Ralph Sutton’s EQ Cheat Sheet for Jazz, Funk, and R&B Mixing

Ralph Sutton’s EQ Cheat Sheet for Jazz, Funk, and R&B Mixing

Ralph Sutton’s EQ Cheat Sheet

Master the art of EQ with actionable tips from Ralph Sutton’s extensive experience in recording and mixing Jazz, Funk, and R&B. This cheat sheet provides detailed EQ settings for various instruments, helping you craft polished, professional-quality mixes. Whether you’re working with drums, bass, strings, or vocals, these EQ tips are tailored to enhance clarity, create space, and bring your mix to life.

Pro Tip: Always start with subtle adjustments and use your ears. Over-processing can lead to a harsh or unnatural sound!

Drums

Kick Drum: Boost 50–80 Hz for low-end thump; cut 200–400 Hz for clarity; boost 3–5 kHz for attack.

Snare Drum: Boost 150–250 Hz for body; boost 2–5 kHz for snap; boost 7–10 kHz for rattle.

Hi-Hats & Cymbals: Boost 10–12 kHz for shimmer; cut 3–6 kHz for harshness.

Pro Tip: Place overhead mics slightly higher than usual to capture a balanced stereo image of the cymbals.

Bass

Electric Bass: Boost 60–100 Hz for warmth; cut 250–400 Hz for clarity; boost 700 Hz–1.5 kHz for articulation.

Upright Bass: Boost 100–200 Hz for warmth; boost 1–3 kHz for definition.

Pro Tip: Blending a DI signal with a mic captures the perfect balance of clarity and warmth.

Guitars

Electric Guitar: Boost 100–300 Hz for body; boost 3–5 kHz for clarity; cut 1–2 kHz for harshness.

Acoustic Guitar: Boost 80–150 Hz for warmth; boost 2–4 kHz for clarity; cut 200–300 Hz for boominess.

Pro Tip: Use a condenser mic for acoustic guitars to capture rich tonal details.

Horns

Trumpets & Trombones: Boost 200–400 Hz for richness; boost 3–5 kHz for presence; boost 8–12 kHz for air.

Saxophones: Boost 200–400 Hz for body; boost 3–5 kHz for presence; cut 150–250 Hz for boominess.

Pro Tip: Use ribbon microphones for a smoother, vintage sound on brass instruments.

Strings

Violin: Boost 200–500 Hz for body; boost 2–5 kHz for clarity; boost 8–10 kHz for brightness.

Viola: Boost 150–400 Hz for depth; boost 2–4 kHz for clarity; boost 7–10 kHz for harmonics.

Cello: Boost 100–250 Hz for richness; boost 1–3 kHz for definition; cut 300–500 Hz for muddiness.

Pro Tip: Experiment with mic placements for strings. Close-miking provides clarity, while room mics add depth.

Vocals

Male Vocals: Boost 100–250 Hz for warmth; boost 2–4 kHz for presence; boost 10–12 kHz for air.

Female Vocals: Boost 150–300 Hz for fullness; boost 3–5 kHz for clarity; boost 12–15 kHz for shine.

Pro Tip: Apply a subtle de-esser to tame sibilance without dulling the brightness of vocals.