Once You Hear This, Music Will Never Sound The Same

Summary

This video offers a deep dive into understanding sound frequencies in music production, explaining their distinct characteristics and how they can be identified in everyday life. The speaker breaks down different frequency ranges from low-end bass to high-end sparkle and provides associations to help the audience better recognize these sounds. By practicing these listening skills in daily environments, viewers can improve their mixing abilities. The video also provides a free cheat sheet for EQ settings, making it easier for music producers to enhance their mixes, while encouraging viewers to subscribe for more tips.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understanding frequency ranges is crucial for creating better mixes, with different ranges impacting the clarity and balance of sounds.
• 😀 Low frequencies (20Hz - 150Hz) are associated with rumbling bass sounds like thunder or a distant car.
• 😀 Midrange frequencies (150Hz - 2kHz) are where most instruments and vocals sit, with sounds in this range having a more direct presence.
• 😀 High-mid frequencies (2kHz - 5kHz) can affect the clarity of vocals and the sharpness of guitar or snare drums.
• 😀 High frequencies (5kHz - 10kHz) add brightness to sounds like cymbals and the upper end of vocals, contributing to the 'sparkle' of a mix.
• 😀 Extremely high frequencies (10kHz and above) give a crisp, sparkly feel to sounds like breathy vocals and chimes, which are perceived as sharp or thin.
• 😀 Identifying real-world sound examples helps train your ear to recognize different frequencies, such as the buzz of a mosquito or a car in the distance.
• 😀 Listening to environmental sounds can make you more attuned to how specific frequencies behave, improving your mixing decisions.
• 😀 The speaker offers a free 'home mixing cheat sheet' to help with common EQ settings for different instruments, aiding in quicker mix decisions.
• 😀 Developing an ear for frequencies isn't just for mixing music—it's a skill that can enhance your general auditory awareness in daily life.
• 😀 The speaker encourages repeated practice and offers continued resources (like their YouTube channel) for improving your audio mixing skills.

Q & A

What are the key frequency ranges mentioned in the script?

The script covers frequency ranges from low frequencies (20 Hz to around 200 Hz) up to very high frequencies (10K Hz to 20K Hz and beyond). These ranges are associated with various sounds in music and the environment.

What are some examples of sounds that fall into the low-frequency range?

Low-frequency sounds mentioned include thunder, rumbling, bass guitar, and the low end of a kick drum. These sounds typically appear in the 20 Hz to 200 Hz range.

How does the speaker suggest using environmental sounds to improve frequency recognition?

The speaker recommends listening to everyday sounds, such as a lawnmower, car, or mosquito buzz, and trying to identify the frequency range of each sound. This helps improve your ability to recognize and interpret frequencies in music.

What is the significance of the 300 Hz to 500 Hz frequency range?

This range is associated with 'muddiness' in sound. It's where a lot of the midrange buildup occurs, and sounds can become cluttered or boxy. It often requires cutting to clear up mixes.

What role do frequencies above 2K Hz play in music?

Frequencies above 2K Hz add clarity and presence to the sound. They are essential for the intelligibility of vocals and many instruments, making them more defined in the mix.

Why are 5K Hz to 8K Hz frequencies important for vocals?

These frequencies are critical for adding definition and clarity to vocals. Boosting this range can help vocals stand out and be more intelligible in a mix, particularly in terms of articulation.

How does the script describe the effect of boosting high frequencies around 10K Hz?

Boosting high frequencies around 10K Hz can introduce a 'shine' or sparkle to sounds, like cymbals, chimes, or breathiness in vocals. This frequency range adds a sense of clarity and airiness.

What sound is specifically associated with the 10K Hz to 20K Hz range in the script?

The 10K Hz to 20K Hz range is associated with sounds like chimes, which are described as sparkly and sharp, almost like the sound of breaking glass.

What is the 'Home Mixing Cheat Sheet' mentioned in the script?

The 'Home Mixing Cheat Sheet' is a free guide provided by the speaker. It includes common EQ settings for various instruments like guitars, bass, drums, and vocals, helping users dial in the right sound for their mixes.

How can understanding frequency ranges improve your music mixing skills?

Understanding frequency ranges allows you to better identify which frequencies need boosting or cutting, leading to cleaner and more professional-sounding mixes. It helps avoid guessing and provides a more intuitive approach to mixing.