If you recall from our last tip on mixing, (Part 13) we talked about EQing in the midrange. Since this is where most of the sound of pop and rock music lives, we decided to go on a case-by-case basis rather than address the issues of EQ globally. Just by way of refresher, we use EQ boosts to alter an instrument’s sound, we cut when we wish to have an instrument sit better in a mix. Since we’re discussing rock, let’s start with guitars.
Electric guitars often need a little EQ to add bite or presence. Depending on the type of sound you’re after, 1.2kHz, 2kHz, or 3kHz, are good starting points. The frequency range from 2.5kHz to about 5kHz adds edge and definition to most guitar sounds. The degree of boost should be determined by ear (remember, small amounts work best) and the bandwidth should be set to one octave, although this may also be fine-tuned by ear.
Equalization at the low end of the spectrum (80Hz-125Hz) may also be beneficial in controlling the amount of cabinet resonance added to the sound. 100Hz can add a good solid low end. Boost this frequency sparingly, as a boost here will conflict with the bass guitar (many tend to cut this frequency quite often on guitar). Guitars sound muddy at 200Hz, so it’s best not to boost here. A cut at 200Hz can expose the lows and the highs so that the sound has more clarity and low-end punch. Also, cutting this frequency can help a humbucker pickup sound like a single-coil pickup. The frequency range from 250Hz to 350Hz can add punch and help the blend of a distorted rock sound, and the range from 500Hz to 600Hz often contains most of the body and punchy character. Remember when you boost a specific frequency, try to cut the same frequency elsewhere.