Most so called frequency masking problems can be solved before some MUST turn towards the EQ. Trying to EQ a sound is laborious, and as a rule I never do more work than I have to. In this matter, an EQ is more of a last resort than a first responder in the war on frequency masking.

Is there a problem?

First question to ask yourself is this: how do I want my mix to sound? Do you want it really thick and cluttered? Or do you want it very clear?

Chances are the answer is somewhere inbetween the two, and there may not be a problem when you compare it to a piece of work that you want it to sound like.

What is frequency masking?

Frequency masking occurs when one sound dampers the ability of another sound to be heard. It could be drastic so that one sound completely masks another, or it could be extremely subtle where most people would not notice. Masking makes sounds seems weaker and less pronounced. One sound can mask another even if its not in the same frequency range, and even if they are not played at the same time.

To hear the post masking effect, try this: put a reverse snare right up to a different snare so that there isn't any empty space between the two and listen to it. Now automate the volume so that the volume gets turned down right before the snare hits. What happens? The automation on the reverse snare reduces the effect of post masking, allowing the transient of the snare to be heard more easily and make it sound snappier.

The more common problem is that two sounds are playing at the same time within the same frequency range. A simple way to test how much masking is going on is to solo each track you trying to hear. Test the solo version against hearing it in the mix, and that'll show you how much masking is going on.

Resolve Frequency Masking with Prevention

Fixing frequency mishaps starts before even diving into effects and processors to mangle your sound. It all starts with, wait for it...SOUND DESIGN, SOUND SELECTION, and COMPOSITION! Give it for those three by a round of applause! Having the foresight before the mixing stage can make it much easier to put things together in the end.

General Concepts to Apply



Use Varying Timbres for Better Clarity

A common problem for early trance producers is an overload on supersaws. You have a saw sub, saw bass, saw pluck lead, and a saw pad. It can sound like one big wall of crap. Try using different timbres for the different instruments, rather than relying on just variants of the saw.

Reduce long envelop sounds, or eliminate them all together

Things like pads, claps with long tails, or long plucky sounds are generally worse maskers because of how long they last temporally. If you do not need a long tail on a sound, shorten it.

Do Not Have Two Sounds Play At the Same Time

It really doesn't get any simpler than this. If you can't have two sounds playing at the same time, put on your composition hat and make some changes instead. Maybe put the two different sounds in different sections, or create a call and response scenario so one plays the first two bars, and the other sound the following two bars.

Pick a sound that's in the right frequency range

If you want to have two sounds playing at the same time, its not a bad idea to have their own part of the spectrum, rather than having to duke it out. Let's say you want a throbbing subby bassline playing when the kick does. If you picked a really subby kick it would probably clash with the bassline, so as an alternative you could pick an acoustic type of kick with very little sub in it.

Try a Different Octave

This one is easy: if something doesn't quite fit try raising it or lowering it by an octave or two.

Conclusion

So you made it to the end of the post, where few people dare to venture... If you made it this far, I dare say that you might just have the wits to outsmart every equalizer that exists here on the planet earth. The EQ will scream, "Please use me! You have to engineer this track into perfection!" You'll respond with, "Haha, I know the secrets to clarity without EQ. I need not fear frequency masking ever again. The EQ is no longer my crutch."

EQ: "NOOOOOOOO!"

You'll still want to use the EQ, but now it won't be a band aid for the poor choices you make BEFORE MIXING.

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Originally posted by dj_alfi change your avatar for fucks sake.