F*** THESE FREQ's (mix tutorial)

[@OriginalRaveParty]

Thank you Colt. This is a fantastic reference. My vocal EQ treatment is exactly the same. Thicken around 100 to 200, get rid of the boring mud around 500, a bit of presence around 1500, and some sheen around 12000 upwards

[@jdromeroherrera]

YOU'RE AN AMAZING ENGINEER KEEP IT UP AND THANK YOU FOR INSPIRING ME EVERYDAY!!

[@jdromeroherrera]

plz more mix tuts ; )

[@alistairjones4361]

I love that you're not afraid to show people how YOU mix

[@jeremyfox7599]

I'm a pro producer but I've only been full time for a few years so I'm still learning as much as I can on the job and in all of my spare time whilst recording and producing my own personal work in my own time - your videos are awesome, I have about 15 of them lined up to watch now - I'm chaining through all of the mixing advice videos as this man really knows his stuff and gets to the point without beating around the bush or wasting time, super efficient and informative all the way, thank you for your hard work!

[@DraftZJ]

What I love about watching your videos is you’re not afraid to boost or cut up to and even over 10 db, which I feel like you have to really know what you’re doing to pull off, but it gets you where you want to go sooo much faster than when I see people make super minute changes

[@GrandNebSmada]

I've never heard a snare drum that sounds that incredible WITHOUT any EQ! Seriously whoever tuned that thing is a freaking legend. It has the absolute perfect amount of overtones and even though they're playing rim shots there isn't way too much attack either.

[@lojo11audio]

Great comment regarding the option to sometimes just "leave a sample alone". We should remember that the creator of the sample has likely EQ'ed and Compressed it already and doing more may take away rather than add

[@favo3537]

They have… to their own taste tho

[@Thenamelessoul]

09:40 "not that you should mix with your ears.." Hmm?? ;) haha

[@ColtCapperrune]

Dammit!!! Hahaha I obviously meant “not that you should mix with your eyes” 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@Stratking01]

Just downloaded and save this video to my library.. I WILL be watching this again

[@RadiantStudio]

This is the video that I’ve been looking for for years to be honest. Been recording most of my life but there’s some insight here that can catapult some beginners. Thanks man. Keep these videos coming!

[@Linguae_Music]

There are no "bad" frequencies, as this video implies, though... it all depends on the material you're working with and even what key the song is written in. I hope the advice you are hearing doesnt hinder your progress.

[@Henry-uv9xu]

His raw tracks sound better than any of mine. Something to work on.

[@nicholasedgett7889]

Theres really something to be said about great tracking engineers! The better something is recorded at the source, the easier everybody else's job will be in the end, making it the best possible sounding record.

[@pvalenti]

Get it right at the source! Couldn't agree more. The age old idea of "fix it in the mix" is a recipe for mediocrity and failed studios. Or at the very least spending way too much time editing and correcting pitch etc... When you get that much into editing poorly captured or performed parts, then the engineer really is like another member of the band. You don't want to join the band, just impress them so much that they don't even consider going elsewhere and they tell everyone they know about YOU!

[@donnythompson408]

Back when I was first starting out in the early 80’s, I was taught two things that ended up being what I felt were the two most important parts about being a recording/mixing engineer... The first, was to record/track instruments/vocals with them sounding as good as possible at their source(s), and the second thing, was to mix tracks in context to the other tracks, as well as within the context of the song itself. As an example, I don’t always want to “ring-out” a snare; there are certain songs that may have a raucous, energetic “garage band” sorta vibe, and sculpting the tone of the snare to have a more refined “studio” sound will result in the song’s live vibe being subdued... Different songs call for different approaches in mixing. Some might have a natural, live sounding vibe, where I’ll use only one reverb on all the tracks, putting everything in the same ambient space. Other times, a song might be spacey, ethereal, and using supernatural textures -like multiple FX, pan shifting, and broad stroke EQ moves work best. Context is key. IMO. 😉🙏

[@jeremyfox7599]

I've even just pressed the notification bell :) - If you're planning any more VST recommendation videos those are always great - paid or free vsts are both good

[@Tommythemook]

I have JUST built my studio, and I just want to say, I have been watching all your videos and they are super helpful and man, I appreciate the hell out of you. And the fact that you just seem like a humble and very real individual with your mixes.

[@rafaeldesousa2825]

Watching this again 6 months after its release and it’s still clarifying. For those who haven’t listened to the final track on streaming services, I highly recommend that. Thank you, Colt!

[@1erwayne]

I love your videos like this. Magic is in the midrange is another gem!! Keep them coming Colt!

[@jrmcelro]

There are so many existing videos on eq - congrats on making one that really stands out. Subscribed.

[@davidgray4995]

I appreciate the big moves on the EQ. Do what it takes to get there!

[@resington]

Dude, so well explained. No ego, no rambling, just a great demo.

[@talkGOD]

the section about Lead and harmony vocals works a treat... thanks

[@brianweik8001]

This video is Gold! Quickly becoming my favorite channel for mixing.

[@jordanlee1470]

I've only watched 2 of your videos and learned like 10+ things already haha. Subscribed. Thanks man!

[@ndtaylor40]

this is the best title of any mixing video ever!

[@itsraininfire12]

Super helpful. Especially showing that 1.5k-3k dip in other instruments to let the vocal pop out. CONTEXT!

[@collegestatistics]

Very helpful all-in-one starting point EQ vid. Looking forward to hearing the finished song! Sounds great so far! A lot of people don't realize that if the vocals are too high-passed then there's not much for reverb and delay to work on. So I like the way you added some low frequencies to the lead vocals.

[@tylerthomas5735]

Dipping 1.5K on elements clashing with the vocal has been immediately useful !!! Thank you

[@Highpasspro]

Love the simplicity for the harmonies!!!

[@dldavidmusic]

Thanks Colt! Really liked the discussion around background vocals and how they interplay. I absolutely love tight harmonies, and this EQ trick helps to keep them from fighting with each other, especially when they're the same singer!

[@graveyardstudios8152]

My favorite video you’ve done! These techniques helped my mixes immensely!! Thanks bro!!!

[@DCBMusic]

As someone always learning, I tried to do an EQ leveling on a mix I did yesterday and I honestly didn't like the feel, so I agree with you. The ears already dont lie, but I'll keep some EQ's I have from tracking and shape them more in the mixing process. Only a hand full of channels I'll EQ out in the Tracking process.

[@johnathanbeats]

I wake up to compose. I end up here learning. You teach really well. I use logic, but can be used in any daw.

[@bubinga_basher]

I found this channel at the perfect time. I'm play, and now beginning to mux drums. I'm taking in as much a possible. My volume, and sound very good in the car still, but I'll get there

[@jloiben12]

I find 350 hz area the single most common cut frequency in the music I work on

[@ColtCapperrune]

YES!!

[@snippletrap]

@Zack Darce Especially kick drum

[@futurebeats898]

True. Only expection i find is really short earthy sounding hip hop kick. Not the lows one. The high tuned one

[@sagganuts]

@@adamwattsmusic appreciate you taking the time to pass on that info

[@therupambora]

This is best comprehensive tutorial for EQing all across KZbin. I bet you another video as good as this one. Please make similar videos for compressor, saturation, limiter and other such parameters

[@ninjaneer1974]

Colt, your vids are informative and entertaining. I appreciate you.

[@gotyor]

Good stuff. I just might add in the last couple of years i been using more dynamic eq and side chaining what triggers the dynamic part. anytime there are competing frequency it can really help. but when they are not fighting each other... each part will sound fuller when not being side chained triggered. Just something I urge you to start checking out. It becomes more like 3 dimensional chess of mixing, but might make a good video in future for ya.

[@paul_arntz_mixes]

Thanks for the video, Colt! Tons of useful information as usual.

[@FelixMolano]

You've done it again, my friend. Bravo

[@FLH3official]

Great advice about the strings (so rare on YT where people are often more focused on bass, drums and guitars). I've the tendancy to use them a lot, and I've noticed you can make them less agressiv, more silky, with a slight EQ down around 3k. If you need "air", you can always "hi-shelf" them a little bit above.

[@CLaw-tb5gg]

Not finished the video yet so maybe this is covered, but something useful to know is that apparently the average untreated room thus your average listening environment resonates around 150-200Hz (I see 160Hz mentioned a lot). In other words, cutting that frequency range is going to cut a lot of mud for the average listener. I've noticed that a lot of really well-mixed records (e.g. the first RATM record) have a fairly big cut around 160Hz, presumably for that reason. Might be just mix voodoo/an urban legend; I'm not sure if my ears are good enough to test it personally.

[@yony_music]

9:45 "Not that you should mix with your ears - but you can" lol Great video anyways!

[@nicholasedgett7889]

I prefer to mix with my glasses on because it makes me hear better 🤣🤣🤣

[@macmoll]

Never mix with your ears 👂. Never! It will build bad habits. To be a serious Mixing Engineer you should only ever mix by taste 👅. Trust your taste! If your music doesn’t taste good it doesn’t matter how good it sounds.

[@yony_music]

@Mac Moll yeah, and another Tipp I can give: don't worry about the sound of your eqs, just adjust them so they look nice visually, like a piece of Art! And if the UI of your Plugins look bad just buy another one! Also always add loads of effects to every channel, because then it looks super complex, and people pay respect to what you're doing, and if the don't like it they just have a bad taste of music

[@nathanhyatt]

I know, right? YIKES! If you're not mixing with your ears, you shouldn't be mixing. This paint-by-numbers shit is terrible.

[@nathanhyatt]

@@yony_music LMAO!!! You pretty much nailed what these guys are doing on their videos.

[@TroubadourMusic]

I just watched this again. Wish I could like it again!

[@afgm15]

Awesome video Colt, very straight !!! cheers from Colombia !

[@LukeIcardMusic]

I like to roll off a lot of my high end, especially synths- then i use another eq or saturator to bring some back in

[@HollerAtcherBoi]

Why take them out if you’re just gonna bring them back in

[@nicholasedgett7889]

@@HollerAtcherBoi the reasoning is to get rid of the offending frequencies, and add back what is still necessary. Its easier on processing and workflow and the overall sound to cut the top end, or low end for that matter and re-add the frequencies needed back with a colorfull EQ like a pultec or API or a Trident etc. This will allow you more control over the end result also adding a gorgious tonality in the process. You could grab a waves q10 and pinpoint all the offending frequencies, but since sound is always changing it may sound perfect in one spot, in another, it may sound hollow or un-exciting/dull. In the analog days, they still had this issue because they didnt have dynamic EQs or if they did it was rare. In fact i think ive only ever seen a few analog dynamic EQs ever and even then they were more of a multiband compressor. That being said, the way they would combat that was to cut the top end and add in what was needed to make it sound its best, but not offensive. They would use pieces of gear like exciters, or fancy EQs, or some type of saturation that brings out the harmonics of that sound making it less harsh, yet more 'exciting'. Hope that helps

[@danielkisel5661]

Yup some analog EQs have nice curves and add some saturation which will fill up empty space so if you cut some top end maybe even use low pass filter, it will help to reduce digital aliasing from plugins that adds colour in the first place and second get rid of some of the harsh frequencies and then just add right amount of that sparkle in top end back, or even use mid/side eq and boost only side to increase stereo. Btw. many vintage analog eqs, compressors, or tape machines, etc. do a bit of top end roll off automatically.

[@LukeIcardMusic]

@@nicholasedgett7889 well put. High end is nice as long as its controlled!

[@cheery-hex]

thank you much! learned a lot here. nice of you to take the time :D

[@RadiantStudio]

And I’d like to add… these are little secrets he’s sharing here. Priceless. Yeah, your mileage may vary but this is a important stuff here he’s sharing. There are magic bullets in mixing contrary to popular belief.

[@alekp6822]

Go Colt, love the title !

[@Alek_Archer]

Thanks for another cool video Colt! I'd like to see more vids like this, ecpecially about balancing instruments in the mix and creating space!

[@ambrogiocomposer]

complimenti per la chiarezza dell'esposizione, mi sembra tutto molto "logico" quello che dici! grazie

[@johanarens9798]

Colt, as usual great content ! Hoping the new desk meets your expectations, can you just calm down our OCD's ? Just by covering the open rack on your right side :)

[@jeremyfox7599]

awesome video, love the detail with the exact frequencies to cut/boost etc - superb work!

[@TheGarageRecordingSC]

Great video bud!! Aside from the vocal, there was no other high passing going on. Do you typically take care of that in tracking? Cutting unwanted, low-frequency, mud or rumble? Thank you

[@sparecordingstudios3145]

I don't know what to say to you but HHMM...I RESPECT YOU 🙏.i do not want to miss any one of your video

[@GoLongboardBroseph]

awesome advice and happy to see the new setup!

[@lionnonny]

Your videos are EXACTLY what I've been looking for, thank you! 👍🔥😁🙏

[@BreakBeta]

you are the man! massive bigups

[@horvathrichard1009]

thank you! my guitars are now clear!

[@trapdoorshane]

Thank you for all you do, sir!

[@allekans]

Found a treasure here . Good work thank you !

[@greglesondak]

Super helpful and straight forward video Colt. I appreciate the help man, I learned a lot.

[@austin1313111]

Super insightful, thanks for the tips brother!

[@aluminiumnaughty7122]

This is a hghly underappreciated video. good shit

[@redalert7504]

I’m kinda at the phase right now where I’m more forgiving in the low mids. Got some good ole audio technica m50x, I use to cut those frequencies on about everything, and couldn’t understand why I was getting harsh mixes. I got some bass traps and just put them in my room and put a sub bass plugin on my master bus to emulate a large speaker. I like the way the low mid sounds now, and they way it masks the harsh digital tracks I have.

[@beatmania359]

I love this video bro for sure I make beats and I've always been told to never boost or cut by more then 3 dBs, but I see you are doing way more when it comes to boosting and cutting frequencies . I say this to say I always feel like I could cut more out of a curtain frequency ranges for my mix to sound right but I'm always stuck trying to follow the 3 dB rule LOL, and your mixes sound amazing. So I'm changing the way I mix. Thank you bro.

[@nathanhyatt]

Dude, there is no 3db rule. There is only ONE rule: Does it sound good?

[@ArloTarr]

Really helpful. I’m gonna try the guitar cut tip on the demo I’m working on today. Thanks Colt!

[@AlexeySolovievMusic]

Super awesome and helpful tutorial! Thank you so much Colt!

[@mttlsa686]

I think that the frequencies around 2,5 khz (let's say from 2k to 4k more or less) are pretty annoying for any instrument, voice included, because that range of frequencies coincides on average with the resonance frequency of the human auditory canal. If you look at the Fletcher and Munson's graph it clearly shows that it is what our hearing is most sensitive to. I always make a little dip in that range when i'm working on a vocal recording because there is where the voice make some annoying "whistles". :)

[@ashto868]

Damn ty for this

[@mttlsa686]

@@ashto868 you're welcome

[@BobbyWashingtonOLAM]

Love this. exploring the principles is what I really needed thanks! Subscribed !

[@gangofgreenhorns2672]

Video is a year old, I've watched it twice already and just now realized the alliteration in the title lol.

[@TheProgSchool]

Lots of great tips in here! I’m sure I’ll be referencing this often.

[@Sixfootdig]

Greatly appreciate your advice man! Love these videos.

[@mariomacias7090]

This was exactly what I was looking for. Great video.

[@ahw5hcgfyj]

"leave it alone" - awesome advice. if it ain't broke, don't fix it

[@kisnaglista223]

What is that nice sounding reverb on the vocal? ☺️ Can you make a video about vocal processing?

[@andychongks]

just subbed. Thank you Brenna, you are awesome !

[@natelivingston5528]

All great stuff! This definitely helps.

[@clintyoung9902]

Pure gold! Maybe a downloadable cheat sheet is in order? *hint hint*

[@simcard4296]

When you boost and sweep the equalizer like that you are actually just adding those “problem frequencies” that you didn’t like to the snare , those frequencies weren’t there till you put them there .

[@hinawachainsaw7820]

EQ can't add anything that there isn't already there...only saturation and distortion create new frequencies (harmonics)

[@YngHstlr]

Thanks man your videos have been a huge help! one problem I have personally is not knowing when to take breaks. Even though I know I should it’s so hard for me to get up and rest my ears even though I’ve been mixing for 2-3 hours already. I get so locked in it’s hard to make myself stop 😐 is there anything you recommend to remedy this?

[@chris-rb7bm]

you're really good at this :) I like the way you work here - nice video :)

[@nickperez_]

How I’m just seeing this video is beyond me, but Colt! Use your M1 laptop to screen record your main computer!!! Get a capture card (HD60S + is what I use) and it’s so easy, can even run audio in via 3.5 jack. Makes the main computer run as normal without having to worry about that annoying lag that comes with the CPU boost from OBS or QuickTime

[@justtosharefiles678]

I wish there were tutorials and guides like this for EDM production, sucks the genre is so carefree about mixing nowadays

[@ToHerbiarz]

Grateful video. Good Job Colt!

[@markMelgeorge2845]

this was so helpful thank you

[@LiamDriver]

Do you usually leave the guitars without a lowcut as u did here? Seems like it would muddy up the kick/ bass range

[@ColtCapperrune]

Depends on the guitar. Certainly when it’s needed. Never when it’s not.

[@LiamDriver]

@@ColtCapperrune makes sense, thanks!

[@moltasstopyra9406]

Great video. How about bass and acoustic guitar also?

[@imcymk]

great stuff. for programmed stuff i think sound selection at during production phase is very important. so long as you choose the correct samples, ones that complement each other both in frequency and texture, you won't ever have to do much to make them hit like you want. =]

[@aocrecords6949]

So much gems in your videos 💥🌟💥stay bless am be safe💫

[@davidhellegouarch1622]

Awesome content, thank you to sharing this. Are you maknig this tone eq moves before or after your top down mixing process ?

[@Bluemarchtidal]

This is good stuff man. Much love

[@TheMixClub]

Great Vid.. I get ya with level match. I think it live sound DNA build in my brain or whats left of it... Keep up the good work love your vids..

[@MajorBrass]

9:42 ‘Not that you should be mixing with your ears’ haha 😅

[@madebyjoshi]

Great tutorials. Suggestion: time stamp your videos so that one can easily jump to the parts that matter the most personally.

[@michaeltablet8577]

Thank you so very much!

[@samkenny3075]

Super useful, man-- thanks!

[@Modezart]

such a great channel thank you Colt

[@RambowMusik]

I liked this a lot, please do more of these :)

[@cdwlights]

I use an old trick from warren huart, I tend to lo shelf at 100hz from everything but kick, and take 249 hz I cut from everything but bass. Usually only 1-2 db usually use the API eq plugin from waves.

[@darkcharmrecords]

Very simple and very effective! Thank you

[@daverichardson8557]

Thank u keep up the good work

[@mikedeleon6226]

Thanks for explaining everything with out all the extra BS.So a beginner like myself easily gets it!🤘👍

[@surelysound]

Good one man!!