Estimated reading time 3 minutes
Table of Contents
Introduction
Do you want to know what the word equalization means? Do you want to know how to EQ your song mix? Equalization (EQ) is a potent means for creatively sculpting the sound of your song’s mix. However, if you want to be really good at applying EQ to a mix, you need to train your ears to hear what the mix needs. Keep reading How to Employ Effective Equalization on Your Song to improve your listening skills.
This article uses musical terms. For definitions, see the Glossary at the end of the post.
How to Employ Equalization on Your Song #1: What Is EQ?
EQ is short for the word equalization:
- There are different types of equalizers: graphic, parametric, and shelving.
- However, regardless of the exact device, they all allow you to boost or cut specific frequency bands.
- This allows you creative control over the tone of each instrument and for the song mix as a whole.
First, you must read your equipment manual to learn how to operate your device:
- However, that’s only half the battle.
- You also need to learn what you’re listening for.
- When you know your equipment and have trained your ears, you’ll have the skills to effectively EQ your mix.
How to Employ Equalization on Your Song #2: Learning the General Frequency Spectrum
Before we look at specific instruments, you should start to get acquainted with the general sound quality of each frequency range:
- 20 to 250 hertz: (Too Much – Boomy) (Enough – Bottom End, Deep)
- 250 to 500 hertz: (Too Much – Muddy) (Enough – Warm)
- 100 to 1,500 hertz: (Too Much – Honky or Nasally) (Enough – Definition)
- 1,500 to 4,000 hertz: (Too Much – Irritating) (Enough – Presence)
- 4,000 to 10,000 hertz: (Too Much – Screech) (Enough – Bright)
- 10,000 to 20,000 hertz: (Too Much – Thin) (Enough – Sizzle, Sparkle, Air)
Being familiar with the general frequency ranges will help you to make better equalization decisions regardless of the instrumentation:
- This is especially true when you’re listening to the mix as a whole.
- You can practice this skill by listening to specific frequency bands within professional mixes.
- Or you can hear what happens when you mess around with each frequency band in your own mixes.
How to Employ Equalization on Your Song #3: Cut - Don’t Boost
Don’t start with boosting frequencies:
- Instead, try to notice when there is too much of a specific range and cut that first.
- After that you can boost ranges that strengthen an instrument’s sound.
- Be sure to listen to how an instrument sounds within the mix, not in isolation.
How to Employ Equalization on Your Song #4: Instrument EQ
Vocals:
- Mic stand thump – 60 hertz (cut)
- Men’s full sound – 100 to 150 hertz
- Women’s full sound – 200 to 250 hertz
- Muddy – 100 to 300 hertz
- Nasal – 500 to 1,000 hertz
- Irritating – 3,000 to 4,000 hertz
- Presence – 5,000 hertz
- Sibilance – 6,000+ hertz
Acoustic Guitar:
- Thud – 80 hertz
- Muddy – 100 to 300 hertz
- Clarity – 5,000 to 6,000 hertz
- Sparkle – 10,000 hertz
Electric Guitar:
- Thud – 60 hertz
- Muddy – 100 to 300 hertz
- Full – 100 hertz
- Puffy – 500 hertz
- Presence – 2,000 to 3,000 hertz
- Brightness – 3,000 to 6,000 hertz
- Sizzle – 6,000 hertz
Piano:
- Muddy – 100 to 300 hertz
- Muddy – 1,000 hertz
- Presence – 5,000 to 6,000 hertz
Bass Guitar:
- Bottom end – 40 hertz
- Muddy – 100 to 300 hertz
- Growl – 600 hertz
- Presence – 2,000 hertz
- Instrument noise – 3,000+ hertz
Bass Drum:
- Powerful – 60 to 100 hertz
- Muddy – 100 to 300 hertz
- Cardboard box – 300 to 800 hertz
- Click – 1,000 to 6,000 hertz
Snare Drum:
- Fat – 60 to 100 hertz
- Muddy 100 to 300 hertz
- Attack – 5,000 to 6,000 hertz
Cymbals:
- Drum kit bleed – 300 to 700 hertz (cut)
- Irritating – 1,000 to 4,000 hertz
- Sizzle – 10,000 hertz
Toms:
- Full – 100 hertz
- Cardboard box – 250 to 800 hertz
- Trashy – 1,000 to 3,000 hertz
- Attack – 5,000 hertz
- Sizzle – 10,000 hertz
Horn Section:
- Warm – 500 hertz
- Honky – 800 to 2,000 hertz
- Harsh – 3,000 to 4,000 hertz
- Brightness – 5,000 to 6,000 hertz
- Key and valve noise – 10,000 hertz
Mobile users: for best results viewing the video, rotate your screen 90o to the right.
Video: The Art of Mixing
Most mixing videos focus on how the equipment works. However, The Art of Mixing focuses on the esthetics of mixing in a way you don’t get with the newer videos. I highly recommend you watch this video if you want to create good mixes.
Final Thoughts
Takeaway points:
- Equalization is a potent means for creatively sculpting the sound of your song’s mix.
- Being familiar with the general frequency ranges will help you make better equalization decisions regardless of the instrumentation.
- Try to notice when there is too much of a specific frequency range and cut that first before you start boosting frequencies.
Have fun mixing!
Related Posts
- How Can I Write a Song Without an Instrument?
- A How to Guide for Incredibly Cool Guitar Distortion
- D’you Want Some Music Tips and Tricks I’ve Learned Over the Years?
© 2025 Geoffrey Keith
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