Some basic rules to operate by.
Rule #1
Each musical instrument has its own center frequencies and range. (parametric EQ, fader EQ settings)Rule #2
Cut & Boost conservatively, depending on the resulting sound Q setting on a parametric EQ is very important.
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A simple understanding of the "Q" setting.
- A Q of 1.0 could be considered as "medium-wide"
- A Q of less than 1.0 is considered as "wide" frequency adjustment.
- A Q of 1.4 is an "average" adjustment.
- A Q of greater than 2.0 is a "narrow" adjustment
** There is also what is called "shelving" or low/high pass filtering. (simply cut's off freq. levels)**
"Center Frequency", is where maximum amplitude occurs, or in other words, the frequency most noticeable by the human ear.
For all those who are new to the idea of streaming services or uploading services to Youtube or your website for archiving, The spoken word is your top priority and therefore the center frequency for the human voice is:
- 300hz - 3000hz (3khz)
And the center of that is:
- 1650hz - 2000hz (2khz)
This range is very specific and where the human voice frequency is the strongest. So when mixing, (both song and spoken word) this range is reserved for the voice to avoid conflict with any instrument.
** Note parametric EQ's are measured in dB**
Some Presets for your parametric EQ per channel (fader)
DRUMS
Short Snare:
- Freq 1: 100hz, Boost 1dB, Q 1.0
- Freq 2: 2500hz, Cut 3dB, Q 1.4
- Freq 3: 8000hz, Boost 2 dB, Q 1.0
100 Hz serves to flatten the snare sound; cutting @250khz will minimize the conflict with the vocal. Boosting at 800khz will add crispness.
Kick Drum:
- Freq 1: 75hz, Boost 6dB, Q 1.0
- Freq 2: 400hz, Cut 6dB, Q 1.0
- Freq 3: 4000hz, Boost 1dB, Q 0.6
Boosting 75hz creates a super punch, cutting 400hz prevents conflict with guitar, bass & improves kick. Boosting at 400khz allows the kick drum to be heard in small speakers. (like headphones and TVs)
Guitars
Acoustic/Clean Guitars
- Freq 1: 3000hz, Cut 9dB, Q 1.0 (will make lead vocals cut through)
- Freq 2: 200hz, Cut 9dB, Low Shelf (removes bass from guitar to avoid issues with Bass)
- Freq 3: 5000hz, Boost 2dB, Q 1.4
- Freq 4: 800hz, Cut 6dB, Q 1.4
- Freq 5: 8000hz High Shelf (remove disturbing sibilance on guitar when picking)
Electric Guitar
- Freq 1: 160hz, High Pass Filter Cut 6dB
- Freq 2: 3000hz, Cut 9 dB, Q 1.0 (cutting prevents direct mudding of the vocals)
Bass Guitar
- 200hz Low Shelving
- 250hz Boost 3dB Q 2.0
Bass Guitar and Kick Drum Center Freq 45hz - 200hz
Vocals
Vocal Female
- Freq 1: 3000hz Boost 2dB Q 1.0
- Freq 2: 1500hz Boost 2dB Q 1.0
- Low Shelf 150hz Cut 6dB
Vocal Male
- 1000hz Boost 2dB Q 1.0
- 15000 Boost 2dB Q 1.0
- Low Shelf 100hz, Cut 6dB
Vocal Background (typically female)
- Freq 1: 3000hz Cut 6dB Q 1.4
- Freq 2: 12000hz Boost 3dB Q 1.0
- Low Shelf 250hz Cut 6dB
Like all things these settings should be used as a place to start after you have EQ'd the room and your system is set up properly (live music).
The intentional method of isolating frequencies for the specific instruments will help you create a more pleasing sound from the band vs what I like to call a wall of sound coming from the stage.
Next installment I will address the very difficult instruments, Piano, Strings and the rest of the drum set.
I hope this was helpful and I look forward to your comments and questions.
