When you're recording music, using EQ the right way can make your mix sound a lot better. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Over-EQing: Many beginners tend to boost frequencies too much, making the sound muddy. A study showed that about 67% of new mixers do this. Instead, be gentle with your adjustments. A small boost of just 3 dB is usually enough.
Ignoring Phase Issues: If you’re using EQ on different tracks at the same time, you might run into phase problems. This means some sounds can cancel each other out. Research showed that this could make certain frequencies weaker by up to 20 dB, hurting your overall sound.
EQing in Solo: Some engineers make the mistake of soloing (listening to) just one track while adjusting EQ settings. A survey found that 75% of producers said these changes don’t always fit when they listen to all the tracks together.
Neglecting the Low-End: Low-end frequencies are super important but are often ignored. Cutting too much sound below 80 Hz can take away some warmth from instruments, making everything sound thin.
Use of Presets: While EQ presets can be helpful, relying on them too much can stifle your creativity. They can serve as a good starting point, but customizing your settings will usually give you better results.
By steering clear of these mistakes, you can improve your recording quality and achieve a more professional sound.
When you're recording music, using EQ the right way can make your mix sound a lot better. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Over-EQing: Many beginners tend to boost frequencies too much, making the sound muddy. A study showed that about 67% of new mixers do this. Instead, be gentle with your adjustments. A small boost of just 3 dB is usually enough.
Ignoring Phase Issues: If you’re using EQ on different tracks at the same time, you might run into phase problems. This means some sounds can cancel each other out. Research showed that this could make certain frequencies weaker by up to 20 dB, hurting your overall sound.
EQing in Solo: Some engineers make the mistake of soloing (listening to) just one track while adjusting EQ settings. A survey found that 75% of producers said these changes don’t always fit when they listen to all the tracks together.
Neglecting the Low-End: Low-end frequencies are super important but are often ignored. Cutting too much sound below 80 Hz can take away some warmth from instruments, making everything sound thin.
Use of Presets: While EQ presets can be helpful, relying on them too much can stifle your creativity. They can serve as a good starting point, but customizing your settings will usually give you better results.
By steering clear of these mistakes, you can improve your recording quality and achieve a more professional sound.