
- Brightness / crispness
- Not enough is dull or flat.
- Too much 6kHz – 8kHz makes the sound sibilant and “hissing”.
- Too much 8kHz – 16kHz can make sound brittle, lack fullness.
- Sensed more than heard above 16kHz.
Download the free StreamLINE EQ Frequency Spectrum guide
Click here to read about more audio, recording and production tips.
Waves Plug-Ins
Optimize your mix, master or any sort of audio processing by browsing through the extensive collection of DAW plugins by Waves.
SAVE 10% off any purchase here!
Maximize your mixes! Save big bucks on Waves plugins and bundles with a 10%-off coupon code. Buy now!
Kevin James has over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry in various facets. He has worked as a recording artist, songwriter, producer, on-air radio personality, background actor and film director. Kevin is a Member of the National Writer's Union.