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Yunjin of 'Le Sserafim' Growing Collection of Self-Produced Songs

August 4, 2023

Within a year, the 4th generation K-pop hit 'Le Sserafim' topped charts, won several awards, sold millions of albums, and much more! From the moment they were created, this girl group was born...

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Drake Slapped With a $10 Million Lawsuit.

August 1, 2023

Toronto Rapper Drake is slapped with a $10 million copyright lawsuit. The lawsuit began with artist Obrafor...

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"Swinging Through Dimensions: Exploring the Spectacular 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Album"

July 31, 2023

In a dazzling display of creativity and musical prowess, the "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" album has taken the world by storm ever since it came out in June 2023. This remarkable soundtrack...

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Selena Gomez: A Unique Popstar

July 31, 2023

Selena Gomez, the multi-talented American singer, songwriter, and actress, has undoubtedly shown her role in the music industry. With her captivating voice, relatable lyrics, and...

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Lana Del Rey’s Unique Music Style

July 31, 2023

In a sea of modern-day artists, Lana Del Rey stands out like a rare gem. With her hauntingly soulful voice and captivating lyrics, she has carved out a niche for herself in the music industry...

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Soundscapes: The Powerful Relationship Between Music and Our Feelings

July 31, 2023

Music has the remarkable power to connect with our emotions, taking us on a rollercoaster ride of feelings and sensations. Whether it's a heartwarming melody that brings tears...

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Treasure Drop 2nd Album 'Reboot'

July 31, 2023

The long-awaited album is officially out! Treasure has released their second full-length album, 'Reboot,' in which they show-off improved versions of themselves. The album's vibrant title track...

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Kendrick Lamar - A Modern Musical Genius

July 28, 2023

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern music, Kendrick Lamar stands out as a true musical genius. With a unique blend of deep and meaningful lyrics, masterful storytelling...

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Justin Bieber Sells His Share of Song Rights for $200 million

July 28, 2023

The Canadian pop star sells his share of rights to his music to Hipnosis Songs Capital for just over $200 million. He has sold some of his biggest hit songs, such as Baby and Sorry...

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Re-recording Taylor Swift's “Speak Now”

July 28, 2023

Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift has been taking the music world with her re-recorded albums. Among these highly anticipated re-releases is "Speak Now (Taylor's Version)"...

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Powfu: The Rising Star of Lo-fi Hip-hop

July 25, 2023

There are always new artists emerging in the hip-hop scene that have unique and captivating sounds. Powfu, born Isaiah Faber, grew up in Vancouver, Canada, and has been gathering a large fanbase...

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How Yoko Kanno Brilliantly Made the Soundtrack of Netflix's Cowboy Bebop

July 21, 2023

When it comes to anime soundtracks, there are plenty of contenders, but one stands tall above the rest – Cowboy Bebop. Released in 1998, this genre-defying space western captivated audiences...

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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.