What is EQ?

EQ (equalization) is basically a fancy volume control for different frequencies. Instead of just turning everything up or down together, EQ lets you boost or cut specific frequency ranges. Want more bass? Boost the low frequencies. Too much harshness? Cut the highs. It's that simple—at least in concept!

Think of it like adjusting the bass and treble knobs on a car stereo, but way more precise and powerful. EQ is probably the most important tool in mixing, and once you understand it, you can make almost anything sound better.

The Frequency Spectrum

Human hearing ranges from about 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz). Different instruments and sounds occupy different parts of this spectrum. Understanding where things live helps you know what to boost or cut.

Sub-Bass (20-60 Hz)

This is the stuff you feel more than hear—the rumble in your chest at a concert. Kick drums, bass synths, and sub-bass live here. Too much and your mix gets muddy; too little and it lacks power.

Bass (60-250 Hz)

The fundamental notes of bass guitars, kick drums, and low toms. This range gives your mix warmth and body. It's also where a lot of muddiness can build up if you're not careful.

Low Mids (250-500 Hz)

This is often called the "mud zone" because too much here makes everything sound boxy and unclear. But you also need some energy here for fullness. It's a delicate balance!

Mids (500 Hz-2 kHz)

Where most instruments live—guitars, vocals, snares. This range is crucial for clarity and presence. Cutting too much makes things sound distant; boosting too much makes them honky or nasal.

Upper Mids (2-4 kHz)

The presence range. Boosting here makes vocals and instruments cut through the mix. Too much gets harsh and fatiguing, though.

Highs (4-8 kHz)

Clarity and definition live here. This is where you hear the pick on a guitar string or the breath in a vocal. Also where sibilance (harsh "S" sounds) hangs out.

Air (8-20 kHz)

The sparkle and shimmer. Cymbals, vocal air, and that sense of space. A little boost here can make things sound more expensive and polished.

Types of EQ

Parametric EQ

The most flexible type. You can adjust the frequency, gain (how much you boost/cut), and Q (how wide or narrow the adjustment is). This is what you'll use most in mixing. Every DAW comes with at least one parametric EQ.

Graphic EQ

Has fixed frequency bands with sliders. Less flexible than parametric, but super visual and easy to understand. Great for quick adjustments or live sound.

Shelving EQ

Boosts or cuts everything above (high shelf) or below (low shelf) a certain frequency. Perfect for adding overall brightness or warmth to a track.

High-Pass and Low-Pass Filters

High-pass filters cut everything below a certain frequency (letting the highs "pass through"). Low-pass filters do the opposite. These are essential for cleaning up your mix—use a high-pass filter to remove unnecessary low-end rumble from vocals, guitars, etc.

EQ Techniques That Actually Work

Subtractive EQ First

Here's a pro tip: cut before you boost. It's tempting to boost frequencies to make things sound better, but cutting problem frequencies often works better and sounds more natural. Plus, it leaves you more headroom in your mix.

The Sweep Technique

To find problem frequencies, boost a narrow band (high Q) and sweep through the spectrum. When you find something that sounds bad, cut it instead of boosting. This is super effective for removing harshness or boxiness.

High-Pass Everything (Almost)

Unless it's a kick drum or bass, try putting a high-pass filter on it. Cut everything below 80-100 Hz on guitars, vocals, snares, etc. This cleans up your low end and makes room for the instruments that actually need to be there.

Make Space for Each Instrument

If two instruments are fighting for the same frequency range, try cutting one where the other is strong. For example, if your bass and kick are clashing, cut a bit of 60-80 Hz from the bass to make room for the kick.

Use Your Ears, Not Your Eyes

Don't EQ based on what looks good on the screen. Close your eyes and listen. If it sounds better, it is better—even if the curve looks weird.

Common EQ Moves

Vocals

• High-pass around 80-100 Hz to remove rumble
• Cut 200-400 Hz if they sound muddy
• Boost 2-5 kHz for presence and clarity
• Cut 6-8 kHz if sibilance is harsh
• Gentle boost around 10-12 kHz for air

Kick Drum

• Boost 60-80 Hz for thump
• Boost 2-4 kHz for click/attack
• Cut 200-500 Hz if it sounds boxy

Snare

• Boost 200-250 Hz for body
• Boost 3-5 kHz for snap
• High-pass around 80-100 Hz

Bass Guitar

• Boost 60-100 Hz for low-end power
• Boost 700 Hz-1 kHz for definition
• Cut 200-400 Hz if muddy

Acoustic Guitar

• High-pass around 80-100 Hz
• Cut 200-300 Hz if boxy
• Boost 3-5 kHz for presence
• Boost 10-12 kHz for sparkle

EQ Mistakes to Avoid

• Boosting Too Much: If you're boosting more than 6 dB, something's probably wrong. Try cutting other frequencies instead.
• EQing in Solo: Always check your EQ moves in the context of the full mix. What sounds good solo might not work with everything else.
• Using Too Narrow Q: Unless you're surgically removing a problem frequency, use wider Q values for more natural-sounding EQ.
• Forgetting to A/B: Always compare your EQ'd sound to the original. Make sure you're actually improving it!
• EQing to Fix Performance Issues: EQ can't fix a bad recording or performance. Get it right at the source first.

Final Thoughts

EQ is one of those things that's simple in theory but takes years to master. The good news? You don't need to be a master to make your mixes sound way better. Just understanding the basics—knowing what frequencies do what, when to cut vs. boost, and how to use filters—will take you incredibly far.

Start simple. High-pass everything that doesn't need low end. Cut problem frequencies before boosting good ones. Use your ears more than your eyes. And most importantly, don't overthink it! If it sounds good, it is good.

The best way to learn EQ is just to use it. Experiment, make mistakes, and train your ears. Over time, you'll develop an intuition for what frequencies need adjustment, and EQ will become second nature. So open up your DAW, grab an EQ plugin, and start tweaking. Your mixes will thank you!