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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Toronto Rapper Drake is slapped with a $10 million copyright lawsuit. The lawsuit began with artist Obrafor...
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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...
Read moreJuly 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...
Read moreJuly 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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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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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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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...
Read moreJuly 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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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)"...
Read moreJuly 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...
Read moreJuly 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...
Read moreMixing 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.
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.
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.
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.