This is Chapter 3 of Mixing Foundations – Learn how to identify and remove unwanted frequencies, why reductive EQ is one of the most important tools in modern and classic workflows, and how to use clean digital EQs like FabFilter Pro-Q 4 to bring clarity, punch, and depth to your mix. Explore the difference between low cuts, low shelves, and bell curves. Discover why taking out the garbage is often the most musical move you can make. (12–15 minute read)

How to use Reductive EQ like a Pro

Welcome back to the Next Level Sound: Mixing Foundations: A Mixing Cookbook for the Modern Music Producer.

As I mentioned earlier, and probably will mention a few more times over the course of this mixing cookbook, the chapter order reflects the order in which you perform the channelstrip processing workflow.

First, we saturate the sound by inflating it with harmonics and clipping. Then, we carve out the sound's profile, retaining its body while eliminating unwanted frequencies.

That’s a pretty ...