T H E BA N D G U IDE

EQ CHEATSHEET
EQ BREAKDOWN

BA N D GUY@TH E BA ND G U ID E .C OM | T HE BA ND GU I D E .C O M
 FREQUENCY GUIDE

How to use this guide:

Listen to the source in the context of the song. If you need to hear it better, turn up the
output gain on the EQ. After you finish your EQ moves, level match the output gain so
the source is the same volume with and without the EQ so you don’t throw off your static
mix.

1. First listen for areas you need to cut. Is the source muddy? Does it sound tinny?
Boost a bell and find the specific bad frequency. Pull down the gain to make a small,
tight Q cut. Widen the Q if you need a larger cut. Repeat this step if necessary.

2. Then listen for areas the source could use highlighted. Does your kick drum need
more low end? Do your vocals need more brightness? Find the best frequency then
adjust your filter to be a medium to wide bell or shelf with a small boost.

3. If there are sources in similar frequency ranges (multiple guitars, vocals, etc), use the
EQ to make space for each source*. If you boosted one guitar at a frequency, try
cutting another guitar at that same frequency. If the vocals sound great at a
particular frequency, try cutting the other sources in that frequency range (guitars,
keys, backing vocals, etc) to help the vocals stand out.

*Keep in mind there is only so much sonic space in a mix. Making all the sources fit into the
mix is an art. You cannot simply add brightness or low end to every channel. They will start
to compete with each other.

Was this guide helpful to you? Let me know! Or if you have ANY questions feel free
to reach out to me at: bandguy@thebandguide.com
Your band guy,
Colin
BAND GU Y@TH E BA N D GU I D E .C O M