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In the ever-evolving world of R&B music SZA stands as a beacon of innovation. Her latest single, "Saturn," marks a significant milestone in her illustrious career. Debuted during the 2024 Grammy...
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Drill beats, with their gritty textures and relentless rhythms, represent one of these challenging frontiers. Cardi B's recent experience with recording a verse for a remix of Ice Spice's "Munch"...
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In the grand auditorium of dreams, Ludwig Göransson clutched the Oscar statuette for Best Score, a testament to his monumental contribution to Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. This win adds another...
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Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s largest music company, has withdrawn its catalog from TikTok, the leading platform for music promotion...
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lmost one year ago, BTS's Jimin etched his name in the hall of music history by becoming the first South Korean soloist to clinch the number one spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart with his hit single..
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the composer behind the critically acclaimed soundtracks of Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, has come forward with serious allegations against Bethesda, Id Software, and specifically, Id Software...
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In an era where pop and electronic music dominate the charts, Icelandic singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Laufey has emerged as an unexpected champion of jazz for Gen Z listeners...
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March 2024 is set to be an exhilarating month for K-Pop fans around the globe, with a lineup that promises both the return of beloved artists and the introduction of fresh faces to the music scene....
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In the annals of music history, songs that have sparked as much cultural resonance and transformation as Aretha Franklin's rendition of "Respect" are unique to say the least. Originally written....
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.