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K-Pop Sonic Album Review: P1Harmony – EX

September 27, 2025

P1Harmony aren’t just chasing charts—they’re chasing craft. EX, their five-track mini album, arrives with Western crossover in mind, but it doubles as a production masterclass for music creators. It’s

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How to Use Suno in Your Music Production Workflow (Without Losing Your Creative Edge)

September 8, 2025

Tools like Suno are now powerful enough to generate melodies, lyrics, and even full songs in seconds. That’s exciting—and controversial. Just ask Timbaland. Recently, he came under fire..

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Gen Z Retro Revival: Cassettes Are Making a Comeback—All Thanks to Taylor Swift

August 23, 2025

The 1980s and 1990s analog music medium known as cassette cassettes is experiencing an unanticipated comeback, with Gen Z spearheading the trend. Taylor Swift, who included cassettes in the release...

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Doja Cat’s “Jealous Type” Serves Major '80s Pop Vibes—and Announces Tour Whereange Fans Worldwide

August 23, 2025

This week's most notable headline: Doja Cat's erotically charged, '80s-inspired music video, "Jealous Type," is dominating social media feeds and cultural discourse, marking her most daring...

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J‑hope & GloRilla’s “Killin’ It Girl” Wins Summer’s Best Collaboration – And It’s Pure Gen Z Energy

August 23, 2025

J-hope and GloRilla's "Killin' It Girl," a spectacular blend of K-pop flare and shameless hip-hop heat that has taken the world by storm, is this week's winner of the Best Collaboration of Summer...

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Carly Rae Jepsen’s ‘Emotion’ Gets the 10th Anniversary Treatment It Deserves (6 New Reasons to Celebrate)..

August 23, 2025

Carly Rae Jepsen is giving fans the ultimate gift for the 10th anniversary of her critically adored album Emotion: a special edition featuring four never-before-heard tracks and two fresh remixes...

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BTS' First Reunion Photos Hint at 2026 Comeback Magic: BTS Reunites for Beach Day and Studio Sessions After Military Service

August 23, 2025

The wait is over, ARMY! BTS is officially back together and balancing work and play in their first moments of reunion after completing mandatory military service. J-Hope sent fans into a frenzy...

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“Hard Fought Hallelujah”: Worship Breaks Through as a Cultural Movement

August 23, 2025

Christian music stepped outside of its quiet comfort zone in 2025. "Hard Fought Hallelujah," a worship song by Brandon Lake, went platinum, sold out festival stages, and exploded from churches to...

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Viral Songs from Hospital Bed: Forrest Frank’s Faithful Bounceback

August 23, 2025

In late July 2025, Christian artist Forrest Frank (of Surfaces, now a solo juggernaut in faith-pop) posted from a hospital bed: he’d fractured his L3 and L4 vertebrae in a skateboarding accident...

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Sleep Token’s “Even In Arcadia” Tour Poised to Redefine Metal Live Shows

August 21, 2025

On September 16, the masked metal phenomenon Sleep Token will embark on their 2025 "Even In Arcadia Tour" across North America. The 18-show tour, which includes a huge date at Brooklyn's Barclays...

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"Boots on the Ground" and the Soul Line Dance Movement — TikTok’s Viral Connection to Black Country Culture

August 21, 2025

Due to a line dance that went viral and won over fans' hearts both inside and outside of the United States, 22-year-old Tre Little's song "Boots on the Ground" has become a cultural sensation this...

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Taylor Swift Sparks Nostalgia Revival with Cassette Tape Releases

August 21, 2025

In addition to preparing for her next album, The Life of a Showgirl, Taylor Swift is reviving the physical medium this week by putting her songs on cassette tapes. This sentimental action...

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EQ in Practice: How to Use Subtractive EQ to Clean Up Muddy Mixes

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Mixing music is an art, and one of the most essential tools for achieving clarity in a mix is the equalizer (EQ). One technique, in particular, known as subtractive EQ, can work wonders for cleaning up "muddy" mixes that may lack clarity or sound cluttered. Let’s dive into how to use subtractive EQ effectively and how it can transform your sound.

What is Subtractive EQ?

Subtractive EQ is the process of cutting or reducing specific frequencies in your audio mix, rather than boosting them. It’s based on the idea that sometimes the best way to make an instrument or track sound better is to remove unwanted frequencies, allowing the desired ones to shine through.

For example, when mixing, a common issue is "muddy" low frequencies (usually between 100Hz and 300Hz) that clutter the mix and make it sound less defined. By cutting these problem frequencies, you can make room for other elements to breathe and maintain clarity.

Step-by-Step Guide to Subtractive EQ:

  1. Identify the Problem Area:
    Start by isolating the track that sounds muddy. Use a parametric EQ plugin, which allows you to visualize and adjust frequencies. Sweep through the frequency spectrum by boosting a narrow band of frequencies and listening for areas that sound harsh or cluttered. Once identified, cut those frequencies instead of boosting others.
  2. Cut Before Boosting:
    A common mistake for beginners is to immediately boost frequencies to make something sound "better." However, boosting too much can result in a crowded and noisy mix. It’s always better to cut problem areas first before deciding if boosting is necessary.
  3. High-Pass Filters for Low-End Clarity:
    Sometimes the low-end of instruments (below 80Hz) can clash, causing the mix to feel muddy. Using a high-pass filter on non-bass instruments like guitars or vocals can remove unnecessary low-end rumble, freeing up space for the bass and kick drum.
  4. Balance and Subtlety:
    Subtractive EQ should be used subtly. Overdoing it can make your mix sound thin. Aim for small, precise cuts rather than broad strokes. A few decibels can make a big difference in cleaning up a mix.

Example of Famous Producers Using Subtractive EQ

Many world-class producers rely on subtractive EQ to achieve professional-quality mixes. Take Dave Pensado, for instance, a Grammy-winning mix engineer. He is known for his subtle but impactful use of EQ in mixes. By cutting unwanted frequencies in vocals or instruments, he creates a clean and polished sound that allows each element to sit well in the mix.

Another example is Deadmau5, a well-known electronic music producer who emphasizes the importance of EQ in his workflow. He often mentions that cutting unwanted low-end and mud from synths and drum tracks is key to creating the clean, powerful sound he’s known for.

Conclusion: Clean Up Your Mix with Subtractive EQ

Subtractive EQ is a powerful technique that, when used properly, can clear up muddy mixes and enhance the overall clarity of your tracks. By cutting problem frequencies rather than boosting others, you’ll find that your instruments and vocals have more room to breathe, resulting in a more professional-sounding mix.

This approach provides a solution to an issue that many beginner and intermediate producers face, backed by real-world examples of famous producers who use subtractive EQ to elevate their music.