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Jhené Aiko Embarks on the Magic Hour Tour: A Celebration of Resilience and Artistic Collaboration

March 27, 2024

In the dynamic world of contemporary R&B, few artists possess the ethereal quality and lyrical depth of Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo. Known for her soulful voice and introspective songwriting, Aiko...

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SZA's "Saturn": Chart-Topping Success and Insight into Her Songwriting Process

March 22, 2024

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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The Rap Challenge of Drill Beats: Why Cardi B Didn't Release Ice Spice 'Munch' Remix

March 20, 2024

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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Ariana Grande's Lyrical Odyssey: Love and Loss in 'Eternal Sunshine'

Ariana Grande has once again captured the spotlight with her latest album, "Eternal Echoes." This time, Grande embarks on a deeply personal journey, weaving her narrative through the thematic...

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Ludwig Göransson’s Oscar Triumph: Crafting Oppenheimer's “Unplayable” Score

March 14, 2024

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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The TikTok-UMG Standoff: A Battle Over Music Rights and Its Ripple Effects

March 10, 2024

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s largest music company, has withdrawn its catalog from TikTok, the leading platform for music promotion...

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Jimin's Historic Billboard Hot 100 Triumph: Elevating K-Pop to New Heights on the Global Stage

March 7, 2024

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 Mick Gordon Controversy: A Symptom of Deeper Issues in the Video Game Industry

March 6, 2024

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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"Laufey: Bridging Generations with Jazz's New Groove"

March 1, 2024

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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The K-Pop Wave Continues: March 2024's Exciting Comebacks and Anticipated Debuts

February 29, 2024

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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Beyoncé Embarks on a New Journey with "Renaissance" Act II

February 28, 2024

This time, the buzz is all about her latest musical venture—a dive into country music with her new album "Renaissance" Act II. Announced during a Super Bowl for Verizon, the album marks a ....

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The Weight Behind the Power of Aretha Franklin's "Respect"

February 24, 2024

‍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....

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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.