An easy frequency map
| Range | Frequency | Sounds like |
|---|---|---|
| Sub bass | 20–60 Hz | Felt more than heard, the chest thump |
| Bass | 60–250 Hz | Kick, bassline, warmth |
| Low mids | 250–500 Hz | Too much sounds muddy, boxy |
| Mids | 500 Hz – 2 kHz | The body of vocals and instruments |
| Upper mids | 2–5 kHz | Clarity; too much is harsh and tiring |
| Highs | 5–20 kHz | Hi-hats, cymbals, air |
Remember this table and you always know where you're turning.
Three common kinds of EQ
- The 3-band EQ on a DJ mixer: low, mid, high. For mixing, like cutting the bass of the playing track as you bring in the next one.
- Graphic EQ: a row of sliders at fixed frequencies, for example 10 bands. Easy and visual.
- Parametric EQ: you pick the frequency, the boost or cut, and the width (Q). The most precise, cuts exactly where it should.
Four rules
- Cut before you boost. Sounds muddy? Cut some 250–500 Hz instead of boosting the treble to "brighten" it.
- Big boost, lower the total. Boosting the bass by 6 dB without lowering the preamp is the quickest way to distortion.
- Small moves, compare often. Toggle the EQ off to hear the original. Ears adjust fast, and after a while everything sounds "fine".
- EQ for the room, not just the track. The same track needs different settings on headphones and on a big system.
Tips for where you listen
- Headphones: usually bass-heavy already. Ease off the sub bass, and go gently on 2–5 kHz, which tires the ears.
- Laptop speakers: they can't play deep bass. Boosting sub only adds distortion. A gentle lift around 100–200 Hz gives more body.
- PA and big speakers: make the bass mono so it's solid and focused. If the room booms, cut some sub.
With TaxonomyDJ
The TaxonomyDJ player has a parametric EQ window like a studio plugin: drag the dots right on the live spectrum, or switch to 10 familiar sliders. There are 34 EQ presets by mood and genre, and 13 Space presets for where you listen, from headphones, laptop, and PA speakers to a club rig and the car, with bass mono and crossfeed.
It lowers the level automatically when you boost a lot, so the sound doesn't break up. Flip the EQ switch to Off to hear the original. Free on every plan.