AUDIO-MASTERING-CHEATSHEET.md

General Mastering EQs

Kick Drum

Any apparent muddiness can be rolled off around 300Hz. Try a small boost around 5-7kHz to add some high end.

50-100Hz ~ Adds bottom to the sound 100-250Hz ~ Adds roundness 250-800Hz ~ Muddiness Area 5-8kHz ~ Adds high end prescence 8-12kHz ~ Adds Hiss

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Snare

Try a small boost around 60-120Hz if the sound is a little too wimpy. Try boosting around 6kHz for that 'snappy' sound.

100-250Hz ~ Fills out the sound 6-8kHz ~ Adds prescence

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Hi hats or cymbals

Any apparent muddiness can be rolled off around 300Hz. To add some brightness try a small boost around 3kHz.

250-800Hz ~ Muddiness area 1-6kHz ~ Adds presence 6-8kHz ~ Adds clarity 8-12kHz ~ Adds brightness

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Bass

Try boosting around 60Hz to add more body. Any apparent muddiness can be rolled off around 300Hz.If more presence is needed, boost around 6kHz.

50-100Hz ~ Adds bottom end 100-250Hz ~ Adds roundness 250-800Hz ~ Muddiness Area 800-1kHz ~ Adds beef to small speakers 1-6kHz ~ Adds presence 6-8kHz ~ Adds high-end presence 8-12kHz ~ Adds hiss

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Vocals

This is a difficult one, as it depends on the mic used to record the vocal. However...Apply either cut or boost around 300hz, depending on the mic and song.Apply a very small boost around 6kHz to add some clarity.

100-250Hz ~ Adds 'up-frontness' 250-800Hz ~ Muddiness area 1-6kHz ~ Adds presence 6-8kHz ~ Adds sibilance and clarity 8-12kHz ~ Adds brightness

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Piano (Mid String/Vibrato instruments)

Any apparent muddiness can be rolled off around 300Hz. Apply a very small boost around 6kHz to add some clarity.

50-100Hz ~ Adds bottom 100-250Hz ~ Adds roundness 250-1kHz ~ Muddiness area 1-6kHz ~ Adds presence 6-8Khz ~ Adds clarity 8-12kHz ~ Adds hiss

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Strings

These depend entirely on the mix and the sound used.

50-100Hz ~ Adds bottom end 100-250Hz ~ Adds body 250-800Hz ~ Muddiness area 1-6hHz ~ Sounds crunchy 6-8kHz ~ Adds clarity 8-12kHz ~ Adds brightness

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