frequency ranges for different instruments

[jdaug]

are there certain frequencies or frequency ranges that are boosted or cut to improve definition in the mix, and what are they typically? i know it depends on the instrument tuning, music style, etc, but just generally. For example, most rock kick drums produce sound in the 20-100HZ range (just pulled that out of my ass..i have no idea waht it really is). All I know is that the A string on my standard tuned guitar is 440!!

also, what happens when you boost or cut a certain frequency in a track that doesnt contain that frequency, meaning can you boost the bass in an instrument that has no low end, like a high hat, and get a change in tone.

[DT Chris]

Check these 2 pages out; I was experimenting with cutting frequencies between instruments - I felt I was on the edge of a mixing revelation, then I lost it somewhere lol. Gotta start again.

Equalization Frequencies
The Art of Eq

[brandondrury]

For example, most rock kick drums produce sound in the 20-100HZ range (just pulled that out of my ass..i have no idea waht it really is)

You'd get better answers if you specifically targetted given instruments like you did with the kick drum.

For kick drums, that are a handful of "money" frequencies. Much of it depends on what you are going for, obviously. Certainly the low end is important, but in many cases a low shelf (which effects all frequencies under 100-120Hz) is fine for the low end. There are some kick drums that sound great with 250Hz boosted, but on many I like to cut. I don't like hearing too much of anthing in the 400-600Hz region on any drum track.

With the kick drum, the "definition" part gets interesting. There is the 2-3Khz definition. There is the 4-6Khz definition. There is the 10Khz definition. Of course you can boost anywhere in between.

The 10Hhz kick drum boost is very useful for metal where you want to hear the click sound.

The other two areas are like salt and pepper to me. I just kind of adjust to taste with them. You shouldn't have to go too far with them.

also, what happens when you boost or cut a certain frequency in a track that doesnt contain that frequency,

Well, first of all, this is not a question to ask some jerks on a forum. This is a question that you should ask your studio monitors. (Many questions can be answered by your studio monitors, that's why you bought them).

With that said, this is simple multiplication. If there is 0 energy in a given frequency range and we double the power of that frequency range, we'll still end up with zero. If there is 0.001 power in the low end of a high hat and we double it, we'll end up with .002 power.

Of course, seldom is there zero power at a given frequency range for any instrument. Most instruments have a bottom and a top.

Brandon