EQ (Equalization) is one of the most powerful tools in a producer's toolkit. Understanding frequency ranges can transform your mixes from muddy to crystal clear. Here's a comprehensive guide to essential frequency ranges and how to use them effectively.
1. Sub-Bass (20Hz - 60Hz)
Feeling, Not Hearing
- The low-end rumble you feel more than hear
- Ideal for: 808s, sub bass, kick drums
- Caution: Excess creates muddiness and overwhelms the mix
How to Use:
- Roll off below 20Hz to preserve headroom
- Gentle boost around 50Hz for sub presence
Pro Tip: Use sine wave sub bass for clean, powerful low-end without clutter
2. Bass (60Hz - 250Hz)
Power and Weight
- Gives tracks their body and warmth
- Contains fundamental frequencies for kick drums, bass guitars, low synths
- Caution: Excess creates boomy, muddy mixes
How to Use:
- Cut around 200Hz to reduce mud
- Boost 80Hz-120Hz for kick drum punch
Pro Tip: Sidechain the bass to the kick when they compete for space
3. Low Mids (250Hz - 500Hz)
Warmth and Fullness
- Critical for vocals, guitars, and synths
- Caution: Excess creates boxiness and congestion
How to Use:
- Cut 300Hz to clean up muddiness
- Boost around 400Hz for vocal/guitar warmth
Pro Tip: Be subtle—small adjustments make big impacts in this range
4. Midrange (500Hz - 2kHz)
Clarity and Definition
- Where human hearing is most sensitive
- Caution: Overboosting leads to ear fatigue
How to Use:
- Boost 1kHz-2kHz to bring vocals forward
- Cut 500Hz-600Hz to reduce mud in guitars/synths
Pro Tip: Solo the midrange occasionally to ensure key elements are clear
5. Upper Mids (2kHz - 5kHz)
Presence and Attack
- Key for vocals, snares, and percussion
- Caution: Can quickly become harsh
How to Use:
- Boost 3kHz-4kHz for vocal/lead synth presence
- Cut 5kHz to reduce harshness
Pro Tip: A little goes a long way—use restraint in this range
6. Highs (5kHz - 12kHz)
Air and Brightness
- Adds shine and sparkle
- Caution: Excess creates thin or harsh sound
How to Use:
- Boost 7kHz-10kHz for vocal/cymbal clarity
- Roll off above 10kHz to tame sibilance
Pro Tip: Use high shelf EQ to gradually lift highs without piercing quality
7. Air (12kHz - 20kHz)
Sheen and Detail
- Adds high-end sparkle and polish
- Best for: Vocals, pads, and cymbals
How to Use:
- Light boost around 16kHz for vocal air
- Avoid heavy boosts which introduce noise
Pro Tip: A touch of high-end shimmer makes mixes sound more open and professional
Final Thoughts
Mastering EQ involves understanding when to cut or boost across the frequency spectrum. Use this cheatsheet as a starting point and reference guide whenever your mix feels muddy, boxy, or lacks clarity.
Important reminder: These frequency ranges and recommendations are guidelines, not strict rules. Every instrument, recording, and mix context is unique. What works for one track may not work for another. The key is to use these suggestions as a foundation while always trusting your ears and the specific needs of your mix.
Remember that context matters most—a frequency boost that sounds perfect in isolation might not work in the full mix, and vice versa. As you gain experience, you'll develop the ability to identify frequency issues by ear and know when to deviate from these guidelines.
Use this cheatsheet to build your mixing intuition, but let your ears be the final judge of what sounds right for your music.
Photo by Ivan Jermakov on Unsplash