Use a low shelf at 14Hz to sculpt sub-bass
Problem: boomy low end, poor loudness and translation
A low shelf at 14Hz helps control the very low frequencies without completely removing them. This keeps the sub-bass present but under control, preventing it from overwhelming the mix. This is especially important in…
Apply a low-pass filter at 18kHz on the master track
Problem: unnecessary high-end frequencies affecting mastering
Frequencies above 18kHz are inaudible to humans but can be processed by equipment, potentially causing unnecessary strain on mastering tools. Some producers cut lower (e.g., 16kHz) depending on the track. This is a…
Use low-pass filtering to isolate bass for phase alignment
Problem: difficulty in aligning bass and kick due to overlapping frequencies
To better visualize and align the phase of the bass with the kick, use a low-pass filter to remove higher frequencies from the bass. This isolates the sub-bass and makes it easier to see the waveform alignment. Using a…
High-pass filter chords and drone
Remove very low frequencies from the chords and drone to prevent muddy low-end, allowing the bass to take over those lower notes.
Use aggressive low-pass filtering for sub-bass drones
Problem: high-frequency content masking low-end presence
To create a deep, sub-bass-focused drone, apply heavy low-pass filtering to remove high-frequency content. The speaker explicitly mentions cutting 'a lot of the high sounds' to achieve a 'super low' drone effect, which…
Use a low-pass filter to create a fat sound
Problem: bass lacks warmth
The speaker uses a low-pass filter to create a fat sound, giving the bass a warm and bulky body.
Filter out low frequencies below 100Hz
Remove frequencies below 100Hz since the sub bass handles lower end, focusing on mid bass for a plucky effect.
Avoid cutting below 30Hz unless necessary
Problem: loss of sub-bass energy, phase issues
Cutting below 30Hz can remove sub-bass energy and cause phase issues with room modes. Instead, use a high-pass filter at 30-40Hz on non-sub elements and rely on the sub for low-end weight. This preserves natural low-end…
Use low-pass filters on groups for tonal control
Problem: muddy low end, unclear mid/high frequencies
Apply a low-pass filter to a group (e.g., percussion or synths) to shape the overall frequency response. This helps avoid muddiness by reducing low-end clutter. The filter should be subtle (e.g., 12dB/octave slope) to…
Use a low-pass filter with a 24dB/octave slope for smoother cutoffs
Problem: harsh or undefined bass
A 24dB/octave low-pass filter provides a gentler roll-off compared to steeper slopes, preserving the bass's harmonic content while shaping the frequency response. This is crucial for maintaining the bass's character…
Low-pass for build-up effect in climax
Use a low-pass filter at the track's climax to emphasize the rolling bass sound.
Use low pass filters on chords during build and break for tension and release
Problem: lack of tension and release in arrangement
Applying a low pass filter to chords during the build and break creates a sense of tension by gradually revealing the full frequency spectrum as the track progresses. This technique is essential for creating contrast…
Use low-pass filter to analyze low end by removing frequencies above 100 Hz
Problem: muddy low end, unclear sub-bass
This technique isolates the sub-bass and low-end frequencies, allowing you to hear how the kick and bass interact without mid-range interference. It helps identify masking issues and ensures the low end is clean and…
Use a low-pass filter on a low octave note to create bass
Problem: incoherent or muddy bass
Playing a note in a low octave and applying a low-pass filter (cutoff around 100-200Hz) shapes the sound into a bass. This technique isolates the fundamental frequency while removing higher harmonics, creating a focused,…
Filter out low frequencies below 100Hz for snare
High-pass filter the snare to remove unwanted rumbling below 100 Hz.
Use low-pass filter for lush, atmospheric textures
Problem: muddy low end from pads
Apply a gentle low-pass filter (24dB/octave) at 200Hz on ambient pads to create space and avoid muddying the low end. This allows the bass and kick to occupy the lower frequencies while maintaining the pad's atmospheric…
Apply a low-cut filter to all tracks except bass and kick
Problem: muddy low end, unclear kick and bass
The speaker explains that speakers are inefficient, especially in the low-end, and that sending too much low-frequency information causes confusion. By applying a low-cut filter to all tracks except the bass and kick,…
Automate low-pass filters for dynamic texture
Problem: static low-end, lack of movement
Using EQ8 to apply a low-pass filter and automating its frequency over time creates evolving textures. For example, starting at 100Hz and gradually raising it to 200Hz during a breakdown adds depth and spatial movement.…
Use unison and low-pass filtering to create a stab layer
Problem: arrangement lacks rhythmic and textural interest
Using unison and a low-pass filter on a duplicated lead can create a punchy, energetic stab layer. This technique is commonly used in trance and house to add rhythmic and textural interest to the arrangement. The…
Use automation to open up sounds in real time for movement
Problem: section lacks movement and interest
Using automation to open up a low-pass filter in real time can add movement and interest to a section. This technique is especially effective in trance and house for creating dynamic transitions and building tension. The…
Apply a 24 dB/oct low-pass filter for smooth resonance
Problem: Harsh or undefined high-frequency content
A 24 dB/oct low-pass filter is used to shape the pluck's frequency response. This steeper slope creates a more pronounced roll-off, allowing precise control over the high-frequency content while maintaining a smooth…
Cut boxy frequencies between 100Hz and 400Hz on vocals
Problem: boxy or muddy vocals
Vocals can sometimes sound boxy or muddy in the 100Hz to 400Hz range. Using a low shelf EQ to cut this range slightly helps reduce boxiness and improves clarity. This is especially useful in genres like pop and R&B where…