Don’t Miss These EQ Tips for Synths and Keys

Key and Synth EQ Starting Points text over a blue image of the Audio Issues EQ interface

If you want to know how to eq synths and keyboards, you’re in the right place.

In this video, I’ll walk you through some of the EQ presets I like to use when I’m EQ’ing synths and keys so that those tracks cut through without cluttering up the rest of your mix.

Here’s the breakdown of what we cover in the video:

Cut the Clutter in the Mids: Keys and synths often find their place in the middle of the frequency spectrum. To make them shine without overpowering other instruments, focus on the midrange. Push your keys into the mid frequencies, allowing them to poke through the mix between the bass, kick, and other low-end instruments. By cutting out excessive lows and taming the muddiness, you’ll create space for your keys to breathe.
Tame the Nasal High Mids: Sometimes, keys can sound nasally or honky in the high-mid frequencies. Address this issue by reducing frequencies between 1 KHz and 3 KHz. This not only refines your keys’ sound but also creates a frequency pocket for your vocals, allowing them to sit prominently atop the mix.
Strategic Frequency Boosts: While cutting is crucial, adding strategic frequency boosts is equally important. Boost around 680 Hz to add warmth and presence to your keys. Enhance the brilliance at 5 KHz to make your keys cut through the mix effectively.
Rhodes in the Mids: If you’re working with Rhodes, consider adding a bit more power around 500 Hz. Apply an attitude adjustment at 680 Hz to create a frequency pocket and boost presence, followed by adding space at approximately 16 KHz.
Rock Synth: The approach for rock synths remains similar with minor tweaks. Experiment with these settings as a starting point and fine-tune to suit your specific sound.
Thin and Airy Pad: For thin and airy pads meant to sit in the background, reduce low-mid and mid frequencies while emphasizing brilliance at 8 KHz and airiness at 10 KHz and above.

If you want to use the presets and EQ plug-in that’s in the video, check out the Audio Issues EQ plug-in.

If you missed any of the other videos in the series, you can find the full playlist here.

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