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Frequency Spectrum Guide

Frequency Ranges

Sub-Bass (20-60Hz)

  • Rumble, power, and weight
  • Key for kick and bass
  • Cut below 30Hz to save headroom
  • Use high-pass filters on non-bass elements

Bass (60-250Hz)

  • Fundamental frequencies of most instruments
  • Boominess at 200-250Hz
  • Boost carefully to add warmth
  • Cut muddiness around 200-300Hz

Low Mids (250-500Hz)

  • Body and warmth
  • Mud zone - cut carefully
  • Important for vocals and guitars
  • Reducing here can add clarity

Mids (500Hz-2kHz)

  • Presence and attack
  • 1-2kHz adds punch to drums
  • 500-800Hz can sound boxy
  • 1-3kHz adds vocal presence

Upper Mids (2kHz-5kHz)

  • Clarity and definition
  • 3-5kHz adds presence
  • 2-3kHz can be harsh on vocals
  • Key for vocal intelligibility

Presence (5kHz-8kHz)

  • Detail and articulation
  • 5-7kHz adds sizzle to cymbals
  • Can cause listening fatigue
  • Use broad boosts/cuts

Air (8kHz-20kHz)

  • Openness and space
  • 10kHz+ adds sparkle
  • Use high-shelf EQ
  • Be careful with digital distortion

Instrument-Specific Frequencies

Kick Drum

  • 50-60Hz: Bottom end
  • 80-100Hz: Knock/beater
  • 200-400Hz: Boxiness
  • 2-5kHz: Click/attack

Snare Drum

  • 150-250Hz: Body
  • 600-800Hz: Boxiness
  • 3-5kHz: Attack
  • 8-10kHz: Snap

Vocals

  • 100-200Hz: Fullness
  • 300-500Hz: Honk
  • 2-5kHz: Presence
  • 10kHz+: Air

Electric Guitar

  • 80-120Hz: Fullness
  • 400-600Hz: Mud
  • 2-4kHz: Crunch
  • 5-8kHz: Presence