EQ (equalization) is one of the most important mixing tools. It lets you boost or cut specific frequencies to make sounds fit together and create a clear, balanced mix.
Understanding Frequency Ranges
Audio is divided into frequency ranges:
- Sub Bass (20-60 Hz) — The rumble you feel. 808s, sub bass.
- Bass (60-250 Hz) — The body of kicks, bass guitars, low synths.
- Low Mids (250-500 Hz) — Warmth and body. Can get muddy.
- Mids (500-2000 Hz) — Where most instruments live. Vocals, snares.
- High Mids (2-6 kHz) — Presence and clarity. Vocal consonants.
- Highs (6-20 kHz) — Air and sparkle. Hi-hats, cymbals, brightness.
FlowState's 3-Band EQ
Each channel strip has a 3-band EQ with Low, Mid, and High controls:
Low (Bass)
- Controls frequencies below ~300 Hz
- Boost for more bass and warmth
- Cut to reduce muddiness and rumble
Mid
- Controls frequencies around 1-3 kHz
- Boost for more presence and clarity
- Cut to push sounds back in the mix
High (Treble)
- Controls frequencies above ~3 kHz
- Boost for brightness and air
- Cut to reduce harshness
Using the EQ
-
Open the Mixer
Press 2 or click "Mixer" in the bottom panel. -
Find the EQ knobs
Each channel strip has three EQ knobs (Low, Mid, High). -
Turn to adjust
Turn right to boost, left to cut. Center = no change (0 dB). -
Listen while adjusting
Make changes while your track plays to hear the effect.
EQ Tips by Instrument
Kick Drum
- Boost Low (60-100 Hz) for more thump
- Cut Low-Mids (200-400 Hz) to reduce boxiness
- Boost High-Mids (3-5 kHz) for click and attack
Snare
- Cut Low (below 100 Hz) to remove rumble
- Boost Mids (200-400 Hz) for body
- Boost Highs (5-10 kHz) for crack and snap
Hi-Hats
- Cut Low (below 300 Hz) — they don't need bass
- Boost Highs for brightness and shimmer
- Cut harsh frequencies (2-4 kHz) if they're piercing
Bass/808
- Boost Sub Bass (40-80 Hz) for rumble
- Cut Mids (200-500 Hz) to leave room for other instruments
- Add slight High boost for definition
Vocals
- Cut Low (below 100 Hz) to remove rumble
- Cut Low-Mids (200-400 Hz) if muddy
- Boost High-Mids (3-5 kHz) for presence
- Boost Highs (10-12 kHz) for air
Tip: Cut more than you boost. It's better to remove problem frequencies than to add more of everything. This keeps your mix clean.
Common EQ Mistakes
- Boosting everything — Makes the mix louder but not better. Cut problem frequencies instead.
- Too much bass on everything — Causes muddiness. Only your kick and bass need significant low end.
- Harsh highs — Don't over-boost highs on multiple tracks. It causes ear fatigue.
- Scooped mids — Cutting too much mid-range makes the mix thin and hollow.
Using Voice Commands
Adjust EQ with your voice:
Boost the bass on the kick
Cut the low end on the hi-hats
Add more high end to the vocals
The snare sounds muddy
EQ and Mixing Context
Always EQ in the context of your full mix:
- Solo the track to identify problem frequencies
- Un-solo and adjust while everything plays
- A sound that's "perfect" solo might not fit the mix
- The goal is balance, not individual perfection
Filters vs. EQ
Filters are like extreme EQ:
- High-pass filter — Cuts everything below a frequency (removes bass)
- Low-pass filter — Cuts everything above a frequency (removes highs)
- Useful for transitions, effects, and cleaning up tracks
Quick Reference
| Muddy mix | Cut 200-400 Hz |
| Lack of punch | Boost 80-120 Hz on kick |
| Dull vocals | Boost 3-5 kHz |
| Harsh hi-hats | Cut 2-4 kHz |
| Thin snare | Boost 200-400 Hz |
| Boomy bass | Cut 80-120 Hz |