Cut mid-range frequencies (800-1000Hz) to avoid buildup
Problem: boxy and unbalanced bass section
The mid-range frequencies (800-1000Hz) can cause buildup in bass layers, making them sound boxy and unbalanced. Cutting this range in each layer helps to prevent this buildup and ensures that the bass section remains…
Reduce piercing upper mids on drum channels to avoid grating or annoying frequencies
Problem: drums have grating or piercing upper mids
If the upper midrange of a drum channel is too piercing, it can cause the mix to sound grating or annoying. Reducing these frequencies helps maintain a balanced and pleasant overall sound. This is a common issue in…
Use EQ to shape the body of the synth
Problem: synth lacks body or presence
Adding a small boost around 300Hz can enhance the body of the synth, making it feel more present and full in the mix. This frequency range is crucial for the mid-range presence of the sound, helping it sit well in the…
Use a mid attenuator to cut the nasally part of the bass
Problem: nasal or honky bass, muddiness in low end
The M5 EQ from Cubase is used to cut the mid-range frequencies that cause a nasal or honky sound in the first bass layer. This allows the bass to sit better in the mix without losing its body or presence. This is a…
Use a mid attenuator to control the nasal part of the first bass layer
Problem: nasal or honky bass, muddiness in low end
The M5 EQ is used to cut the mid-range frequencies that cause a nasal or honky sound in the first bass layer. This allows the bass to sit better in the mix without losing its body or presence. This is a common issue in…
Use a dynamic 1.7kHz shelf boost for mid-range presence
Problem: mid-range lacks presence, track feels dull
A dynamic EQ set to 1.7kHz with a shelf boost can be used to enhance the mid-range presence of the track. This helps vocals and other mid-focused elements stand out more clearly. The dynamic nature of the EQ ensures that…
Use a 1.7k lift in the middle to enhance clarity and separation in the mix
Problem: muddy or unclear mid-range
A small boost around 1.7kHz can help enhance the clarity and presence of the mix, especially in the mid-range. This frequency range is crucial for vocal and instrumental clarity, and a subtle lift can help separate…
Boost mid-range frequencies (1000Hz) only as a last resort
Problem: lack of mid-range presence in the mix
If the track lacks mid-range presence, a 2dB boost at 1000Hz can help. However, this should only be done after ensuring the mix is balanced. Mastering should not compensate for mix issues — the fix should be in the mix…
Boost mid-range or add harmonics to enhance bass intelligibility
Problem: bass lacks clarity, buried in mix
Bass that lacks mid-range presence (200-500Hz) can sound 'supportive' but not 'cutting.' Boosting this range or using harmonic excitation plugins adds definition, making the bass more audible in the mix. This is…
Add mid-range harmonics to make bass cut through
Problem: bass lacks presence in the mix
To make the bass more present in the mix, boost or add harmonics in the mid-range (250-600Hz). This adds definition and ensures the bass isn't lost in the mix. The exact frequency range depends on the bass's natural…
Mistake: overcrowding 200-500Hz causes muddiness
Problem: muddy mid-range
The 200-500Hz range is a common problem area where multiple elements (vocals, guitars, synths) compete for space. This creates a 'muddy' sound because the frequencies overlap, reducing clarity. Producers often overlook…
Boost 1-3kHz on guitars/synth for upper mid presence
Problem: lack of upper mid presence
Adding energy in the 1-3kHz range on guitars and synths enhances their definition and helps them cut through the mix. This frequency range is critical for perceived 'presence' and separation. The speaker implies this is…
Boost 500Hz and 250Hz on rhythm guitars for body and warmth
Problem: guitar lacks presence and warmth
Boosting 500Hz adds mid-range body, while 250Hz enhances warmth and fullness. This is particularly effective for rhythm guitars in rock and country to cut through the mix without clashing with bass. The boost should be…
Boost mandolin at 400Hz and cut at 1.2KHz
Problem: harsh mandolin, lack of body
A narrow 6dB boost at 400Hz adds body to the mandolin's mid-range, while a 3dB cut at 1.2KHz reduces harshness. This creates a more balanced frequency response, making the instrument sit better with other guitars and…
Avoid over-EQing by focusing on mid-range competition
Problem: over-EQing leading to lifeless mid-range
The speaker highlights that mid-range frequencies (around 1-5kHz) are the most problematic for masking. Over-EQing in this range can lead to a lifeless mix. The solution is to identify which elements need presence and…
Boost mid frequencies to balance high-end overemphasis
Problem: Overemphasis on high frequencies
If the track has excessive high frequencies compared to the reference, boost mid frequencies to achieve balance. The speaker suggests this as a quick fix rather than complex mastering adjustments.
Thicken mid-range frequencies without creating muddiness
Problem: mid-range lacks body without sounding muddy
The plugin's phase manipulation capabilities allow mid-range thickening by subtly shifting stereo imaging and adding harmonic content rather than simply boosting frequencies. This avoids the common problem of mid-range…
Enhance midrange with EQ boost around 500Hz
Problem: bass lacks midrange presence
Boosting the midrange (500Hz) adds body and presence to the bass, ensuring it sits well in the mix. This frequency range is critical for the bass to be felt physically and heard clearly, especially in club environments.…
Add mid-range elements and vocals to balance the low-end and add interest
Problem: muddy, bass-heavy mix
This workflow tip ensures the track avoids being too bass-heavy. Mid-range elements (like synths or vocals) add clarity and melodic interest, preventing the mix from feeling one-dimensional. This is especially important…
Use intelligent spectral ducking for mid-range clarity
EQ plugins can automatically duck frequencies matching the sidechain signal. Effective for carving space for vocals/synths in the mid-range but may sound artificial on bass when overused.
Use horn samples for mid-range texture
Problem: mid-range feels thin or lifeless
If you don't have original horn recordings, use high-quality sampled horns to add warmth and character to the mid-range. Horns can fill gaps in the frequency spectrum and add a vintage feel. This is especially useful in…
Experiment with mid-range elements for creative freedom
Problem: lack of inspiration or direction in mid-range
The mid-range is a crucial area for adding melodic and rhythmic elements. Producers are encouraged to experiment with a wide variety of sounds, such as mallets, synths, or piano, to find what works best for their track.…
Layer mid-range elements like synths and woodwinds for texture
Problem: lack of mid-range interest, flat sound
Adding mid-range elements such as synths and woodwinds can add texture and interest to a track. The speaker uses a woodwind preset from Splice and a high synth to demonstrate how these elements can enhance the overall…
Include mid-range elements like piano or guitar for a balanced sound
Problem: one-dimensional sound
Mid-range elements such as piano, guitar, or synthesizers add texture and interest to a track. These elements help fill the sonic space between the low-end and high-end frequencies, creating a more complete and engaging…
Layer sounds for richer mid-range textures
Problem: thin or flat mid-range
Layering different sounds, such as a steel drum with a palm guitar or brushed bell, can add depth and richness to the mid-range. This technique is useful for creating more complex and interesting textures in the…
Use overdrive to add warmth and character to mid-range layers
Problem: thin or lifeless mid-range
Applying a small amount of overdrive to mid-range layers can add warmth and character to the sound. This is especially useful for sounds like steel drums or palm guitar, which can benefit from a subtle amount of…
Remove low-end from mid-range elements
Problem: mid-range elements muddying the low end
Scooping out low-end frequencies from mid-range elements (like whirly, ukulele, and Juno keys) prevents them from clashing with the bass and kick. This ensures that the mid-range elements have their own space and don't…
Stereo-widen mid-range for brightness
Problem: dull mid-range
Adding stereo width to the mid-range frequencies of a bassline enhances its presence and brightness. Using a utility plugin to widen the stereo image ensures the bass sits well in the mix without losing its mono…
Add a brass element to enhance the mid-range and add texture
Problem: mid-range lacks interest or texture
Adding a brass element can add warmth and texture to the mid-range of a track, making it more engaging and dynamic. This technique is often used by producers like Fisher to add character and interest to their tracks.…
Use reverb to add depth to mid-range instruments
Problem: flat mid-range, lack of depth
Applying reverb to mid-range instruments like synths and pianos can add depth and space to the mix. This is especially useful in genres like ambient and pop where a sense of space is important.