Explain the importance of understanding the frequency spectrum and the key frequencies of common instruments and sounds used in EDM and discuss specific applications and how it effects mix decisions.

Understanding the frequency spectrum and the key frequencies of common instruments and sounds in EDM is absolutely essential for effective mixing and production. The frequency spectrum, which ranges from the lowest audible sounds (around 20 Hz) to the highest (around 20 kHz), is the basis for all sounds, and how well a mix translates from one system to another, depends heavily on this knowledge. Every sound, whether it’s a kick drum, a snare, a synth lead, or a vocal, occupies a unique range of frequencies. Knowing where these key frequencies lie allows producers to make informed decisions about equalization, balance, and overall sonic clarity. A well balanced mix requires good understanding of the frequencies that each instrument or sound uses.

The low frequencies (roughly 20 Hz to 250 Hz) are the foundation of an EDM track. This is where you find the sub-bass, kick drum, and the low-end of basslines. For example, the fundamental frequency of a kick drum usually lies in the 40-70 Hz range. This frequency range has a feeling of power, depth, and presence and the right amount is very important for achieving the correct low-end in any track. The sub-bass will be around 20-40 Hz, and it is crucial for giving the track a powerful rumble. When the kick drum, sub-bass and the bassline occupy the same low frequency spaces, it is very important to EQ them to ensure that they sit in the mix without clashing with each other. EQ’ing some frequencies down will make other elements shine through. A low-shelf filter or a bell cut or boost can be used to make some of these elements more or less prominent. It is also important to understand that this low-end range can quickly become muddy, if not handled properly, leading to a mix that lacks clarity and definition. Having control of the low frequencies is very important for making the mix sound powerful and not muddy. Also, the low frequencies are very important for making the track translate to different systems, because those systems are often more limited in the low frequencies.

The mid-range frequencies (roughly 250 Hz to 4 kHz) are where many of the fundamental elements of EDM sit, including the body of the snare, the core of many synth leads, and vocals. A snare drum, for example, may have its fundamental body around 200-400 Hz and its crack around 1-2 kHz. These mid frequencies can make sounds more prominent or more subtle and are important to achieve good balance and clear separation of sounds. The midrange also houses a lot of the harmonic content of different instruments, and by carefully manipulating those frequencies, the sounds can be shaped to fit better in the mix. This frequency range can also be the source of muddiness if not properly balanced, so it is very important to pay attention to this area. For instance, if there are multiple instruments that have a lot of information at around 200-400Hz, the mix can become muddy and cluttered, requiring careful EQ. Also this area is where most of our ears are most sensitive, so subtle variations will be more prominent here than in other frequency ranges.

The high frequencies (roughly 4 kHz to 20 kHz) are responsible for clarity, air, and brightness. This is where you find the high-end of hi-hats, the brightness of cymbals, and the harmonics of many synth sounds. For example, the high-hats will usually have most of their important content at 6-8kHz. When these frequencies are too prominent, the mix can sound harsh and fatiguing, while when they are lacking, the mix may sound dull. Knowing that certain instruments tend to have a lot of content in the higher frequencies is important for understanding how to make them sit better in the mix. For example, the high frequencies of a vocal will have to be emphasized carefully in order not to make it sound harsh. Also, a high-shelf boost or cut in the higher end will greatly impact the overall feel of the track.

Understanding how the frequencies from the different instruments interact is the key for creating a well balanced mix. When two sounds occupy the same frequency ranges they will compete and cause clashing, which will cause some sounds to be masked by others. The producer must make sure to EQ these elements to avoid these clashes, either by boosting or cutting frequencies on various sounds so that they sit comfortably in the mix. If one instrument has a lot of high-frequency content, and it masks the high frequencies of another, it is important to attenuate some of the high frequencies in that instrument, to allow the other frequencies to shine through. Also, the EQ may also depend on the overall feel of the track, in a track with a dark feel, the high frequencies may be attenuated more, to give that characteristic feel.

Moreover, understanding these frequency ranges allows for informed decisions about applying effects such as compression, reverb and delay, to different elements of the mix. A reverb with a longer decay time, on a low-end heavy sound will sound muddy. Similarly, a delay on a sound that already has a lot of energy in the higher frequencies might make the sound overly harsh. Using a filter on a reverb or delay, will also allow for making sure the sound will not over clutter any frequency range. Careful attention is required in every stage of processing the audio.

Also, using a visual analyzer will help in seeing the energy levels of different frequencies, and it can also be used to understand how different frequencies are distributed. Analyzing reference tracks with a visual analyzer will allow producers to see the range and characteristics of a professionally produced mix, and use that for comparing with their own tracks.

In conclusion, having a deep understanding of the frequency spectrum, the frequencies of different instruments and their interactions is essential for creating mixes that are balanced, clear, and powerful, and that will translate properly in different systems. This involves more than just knowing the numbers of different frequency ranges, but also understanding how to use that knowledge to make better mixing decisions. Understanding where each element should sit in the frequency spectrum will allow the producer to make conscious mixing decisions that are based on their own subjective and artistic vision.