Knowledge Wednesday By: DAWsopenat7 No comments

This week's Knowledge Wednesday tip is to cut frequencies on your drum overheads before boosting.

Drum overheads can present a large amount of harsh frequencies and also create an excessive build up in the mid-range depending on mic placement, drum tuning etc, so it is a good idea to start EQ'ing by cutting in these problem areas to smooth out the overhead sounds to set you on your way to achieving a great drum mix.

Check in next Wednesday for more great tips!

If you require editing, mixing or mastering services, head over to www.jwaudioproductions.co.uk and get in touch about your project via the contact page.

Knowledge Wednesday By: DAWsopenat7 No comments

This week's Knowledge Wednesday is a quick tip on a couple of keys frequency bands to be aware of on distorted electric guitar.

400Hz - 500Hz 

2KHz - 3KHz 

The above frequency bands are areas that i'm known for cutting in and sometimes boosting, but i want you to listen for yourself. Create a fairly wide bandwidth (Q) a boost in these areas and listen to the difference both boosted and cut. Let your ears be the judge.

Please keep in mind that guitar EQ varies massively depending on the guitar, the pickups, the amp and the microphone.

The obvious thing to do is spend time achieving the sound you want at the recording stage however if you find yourself mixing guitars that have already been committed to, then the areas above are a couple to focus on.

Snare Drum - Key Frequencies By: DAWsopenat7 No comments

Here are some key frequencies of a snare drum to pay close attention to when mixing. Keep in mind that fundamentals can change depending on the material, dimension and depth of the drum as well as other variants such as the type of head, snares, sticks and range of tuning.

160-250Hz - low end, weight, punch ( the weight of a snare is found in quite a wide spectrum because it depends on the size and material of the drum, as well as the tuning) 

300-400Hz - woodiness (an interesting area that I sometimes boost and other times cut depending on whether it's needed)

500-800Hz - snare ring (dependant on type and tuning of the snare, gently cut here if needed but be careful as this can remove a lot of character from the drum, try using moon gel at the recording stage to reduce unwanted ring) 

1.5-2.5KHz - attack, crack (mid frequency smack and stick definition, another area I gently boost or cut depending on what i'm listening for) 

4-6KHz - snare wires (can be very brittle sounding, but with careful boosting can help the snare cut through) 

7-12KHz - air, brightness (add for extra sweetness but be careful of increasing cymbal bleed if you haven't used a gate)

Use these frequencies as a guide and use your own ears to decide what works best with the source you have recorded. 

If you're in need of editing, mixing or mastering services, head over to www.jwaudioproductions.co.uk and get in touch via the contact page. 

Kick Drum - Key Frequencies By: DAWsopenat7 No comments

Here are some key frequencies of a kick drum to pay close attention to when mixing. Keep in mind that fundamentals can change depending on the material, dimension and depth of the drum as well as other variants such as the type of head, the beater and the range of tuning. 

60-80Hz - low end punch, fundamentals, weight 

100-200Hz - boominess (cut here to increase low end definition and make room for bass guitar 

300-500Hz - boxiness (cut here to reduce the cardboard like sound, common for rock and metal kick drums) 

1-3KHz - attack and snap (boost here to help cut through the mix, particularly guitars) 

4-6KHz - beater, click, definition (boost here for extra beater definition, common on metal kick drums) 

7-8KHz - air (gently boost here if needed for extra air but be careful with bleed, unless you have used a gate)

If you're interested in any editing, mixing or mastering services, head over to www.jwaudioproductions.co.uk and get in touch via the contact page.