Frequency and equalization are basically the roots of sound when it comes to producing music. According to us at Sikk Sounds, those two will get your track to a whole new level if your understanding of them is at par. Let’s get into the science behind these critical concepts and explore how they can transform your productions.
The Nature of Sound
Sound is a vibration that travels through the air in waves. Those waves have some special characteristics that determine what we hear:
- Frequency: Number of oscillations in one second (in Hertz, Hz)
- Amplitude: Intensity or strength of the sound wave
- Wavelength: Distance between two successive peaks of a wave
When writing, we play with these properties to find the perfect blend. For instance, a tech house sample pack demands accurate frequency balancing, so everything should sit right in the mix.
Understanding Frequency
Of all the aspects of sound, frequency is probably the most important to understand as a producer. It will define the pitch of a sound and is measured in Hertz. The human ear can typically perceive frequencies between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz.
The low frequencies from 20 Hz to 250 Hz shape the bass and sub-bass of your tracks. Low frequencies provide core and energy in your track. Most musical information is within the middle frequencies from 250 Hz to 4000 Hz; vocals and most instruments take priority in this area. High frequencies within 4000 Hz to 20,000 Hz give the sparkle, air, and clarity to your mix.
Take this hardstyle sample pack, for example. Listen to how we always balance each and every sound inside its frequency space so they may shine really bright and cut clear in your production.
The Power of Equalization (EQ)
Equalization is the process of adjusting different frequencies in an audio signal. One of the most powerful weapons in a producer’s arsenal, equalization offers a way for you to create the ideal in both the balance of individual tones and the general mix. Some of the types of EQs include the following: Parametric EQs allow the control of frequency, gain, and Q precisely; Graphic EQs are similar but with fixed frequency bands with adjustable gain; Shelving EQs cut or boost all the frequencies higher or lower than a fixed point; High-pass and Low-pass filters screen out frequencies below or above a set point. At Sikk Sounds, we use advanced EQ techniques in our sample creation to ensure that every sound in our packs is mix-ready and sits perfectly within its intended frequency range.
Applying Frequency and EQ Knowledge in Production
Now that we’ve covered the basics let’s explore how to apply this knowledge in your music production:
- Find the key frequencies of each ingredient in your cocktail.Â
- Using EQ, make room for each instrumentÂ
- Cut out all unnecessary resonances or nasty frequenciesÂ
- Boosting frequencies to accentuate certain features of a soundÂ
- Using high-pass filters to remove superfluous low-end from non-bass elementsÂ
- Using low-pass filters to alleviate harshness or open up space in the high-end
Admittedly, with our sample packs, much of this work would have been provided for you, but again, it comes to those key principles allowing you to take such sounds further toward your vision in the first place.
From laying down minute details deep within understanding each frequency and EQ in a sample right through to being at the front with the creation of that perfect start your productions require, Sikk Sounds lets nothing but the very top-shelf audio resources into service.
Want to take your sound to the next level? Browse our sample packs, presets, and audio tracks now. If you have any questions about how you can use frequency and EQ in your products for advice on which of our products would best suit your needs get in touch below. You can also look for us on the website, and we’ll be happy to assist you through your music production process with one of our experts.
