Bonus mixing tip: If you hear that two instruments are battling over a frequency range, if is better to cut than to boost.

On the other hand, there is another method if it is, say, two guitars that by nature are going to share frequencies. A parametric EQ is, probably, the best tool to use for this.

Pair the instruments. Determine which is the dominant. Find the best center frequency that delivers the "punch" you are looking for, whether is is high, mid, or mid-low. When you've found that frequency, boost it 2 or 3 db. Doing this will "roll-up" neighboring frequencies depending on how wide you've set your range. Then with the same settings, lower the gain on the other instrument the same--2 or 3 db. It may sound thinner solo, but combined it is the aural equivalent of lead vocals and harmonies. The goal is to stop the two similar instruments from sharing too much of the same frequencies, not to eliminate the frequencies.

Again, do this in mono first. When you can clearly make out what each of the two is doing, then you are "there". That's the fastest way to get there with EQ--mix in mono.

The above advice is in addition to, not a replacement for, what's been shared by others.


An observation and question: Even though I'm just getting started, so far I haven't seemed to have to do much EQ work with real-tracks--at least from the same style. Is that anybody else's experience?

Last edited by Tangmo; 10/21/18 06:06 AM.
BIAB 2021 Audiophile. Windows 10 64bit. Songwriter, lyricist, composer(?) loving all styles. Some pre-BIAB music from Farfetched Tangmo Band's first CD. https://alonetone.com/tangmo/playlists/close-to-the-ground