How To EQ Electric Guitars (A beginners hearing guide)

Let's talk about hearing EQ on electric guitar. +FREE+ Drum Mixing Workshop with MULTITRACKS go.simplymixing.com/free-drum...
Hearing which frequencies to cut and boost is tricky for the beginner so in this video I spend time on a methodology to help you do just that.
============================= RELEVANT LINKS:=============================
(When available, I use affiliate links and may earn a commission)
More in this series of not only the “HOW” but the “WHY” behind EQing anything
How To Listen Like A Pro playlist - • How To Listen Like A Pro
‪@waves‬
Waves Kramer HLS Channel - waves.alzt.net/k0Zerx
‪@SoftubeStudios‬
Trident A-Range - www.softube.com/arange
============================= My Courses, Free Downloads and Partnerships:=============================
▸ Simply Mixing Classic Rock Masterclass - www.simplymixing.com/classic-...
▸ Simply Mixing Indie-Rock Masterclass - www.simplymixing.com/indie-ro...
▸ Mixing Essentials Course (EQ, Compression, Effects) - transactions.sendowl.com/stor...
▸ Simply Mixing Rock Masterclass - www.simplymixing.com/rock-mas...
▸ Mixing Punk from Start To Finish -promixacademy.com/course/mixi...
▸ The Static Mix Mini Course www.simplymixing.com/static-m...
* Clarity & Separation PDF Guidebook www.simplymixing.com/pl/134504
▸ ‪@promixacademy6904‬ - Pro Mix Academy transactions.sendowl.com/stor...
▸ ‪@Producelikeapro‬ Channel - / producelikeapro
▸ ‪@Sessionwire‬ - Real Time collaboration for musicians with HD video & audio made easy studio.sessionwire.io?swamb=ZM3fSyqdZHlh
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Start
03:10 - EQ GOALS FOR ELECTRIC GUITAR
04:20 - HOW MUCH TO CUT OR BOOST?
06:26 - PROBLEM AREAS
08:05 - SESSION WORKFLOW
14:18 - LOW MID CLEAN UP
16:42 - METHOD FOR HEARING EQ
22:21 - DYNAMIC EQ BENEFITS
24:31 - CLARITY FREQUENCIES
28:53 - LOCATING HARSHNESS
31:04 - MID RANGE FREQUENCIES FOR ELECTRICS
35:01 - LOW MID RECAP FREQUENCIES
35:58 - MORE MID RANGE MAGIC
39:05 - LOW MID RECAP FREQUENCIES
============================= MY NEWSLETTER:=============================
Subscribe to Sara's Simply Mixing tips and exclusive subscriber tutorials and special offers go.simplymixing.com/subscribe
============================= BIO:=============================
My name is Sara Carter, I'm a professional mix engineer and on this music production channel I'm going to share some of my best mixing tips using a simple mixing tutorial style that will teach you how to mix music like a pro music producer in your own home studio.
============================= RELATED VIDEOS:=============================
EQ or Compressor first? (Beginner Mixing Tips) • What's best, EQ or Com...
How To EQ Any Bass (A beginners guide) • How To EQ Any Bass Gui...
Using Mid Side EQ in Mixing • Using Mid Side EQ In M...
============================= TAGS:=============================
#eqguitars #mixingguitar #howtoheareq #MusicProduction #MixingTutorial
============================= MUSIC CREDITS:=============================
Multitracks: Big thanks to Marko Mušan for the use of the multi-tracks in this video
============================= SOCIALS:=============================
💬FACEBOOK / masteringmixingmusic
📷INSTAGRAM / saramixesmusic
🌎WEBSITE www.simplymixing.com
🐦TWITTER / musicmixpro
💼LINKEDIN / sara-carter
=============================
Supporting The Channel:
=============================
If you wish to support the channel monetarily, you can donate here:
KZbin - Super $Thanks button
BUY ME A COFFEE - www.buymeacoff.ee/saracarter
CREDIT CARD OR APPLE PAY - buy.stripe.com/fZe6qJfIM5Uk72...
PAYPAL - www.paypal.me/simplymixing
🎧 My Mix Feedback Service www.simplymixing.com/mix-feed... (availability returns in Sept 2023)
Or… buy one of my mixing courses! (links are above)
This is always much appreciated 🙏
=============================
Professional & Sponsorship Enquiries:
=============================
For professional and sponsorship enquiries, please email [e-mail]
============================= Disclaimer:=============================
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, is an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
I often review or link to products & services I regularly use and think you might find helpful. Wherever possible I'll use referral links, which means if you click one of the links in this video or description and make a purchase I may receive a small commission or other compensation.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Do you have a frequency you particularly dislike on electric guitars? Share it below 👍

[@russellcameronthomas2116]

Tip for FabFilter Pro-Q3 users: If you put a Pro-Q3 plug-in on the Bass in addition to Guitar bus, the you can set the "Analyzer" (bottom, left of center, currently set to "Post") to overlay the Bass frequency power (in shades of red) over the Guitar spectrum. This makes it easy to see where they might be clashing most and apply static or dynamic cuts (or boosts) to clarify and give them both space. This is especially helpful in the upper harmonic frequencies of the Bass (finger pluck or pick sound, slap, etc.) which often overlap with the strong mid-range of the guitars.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Yes, I use that functionality often. Usually on my group busses. Thanks for sharing!

[@JSchellergJ]

Answering the question of the video: I don't know why but the EQ81 by Ikmultimedia became a goto tool (for me) when eqing guitars

[@ericrobertsmusic]

I’ve been watching along with this series and it has really helped me clarify an intention-driven method for EQing. I really like your simple, methodical teaching style. Looking forward to continuing to watch what’s next!

[@r34ct4]

This series is such a hidden gem, thank you so much for doing this. No other tutorials like this on KZbin

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

You're very welcome!

[@DarrenHooperGuitar]

I was lost EQ'ing my guitar. Not anymore! Thanks for all the great info.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Glad to help!

[@lseger62]

I watched a few of your videos and loved your demure demeanor and lilty voice, and Sage wisdom, of course. I did not know that you would be able to help me with a hard rock song that I was working on, but you were! Thanks!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

You are so welcome

[@flappentash]

This and the other EQ tutorials are exactly what I have been looking for! Thanks!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@yaqzan24]

Thank you for these videos! It's my new favorite thing on KZbin. You are very interesting to listen to.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Wow, thank you!

[@curtismech]

This is brilliant! Thanks, Sara!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

You're so welcome!

[@stephenkoritta9656]

Yes, definitely acoustic EQ episode. Thanks!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Noted!

[@starrchild99]

Great video. I like the careful, considered approach you use to eq and the confidence in your own ears. Lots to absorb there.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ibeatsbyjunius5341]

I totally appreciate the simplicity in your approach when preparing to process audio. I love your channel! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🔥🔥🔥🤮🔥🔥🔥🖖🏾

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thank you!

[@jimorgain63]

my new fav channel

[@jemsophia]

awesome video, I learnt a ton, thank you! first time seeing your channel, I love how you teach :)

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

I'm so glad! Thanks

[@musiccreation1198]

Fantastic series Sara ! Funny intro!!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thank you!! 😁

[@guglielmonigro]

Always inspiring. Good job. Acoustic Is welcome too, and the space for them with Electric and keys.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Good call!

[@julianc.227]

Thank you very much for your work Sara. Great channel 👍👍

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@Itsallawesome]

this mix sounds so good. you are a true pro

[@phildobson1221]

Awesome - thank you Sara!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Glad you liked it!

[@johnpierson8398]

I found this video really informative. I am a long time guitar player and home studio kind of guy. Your analysis of common guitar frequency problems is excellent. Really glad I found your channel.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching

[@jobotsound]

Great video, I really like your attention to detail.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thank you very much!

[@johanjof5613]

Dear Sara, this how to eq series is gold and desirve so many views. I like the way you teach. With you, there is always a reason to do things in your demonstrations. This is not about this "3 tricks to do this" I see everywhere. This is let us do this, this is how, this is what it does, and this is why we do this. You put so much time into the why and I love it. You the most interesting and insightful sound engineer on YT, and I am aware of a lot of them (I am a PLAP member).

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thank you! I'm so pleased you appreciate my videos

[@perfectlycromulent6384]

Spot on. I always feel like I get some genuine insight into her process, along with a sense of why she approaches things the way she does. I feel like anyone can slap together a list of tips, tricks, and advice, or even a decent tutorial on a piece of software. But it's less common to find a channel where each video is a mini-class in method and listening.

[@thespacealienssmogandgrog4283]

@@perfectlycromulent6384 I like her slow and considerate pace too. This stuff is hard so we need teachers who don't go too fast and lose us right away.

[@gitarrenpost]

For me again a very instructive continuation of your course. Acoustic guitar would be great. I am a guitar player myself. Thank you so much.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

That's great!

[@allynisbetmusic]

Hey Sara I just wanted to say thank you sincerely for these videos. I love your vision and you’re a great teacher. I am a pianist and guitarist. The piano tutorial was amazing, and I’m looking forward to getting in the studio to give a shot as to what you recommend. Go yersel and again massive thanks - cheers, Ally

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@malikamer4385]

Great informative video, Plugin Alliance lindell 80 ( Neve style channel strip) followed by 12.5k LP filter by any digital eq is my go to for electric guitars.

[@johnedwards6694]

Your videos are really analytical and your explanations are extremely clear and concise, and the presentation is personable and professional. A great alternative to many of the other KZbin channels. 🙂🙂🙂

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thank you! I'm glad you like them

[@gregnott7157]

This is a great watch. We know the method but it's cool to see and hear how different people apply it. Especially on heavy and overly thick rhythm tracks/ groups. Thanks for sharing

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ThePhotomusicguy]

Yes, do a video on EQing acoustic guitars

[@robjdrum]

You make some of the best videos on youtube, but I also have to say this song kicks major ass. Some good oldschool Clutch/Orange Goblin vibes!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Haha! Thanks though

[@Producelikeapro]

Absolutely superb tutorial Sara!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@4767Seeker]

This is it! Less is more....! I love to keep the original sound of the waveform as much as possible ( if the quality is okay) .Your vids are great Sara. Thank you very much 👍🏼

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Glad you like them!

[@intersweat]

Acoustic guitar would be a great follow up as you suggested. Would be very keen to see that one.

[@kellecetraro4807]

Saw you for the first time today, I was the beneficiary of the KZbin algorithm placing you in my list. I loved the video I look forward to past and future posts 🙏🏼

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@TheStudeo74]

The time you take… sorry you offer to explain is great. Thank you.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

You are welcome!

[@prophesiedgnar5809]

2nd comment! Love your videos! The bass eq video is now my bass workflow

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Nice!!

[@mistople]

So great, as usual. +1 for acoustics!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thanks a lot!

[@VladiVladiG]

Sara, these videos have significantly helped me to improve my mixes, hands down. Your channel is absolute gold in the mine that is KZbin. If you have some time, or the desire, I would love to see a video on reverb, understanding reverb parameters, and how to use reverb to create separation, sit instruments in a mix or add ambience to the mix. That would be really great. Thanks again for the real quality content you are uploading here on KZbin! I, for one, appreciate it! Cheerio!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Great to hear! Thanks for those great suggestions 👍

[@catsven1973]

I'm systematically stop by, each time I see your graceful face, Lady....it's not easy to find such a charming methodical teacher everywhere... 20 years doing that stuff, but I admit have learned a lot from you, especially how to treat the low end..Thank YOU.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thank YOU for watching, glad to help

[@sharonedigitale]

This was so enjoyable to watch🍿, I really dig your method and your style of explanation-helpful indeed! I love that you busted out the Kramer and ohhhh that Trident, I used to have it-you’ve might’ve made me decide to get it again, I LOOOOVE it’s 10 and 12k boost🤩!! I do have a question if you get the time at all: Is there anything you’d do differently in the case of having one clean fingerpicked electric with a soft airy female vocal? I get into sticky situations in the slightest attempts to compensate for no bass guitar being around, and even when I leave that much alone, I can’t quite achieve the desired clarity. Saturation does good things…but still…. Perhaps it’s the flat wound strings, or the P-90 pick-ups, although they’re a sweet brighter kind….Maybe that Trident’s got the love it needs😏, haha. But if you have ANY hunches off the top of your head, they’d be greatly appreciated. 🧡🎛️✨ Either way, thanks for the cool video! I’ll be checking out more. Subscribed💫😎

[@codywrightmusic]

Please do one for acoustic guitars as well these are gold!!!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Noted! Thanks

[@thespacealienssmogandgrog4283]

Thanks so much!! These go-to frequencies really improved the sound of my hard rock guitars in my mix. 👍👍👍✌ First, I dialed in a beefy distortion with Amplitube 5 on two DI'd guitar tracks that I panned L and R and sent to a group bus. Then I implemented your tips using the Waves F6 Dynamic EQ on the bus. I got a big sound that sits well even with just the 2 tracks. I might try sticking on a CLA MixHub or a Waves E-Channel next and see about those 3-D space enabling harmonics you mentioned but I'm pretty impressed with what I've got so far. The Q3 is a bit pricey for me yet but someday...

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

That’s great!

[@tonykitson195]

Thanks Sara - copious notes taken! I've been using the SSL 9000J for guitar tracks and like the sound very much.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

That’s a good choice!

[@thesuddenheir]

If you do a video on acoustic guitars, I'd love to hear about how their role in the song changes your approach to EQ. How would you EQ the acoustic guitar for a singer-songwriter record where acoustic guitar is one of the main instruments? How would you EQ an acoustic guitar in a fleshed out rock song where there are many more instruments competing for attention? Loving this series by the way!

[@jordn1]

Definitely please do a piece on acoustic guitar! 😃

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

It’s on the list!

[@rohizzy]

Amazing work! these videos are so infomative without being overwhelming looking forward to the acoustic :D Thank you for your hardwork making these@@SaraCarterSimplyMixing

[@manuzid6837]

Thanks Sara yeah WE like that vidéo on acoustic guitar😊😊

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

OK, thanks!

[@alimousavi1979]

Very good sara 🎉

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thank you

[@fivebyfivesound]

Cramer HLS PI for guitars is news to me. Gonna try it out. Thanks!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Ok, thanks!

[@robertskelton5430]

Yes and Thank you on acoustic. And please too.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thanks!

[@hunsleymat]

Would love to see a video on acoustic guitars please Sara!!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

It’s on the list!

[@thetransonicford]

Hi Sara, thanks for this series, it’s very inspiring. As so many others I would also be interested in your take on acoustic guitars and especially how to mix them together with electric guitars to keep separation, but still create a big unified guitar sound if that makes sense.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Great suggestion!

[@vincentcoole7179]

Great video as always. Would love one for Acoustics!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Noted!

[@tonyhills2112]

Thanks again Sara for another great video. It would be awesome if you could cover acoustic guitars next. Both nylon & steel string if possible!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Great suggestion!

[@grungefire]

Please do acoustic guitars and thank you so much for this. A little ways through and enjoying it so far.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Noted!

[@millermusicnsound]

Great video I’ve already completed your full mixing essentials course EQ, compression and FX and it’s completely transformed my mixes. Night and day. So much info I find myself always going back to them as it’s so in depth but I still enjoy these videos also as there’s always a little bit here and there you can take from new content. You rock Sara!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Awesome, thank you!

[@JSchellergJ]

Again, another great video. I'd suggest maybe a different topic, but I'd like to see your approach to choirs. Could be simple ones: three to five voices or a hundred people singing together.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Noted, although I don't see a lot of choirs!

[@uselessoldman7964]

Electric guitars for me are the most fun. I always request a clean DI recording with any guitar tracks cos its useful to be able to add in any IR/emulation/effects you think works when your layering tracks and layering is critical for perfect guitar tracks.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

DI tracks have got me out of a hole once or twice!

[@jordn1]

Hi, to one one of my fave online instructors! Question here: I just started working with dynamic EQ with guitars and vocals and sidechained them since Pro Q3 also offers external sidechaining now. Is there a an advantage to that over simply doing the subtractive technique?

[@mihneazoican2479]

KZbin did indeed shove you under my nose a couple of days ago and I’ve been watching a lot!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thanks KZbin!

[@coastalcomets7488]

Acoustic- yes, please!

[@DJarvisOfficial]

Your content gold Sara. Thank you. So much wisdom packed into this one video.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

You're so welcome!

[@kevinclarke9406]

Thanks for sharing all your knowledge and experience with us - a fantastic and generous resource. A thought for a future episode: how about covering your favourite free plugins?

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Good idea! What are your favourites?

[@kevinclarke9406]

@SaraCarterSimplyMixing MEqualizer - Melda Audio Production Sete Cave - Audio Fusion Bureau Feedback Compressor II - Tokyo Dawn Labs Colour EQ - DDMF Nova - TDR Molotov- TDR IVGI - Klanghelm Vocal Doubler - Izotope SPAN - Voxengo LALA - Analog Obsession Frank v2 - Analog Obsession CHANNELV - (AO again!) BritBundle - (yup, AO yet again!) Super Massive - Valhalla It's definitely worth checking out the MFreeFXBundle by Melda Production. 37 free effects, and £42 to unlock all the features. Hope this helps!

[@mistople]

Hey Sara, what is your camera/lighting/mic setup for recording these? It's top notch and makes me want a similar setup for my day job!

[@kutkobain3623]

Can you do one on acoustic guitar and overheads

[@stevegeorge7773]

The one thing that strikes me in watching these really productive videos, something you hadn't covered in the past, is the channel naming conventions you use. This one I think necessitated the question about your conventions about track labelling. I know it's not strictly a craft question but IMO an important element to mixing. PS on another note, from my thought bubble on the cursor observation,,,, this is better!!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Great point!

[@stevegeorge7773]

@@SaraCarterSimplyMixing Droll!

[@jeffoberg772]

I’m listening to this as a person learning to play guitar. I’m learning about recording EQ, because it helps with live EQ as I play I have some ideas I’ve put together and wonder what your thoughts are. Speakers and amplifiers have their own EQ profiles, and if I understand correctly, IRs and amp sims are EQ curves specific to that cabinet, driver, preamp, etc. Assuming this, a super high fidelity white box amp sim recorded direct would produce a wider range of frequencies than a physical amp. I turn down specific frequencies to cut them out of the sound I’m playing when using digital reproductions. Is this crazy?

[@AnyMajorDude-et2ub]

Hey Sara. I know you're talking here in post-production; but as a guitarist, can I uses the same principles you teach with the 10-band EQ on my pedalboard, to achieve the same result and free up frequencies for the bass and vocals live? I hope you understand my question 😕and thanks for the great lesson.

[@user-io1lb6yq2f]

Thank ypu ❤❤❤

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

You're welcome 😊

[@guglielmonigro]

One thing I often do when I boost 1.5k, if necessary, Is to use Neutron 4 Unmask with lead vcls, so I can set Gtrs up as needed but find space for vcls when it's their momento to Shine.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Good tip!

[@DielectricFailure]

*I’m always mixing guitars loud in my mixes but I think it’s because I’m blending them with synth sounds. However… my method is using only the high frequencies of the guitars double tracked and using the horn synth to fill the mids. Sounds cool but I’m only experimenting now. Thank you for this video!*

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

That's sounds like an interesting approach, for sure!

[@DielectricFailure]

@@SaraCarterSimplyMixing I think so but sometimes, I wrote mellower songs that I want the guitar to be heard even if I have added a cool bass groove. But yeah.. this video was seriously helpful.

[@jasonverhoek4914]

You rule!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thanks Jason!

[@jasonverhoek4914]

@@SaraCarterSimplyMixing nope! Thank you!

[@Evan-go1yk]

I always found using a roll off on the high end makes for a more detailed and real speaker sound. Unfortunately using close mics on cabs seem to add sparkle and fizz. These also can sound very harsh. I roll of the low end to help the bass and high end to make a real guitar sound so it's like it's coming out of the amp. I find you can cut as far as 5k or more for dark guitars.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Sounds good to me!

[@UnvisibleINK]

Man there's so much string bleed on those guitar tracks. That inexplicable combo of recording at low volume while standing or sitting right next to the microphone always boggles my mind.

[@natlove219]

Sara, do you know the lo bump trick for thin guitars using the helios design? Just flick in the lo freq. to 60 without applying any boost. It can bring the lo end forward ever so gently.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Yes, I do. It's a great trick

[@CIPHER7968]

Sara.. have you tried the Plugin Alliance Helios channel strip? I wonder if that has the same thing you get with the Waves HLS?

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

No, I don’t think I have. I use the UAD one from time to time on guitar but it sounds different to the Waves.

[@andrejvolcansek3232]

3.1 khz, not necesserely dislike, but it seems its make it or brake it freq on distorted guitars, and the 200hz dyn eq i'd usually set the treshold to "polish" the palm mutes.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Yes, I use a multiband at 200Hz a lot for that type of control. Thanks for watching!

[@catsven1973]

I don’t like the area of 2k to 5k so I dim it to make my overdriven tones sounding less harsh and less fizzy .. but I do it since the start on my pedalboard.. than I check it if it doesn’t sound moody in a busy mix so generally I’m treating the area between 90hz-500hz

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Sounds good to me

[@catsven1973]

@@SaraCarterSimplyMixing yeah actually the guitars sit well without pushing the faders than I add some High mid frequencies to cut through if it sounds like a cloud of sound without definition. 1 or 2db with a narrow Q and nail it. What I struggle to make it sound with a good definition is the bass mostly .. as my songs holds at least 40 to 50 tracks .. 10 tracks at once sometimes.. making the bass keeping all its tone is quite hard and tricky !

[@edmcguire4926]

These guitars sound like they are overpowering everything else in the mix. Yes they sound bright and clear but they’ve just eaten up so much midrange I’m struggling to hear the drums and I’m not sure where the vocal sits there?

[@rome8180]

I struggle with rock guitars more than any other instrument. I especially struggle with palm-muted parts. If I keep them as low gain as I want them, I feel like the transients are out of control. But if I crank the gain to tame the transients, I lose all definition. I work with amp sims, so I don't know if that has anything to do with it. I've had some success using a fast attack compressor to really grab the transients, and I've had some success using tape saturation. But they still always end up sounding a little "plonky." That's the best way I can think to describe it. It's like the horrible sound of DI guitar transients is still coming through too strong.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Yeah, working with sims is tricky. The most "plug & play" ones for me have been from UAD and Nembrini.

[@DbiPro]

If I don’t have speakers what are good headphones to do this kind of work with? I’m asking because I’m honesty using this information to mix live inside of a church. I strongly believe that every instrument should sound good no matter what and that later you can do things to your pa and do some sound treatment to help make the room sound better. Because every time I come here and I try something it works. I understand other people are learning and they’ll change things and that’s okay for me because I’d rather someone learn than stay stagnant not trying to see what things sound like. But at least when I mix I can give my best thanks to you and many others

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Mixing inside a church would require closed back headphones unless you are in a separate room, then you could use open backed. Open backed are better for mixing but if you have to go closed back, I'd look into combining them with something like Sonarworks to get a balanced sound. DT770 Pro's are good closed backs. Good open backs are the new HD490 Pro

[@reziahamed6654]

Hey Sara...Still didn't watch....but just want to THANK before indulging 🤓👍👍👍🥇

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Enjoy!

[@samsonlovesyou]

The biggest problem I have with EQing guitars is that I like accentuating that lovely scratchy, punchy, string transient sound around the 1.2k - 2k region. For something in between alt rock and indie. And that's exactly the area that you want the vocals sitting in. And it also sounds good on the bass... Is it just a matter of prioritising, and you have to sacrifice one so that others may live? Or is there a way to keep that guitar punch without masking vox and voice versa?

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Panning the guitars away from centre will mean you will avoid the masking, if it occurs.

[@stevejon381]

Really useful, thank you. Here's a thought: How about the musician applying these techniques themselves? I use an Axe FX3 modeller and with the flexibility that you have for cutting and boosting across the frequency spectrum across the whole preset including a good PEQ,. means that you can sculpt your tone before it gets recorded, meaning less correction work at the mixing stage. Might do you out of a job though!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Great comment! You should always strive to get the best tone on tape but sometimes you have to sculpt with EQ so it fits into the rest of the instrumentation, whilst you try to shove it all through your stereo mix bus!

[@stevejon381]

@@SaraCarterSimplyMixing Although opinions may vary on what a good rock based mix should be. For me one of the best rock recordings ever has to be the debut RATM album. The bass and guitars don't get in each other's way and the drum mix is clean. This must have had been EQ'd very well.

[@user-gq1cr9ev5c]

Love your public videos Sara. How do they differ to your paid masterclass?

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Similar in style but the masterclass is start to finish mixing covering multiple processes and my full methodology in a step by step format over 11.5hrs. I just do isolated topics on KZbin

[@user-gq1cr9ev5c]

@@SaraCarterSimplyMixing excellent! I look forward to watching and learning from your masterclass 🙏

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Great! @@user-gq1cr9ev5c

[@rudib4833]

Apakah seorang master/pro bisa kelelahan telinga juga? Saya seorang pemula yang sering merasa telinga saya lelah ketika mixing dan kehilangan arah 😢

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Yes, everyone gets ear fatigue and it's important to take breaks often. I think "pros" recognise it sooner and stop whereas "non-pros" keep pushing on.

[@user-dr8ug3gs3c]

Sounds like a Joe Bonamassa tone.👍

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Sounds cool!