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Is it bad to do giant eq cuts?

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Bedroom Producer
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Doing giant EQ cuts might be necessary and you should always let your ear be the final judge. There are several reasons why it might not be a good idea to apply huge cuts when mixing:

  • Loss of clarity and definition: Huge cuts to specific frequency ranges can result in a loss of clarity and definition in the signal. This can cause the signal to sound thin and weak, and can make it difficult for the listener to discern the details of the sound.

  • Thinness and hollowness: Huge cuts to specific frequency ranges can also result in a thin and hollow sound, which can make the signal sound unbalanced and unnatural. This can be particularly problematic for instruments that are characterized by their fullness and richness of tone, such as acoustic guitars and pianos.

  • Masking of other instruments: Huge cuts to specific frequency ranges can also cause other instruments in the mix to be masked or drowned out by the signal. This can result in a lack of balance and cohesiveness within the mix, and can make the overall sound less engaging and impactful.

In general, it is not always bad to apply huge cuts when mixing, and there are certain situations in which it can be useful. For example, if a vocal track is competing with a guitar track for space in the mix, the mixer might cut the frequencies that the guitar is occupying in order to make room for the vocal. This can help to create a clearer and more defined sound for the vocal, and can make the overall mix more balanced and coherent.

However, in most cases it is better to make small and subtle cuts to specific frequency ranges, rather than applying huge cuts. This will help to preserve the clarity and definition of the signal, and will ensure that the EQ adjustments enhance the sound of the signal without causing problems.