There are a ton of frequency guides out there easily accessible via Google, but I wanted to share a basic one with you. Good for some novice producers who may be unfamiliar with the entire frequency spectrum.
I'll continuously update it as people put forth new knowledge and information.
Frequency Guide
50 Hz
1. Adds fullness to bass instruments (kick drum, toms, bass)
2. Cut in the 50-100 Hz area if they are too thick or interfere with clarity of low-end mix
100 Hz
1. Boosting here gives the low frequency instruments a ‘harder’ sound
2. Adds fullness to the snare
200 Hz
1. “Muddiness frequency” - can often cut this frequency somewhat
2. Can add fullness to vocals and snare
300 - 600 Hz
1. Cuts here will increase punch for kick drums
2. Reduces boxiness and gives a thicker sound
3. Boosting at 400 Hz can add clarity to bass line
700 - 900 Hz
1. Boost to bring out the bass line without cluttering up the low end
2. Targeting upper harmonics to make them audible in the mix, while leaving the bass alone
3. Reducing 800 Hz takes out the cheap sound of acoustic guitar & DI sound
1K - 4K Hz
1. Boost 1.5 kHz to increase string sound of bass guitar
2. Cut to reduce nasal sound of vocal
3. 3K Hz adds attack to almost any sound
4. Gives you more punch
5. Gives more presence to piano parts
6. Boost between 2-4K Hz to bring out the beater of the kick drum
5K Hz
1. Adds extra presence to vocals
2. Brings more attack to tom drums
3. Cuts will make instruments more distant without having to lower the volume
7K Hz
1. Use a de-esser targeting between 6 – 8 kHz to reduce sibilance
2. Boosting can add extra life to dull vocals
3. Increase to add sharpness to synthesizers
10 KHz +
1. Anything above 10K adds air and high-end ‘sheen’ to instruments
Additional Information
Babasmas -
20 - 200 Hz : Body, Shape, Curve, Warmth/heat)
200 - 1500 Hz : Thickness, Energy
1500 - 4000Hz : Agressivity
4000 Hz - 20 kHz : Clarity, Shine, airiness.
