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The Frequency-Balance Checklist I Use Before Touching Loudness

The Frequency-Balance Checklist I Use Before Touching Loudness

The Problem Sometimes the record is loud enough, but it still feels wrong. It sounds chaotic. Untamed. Like every instrument is trying to stand in the same spot. The kick wants the center. The bass wants the same air. The vocal is pushing forward, but it’s getting scraped by the drums and the sample. The top end is busy, but not clear. Nothing feels placed. When you take a mix like that and push loudness, you don’t get impact. You get a louder argument. That’s why I start with frequency balance. Not to “polish” the track. To stop the fight.... More.

About Dume41

Dume has been producing, recording, and mixing hip hop records since 1996, and mastering them since 2005. He is the founder of the record label Fresh Chopped Beats, where he has worked on music featuring artists such as Abstract Rude, Afu-Ra, Gabriel Teodros, Geologic/Prometheus Brown, Jeru The Damaja, Khingz, King Khazm, Macklemore, Percee P, Sean Price, Sir Mix-A-Lot, Sizzla, Specs Wizard, Vitamin D, and many, many others. His mastering chain is built around a high-end analog hardware setup designed to add depth, warmth, and polish while keeping the artist’s intent intact. To work with Dume on music contact him here.