The Art of Frequency Management in Mix Engineering

Effective frequency management is the cornerstone of professional mixing. Understanding how different instruments occupy the frequency spectrum and learning to create space for each element is what separates amateur mixes from professional ones.

Understanding the Frequency Spectrum

The Human Hearing Range

• 20Hz - 20kHz: Full human hearing range
• 20-250Hz: Sub-bass and bass fundamentals
• 250Hz - 4kHz: Core midrange where most musical content lives
• 4-20kHz: Presence, air, and harmonic content

Instrument Frequency Characteristics

Low Frequency Instruments (20-250Hz):

• Kick drum fundamentals: 60-100Hz
• Bass guitar fundamentals: 40-200Hz
• Floor tom: 80-120Hz
• Piano left hand: 80-250Hz

Midrange Instruments (250Hz-4kHz):

• Vocal fundamentals: 100-1kHz
• Guitar fundamentals: 200Hz-2kHz
• Snare drum body: 200-400Hz
• Piano midrange: 250Hz-4kHz

Strategic EQ Approaches

Subtractive EQ Philosophy

High-Pass Filtering Strategy:

• Most instruments: HPF at 80-120Hz removes unnecessary low-end
• Vocals: HPF at 80-100Hz eliminates handling noise and proximity effect
• Guitars: HPF at 100-200Hz creates space for bass and kick
• Overhead mics: HPF at 200-400Hz focuses on cymbal brilliance

Complementary EQ

Vocal and Guitar Separation:

1. Identify conflict frequency (often 1-3kHz)
2. Boost vocals in this range for presence
3. Cut guitar in same range to create space
4. Result: Both elements distinct and clear

Conclusion

Masterful frequency management transforms good recordings into exceptional mixes. It requires both technical understanding and musical sensitivity to know when to sculpt and when to leave things natural.

Remember that every EQ move affects not just the targeted frequency but the overall tonal balance of your mix.