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EQ Cheat Sheet

v1.0

Use this interactive EQ guide to understand frequency ranges and their impact on different instruments. Hover over the colored bands for detailed information about each frequency range.

💡 Tip: The frequency ranges shown are general guidelines. Always use your ears and adjust to fit the specific track and mix.

Vocal Frequencies

Vocals Frequency Ranges

20Hz
40Hz E1
81Hz E2
162Hz E3
326Hz E4
655Hz E5
1kHz E6
3kHz E7
5kHz
11kHz
21kHz
Warmth
Warmth

Adds body and fullness to vocals. Be careful not to overdo it to avoid muddiness.

60Hz - 250Hz
Mud
Mud

Can make vocals sound boxy. Gentle cuts here can add clarity.

250Hz - 500Hz
Presence
Presence

Adds clarity and intelligibility. Essential for cutting through the mix.

2000Hz - 5000Hz
Air
Air

Adds brightness and airiness to vocals. Use a high shelf for subtle enhancement.

5000Hz - 10000Hz
Warmth
Mud
Presence
Air
Body (100-250Hz) Adds warmth and fullness. Be careful not to overdo it to avoid muddiness.
Presence (2.5-5kHz) Adds clarity and intelligibility to vocals. Essential for cutting through the mix.
Air (10kHz+) Adds sparkle and breath. Use a high-shelf for subtle enhancement.

Instruments

Drums & Bass Frequency Ranges

20Hz
40Hz E1
81Hz E2
162Hz E3
326Hz E4
655Hz E5
1kHz E6
3kHz E7
5kHz
11kHz
21kHz
Kick Thump
Kick Thump

The fundamental punch of the kick drum. Boosting here adds weight.

40Hz - 100Hz
Snare Body
Snare Body

The body and fullness of the snare drum.

100Hz - 250Hz
Bass Attack
Bass Attack

The attack and definition of bass guitar. Boosting here adds presence.

700Hz - 1000Hz
Snare Snap
Snare Snap

The attack and snap of the snare drum.

2000Hz - 4000Hz
Cymbal Shine
Cymbal Shine

The brightness and air of cymbals and hi-hats.

5000Hz - 10000Hz
Kick Thump
Snare Body
Bass Attack
Snare Snap
Cymbal Shine

Guitars & Keys Frequency Ranges

20Hz
40Hz E1
81Hz E2
162Hz E3
326Hz E4
655Hz E5
1kHz E6
3kHz E7
5kHz
11kHz
21kHz
Body
Body

The body and warmth of acoustic guitars and pianos.

80Hz - 250Hz
Mud Zone
Mud Zone

Can make guitars sound boxy. Often needs gentle cutting.

300Hz - 800Hz
Presence
Presence

Adds clarity and definition to guitar and piano parts.

1000Hz - 3000Hz
Brightness
Brightness

Adds sparkle and air to acoustic instruments.

4000Hz - 8000Hz
Body
Mud Zone
Presence
Brightness
Kick Drum (50-100Hz) Sub-bass for weight, 2-5kHz for beater attack.
Snare (150-250Hz) Body and fullness. 1-3kHz for snap and attack.
Electric Guitar (80-1.2kHz) Fundamental frequencies. Cut around 300-500Hz to reduce mud.
Bass Guitar (40-250Hz) Fundamental notes. 700-1kHz for finger/pick attack.

Common Problem Frequencies

Watch Out For Frequency Ranges

20Hz
40Hz E1
81Hz E2
162Hz E3
326Hz E4
655Hz E5
1kHz E6
3kHz E7
5kHz
11kHz
21kHz
Mud Zone
Mud Zone

Can make mixes sound muddy. Often needs cutting across multiple tracks.

200Hz - 500Hz
Boxiness
Boxiness

Can make instruments sound like they're in a box. Common in guitars and vocals.

300Hz - 800Hz
Harshness
Harshness

Can cause ear fatigue. Common in cymbals, distorted guitars, and sibilant vocals.

2000Hz - 5000Hz
Boominess
Boominess

Can make mixes sound boomy. Common in kick drums and bass.

100Hz - 300Hz
Mud Zone
Boxiness
Harshness
Boominess
Mud (200-500Hz) Often needs cutting in multiple instruments to clean up the mix.
Boxiness (300-600Hz) Can make mixes sound closed-in. Tame in guitars and vocals.
Harshness (2-5kHz) Can cause listening fatigue. Tame in cymbals, distorted guitars, and sibilant vocals.