EQ in the mix: why "cut and shift" often works better than the classic boost-and-sweep
- VDSS Studio
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
If you lift and “sweep” looking for resonances, you risk emphasizing defects.
Try the opposite: make a sharp cut , then move the band until the sound breathes . This is a handy way to achieve cleaner, more musical EQ, especially on vocals and critical mids. (More on subtractive EQ and modern techniques: iZotope, MusicTech, The Pro Audio Files).
Why change your approach to EQ
Many learn EQ with a tight boost + sweep to find resonances. It works, but often leads to overprocessing and "phantom resonances." The alternative is to start with a cut and sweep it until the mix opens up: reduce what's bothering you, without creating new artifacts . This is the idea behind subtractive EQ : remove to make space.
The useful basics (in simple words)
Subtractive vs Additive EQ : Cut what's too much, then—if necessary—finish with large, moderate boosts.
Critical midrange zones : excess between 500–1000 Hz = “boxed” mix; too little content = “anemic” mix.
Before/after compression? Often cutting first helps the compressor work better (kick/bass first).
Modern tools : dynamic EQ, transient/tonal split, automatic resonance suppression: use them for targeted interventions.
The “Cut and Move” method (step-by-step)
Listen in context , not alone.
Set a bell (medium-narrow Q), -6/-9 dB as your starting point.
Move the frequency slowly: when the mix opens up (less nasal, less boxy), you're close.
Reduce the amount of cut until it feels natural (often 2–4 dB is enough).
Compensate the level (if necessary) to avoid the “it sounds better because it’s louder” feeling.
If needed , add a large, gentle boost for air/presence.
Why does it work? You're removing masking instead of chasing flaws with tight boosts that create new peaks. Philosophy: less is more.
Quick Applications
Voices
HPF where there is no useful information; then look for “boxiness” in 300–800 Hz with the cut-and-shift method.
If the bass in your vocals changes a lot, try dynamic EQ on the low-mid instead of fixed cut.
Medium Guitars / Synths
Identify the conflict with the vocal (often 1–3 kHz ). Cut in the guitar/synth to leave presence for the vocal.
Bass & Kick
Avoid low-end duplication: HPF on non-bass instruments (80–100 Hz) to leave room for kick/bass.
Bus & Master
On the mix bus or in mastering , subtractive EQ is often the first move to clean up masking before any “color boost”.
Common mistakes to avoid
Huge cuts with super tight Q on too many tracks → thin/unnatural sound.
Narrow and high boosts to “shine” → emphasize resonances and fatigue.
Aggressive solo sweeping → you make misleading decisions about the mix.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it better to cut or boost?
It depends on the problem. Cut when there's excess or masking; boost when you want to color musically.
EQ or compression first?
Often a little subtractive before compression helps (especially on kick/bass), but it's not a hard and fast rule.
How much should I cut?
Start with 2–4 dB , listen to the context, and reduce the adjustment to the minimum effective level.
Does it make sense to use “modern” EQs?
Yes: dynamics , resonance suppressor , transient/tonal split speed up the workflow and reduce excesses.
Mix & Mastering with VDSS Studio
If you want a mix or master that really breathes and respects your sound:
Mix + Master : €300 per track
Stem Mastering : €150 per song
Stereo mastering : €100 per track
Email us with a link to your files and a reference: we'll get back to you with timeframes , delivery times , and technical suggestions.
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