Close your eyes and picture your favorite string instrument's music—the warmth of a cello or the brightness of a viola.
Now, imagine having the power to sculpt those sounds exactly to your liking.
That's precisely what you'll learn in this guide.
Get set to embark on a musical journey where you become the maestro of sound, one EQ knob at a time.
How to EQ String Instruments (+ Cheat Sheet)
When mixing strings it's crucial to understand that each instrument has a unique range of frequencies that define their sound.
Understanding these frequency ranges is essential for effectively equalizing them.
Each type of string instrument, such as violins, cellos, banjos, and double basses, occupies a specific part of the frequency spectrum.
Let's break it down.
How to EQ Violin
Violins produce a broad range of frequencies, typically spanning from around 196 Hz (G3) to as high as 4.18 kHz (B7).
The lower frequencies, roughly between 196 Hz and 350 Hz, give the violin its warm and full tone.
Moving up to the mid-range, from 350 Hz to about 1.5 kHz, you find the core of the violin's sound, the part that makes it instantly recognizable.
As you venture into the higher frequencies, those above 1.5 kHz, you start to encounter the brightness and brilliance that add character to the violin's timbre.
This understanding of the violin's frequency range is crucial when it comes to equalizing it effectively, whether you want to emphasize its warmth, clarity, or brilliance.
- Rumble: 0 - 100 Hz
- Warmth: 200 - 350 Hz
- Mud: 100 - 250 Hz
- Presence: 2.4 - 7 kHz
How to EQ Cello
Cellos have a lower frequency range compared to violins, generally from about 65 Hz (C2) to 987 Hz (B5).
The lower frequencies, approximately from 65 Hz to 200 Hz, create the deep and resonant low-end of the cello.
Moving up into the mid-range, from 196 Hz to 783 Hz, you encounter the core of the cello's tone, giving it richness and warmth.
When you reach the upper mid-range, from 783 Hz to 1.5 kHz, clarity and definition come into play.
Finally, beyond 2 kHz, the high frequencies add sparkle and presence to the cello's sound.
- Rumble: 0 - 60 Hz
- Mud: 200 - 300 Hz
- Warmth: 400 - 600 Hz
- Presence: 1.5 - 4 kHz
How to EQ Double Bass
Double basses produce a deep and resonant sound with frequencies ranging from roughly 41 Hz (E1) to 587 Hz (D5).
The extremely low-end frequencies, from around 41 Hz to 98 Hz, establish the foundation and rumble of the double bass's tone.
Moving up into the low frequencies, approximately 98 Hz to 196 Hz, you add warmth and fullness to the sound.
As you progress into the mid-range frequencies, from 196 Hz to 783 Hz, you define the double bass's character and clarity.
Understanding how these frequency bands interact is essential when equalizing a double bass to achieve the desired tonal qualities.
How to EQ Viola
Violas typically occupy a frequency range that spans from approximately G3 (196 Hz) to B6 (1.9 kHz).
To understand how to equalize a viola effectively, it's essential to recognize these divisions in the frequency spectrum.
The low-end, generally spanning from around 200 Hz to 300 Hz, impart warmth and depth to the viola's sound.
As you move into the mid-range frequencies, which range from approximately 300 Hz to 1.5 kHz, you encounter the heart of the viola's tone, giving it its unique character and resonance.
Venturing into the higher frequencies, those above 1.5 kHz, you find the brilliance and clarity that add sparkle and definition to the viola's timbre.
- Rumble: 0 - 100 Hz
- Warmth: 150 - 300 Hz
- Mud: 150 - 250 Hz
- Attack: 500 - 1kHz
- Presence: 2.4 - 4 kHz
How to EQ Banjo
Banjos cover a distinctive frequency range, spanning from approximately 196 Hz (G3) to 3.52 kHz (E7).
The low frequencies, roughly between 196 Hz and 293 Hz, contribute to the banjo's depth and thump.
As you move into the mid-range, from 293 Hz to around 1.5 kHz, you encounter the heart of the banjo's twang and character.
Beyond that, in the higher frequencies, those above 2 kHz, you find the brightness and articulation that make the banjo stand out in a mix.
How to EQ Mandolin
Mandolins cover a frequency range extending from approximately 196 Hz (G3) to 2.48 kHz (B6).
The lower frequencies, roughly from 196 Hz to 293 Hz, contribute to the mandolin's body and resonance.
As you move into the mid-range, from 293 Hz to around 1.5 kHz, you encounter the core of the mandolin's sound, providing warmth and character.
Beyond 1.5 kHz, in the higher frequencies, you discover the brightness and articulation that add life and definition to the mandolin's timbre.
Tips for Mixing Multiple String Instruments
Mixing multiple string instruments can be a delightful but challenging task.
To ensure they harmonize seamlessly in your mix, here are some practical tips.
First, establish a clear hierarchy.
Decide which instrument should take the lead, providing the main melody or emotional center.
The others should complement and support this lead instrument.
Next, consider panning.
Spread the instruments across the stereo field to create space and depth.
The lead instrument can stay centered, while the others can be panned left and right, depending on their roles.
When it comes to EQ, make room for each instrument. Use EQ to carve out their unique frequency ranges.
For example, the cello's warmth can sit in the lower midrange, while the violin's brilliance can shine in the upper frequencies.
Pay attention to the dynamics.
Ensure that each instrument's volume level suits the context.
Use automation to control the volume, making adjustments as needed to maintain balance.
Reverb and delay can add depth and dimension.
Apply these effects sparingly, considering the acoustic environment you want to simulate.
A hall reverb can make it sound like the instruments are in a large space, while a plate reverb can provide a more intimate feel.
Don't forget about compression.
Use it to even out the dynamics within each instrument, ensuring they sit well together.
Be gentle with the settings, avoiding excessive compression that can squash the life out of the performance.
Lastly, listen critically.
A/B test your mix against reference tracks to fine-tune the balance and overall sound.
Experiment and make adjustments until all the string instruments blend harmoniously, creating a captivating musical landscape in your mix.
Great information, thanks. The download option for the strings compression cheat sheet is not working – you might need to update a link or something.
Hi Allyson, I appreciate the positive feedback. There’s no link for the cheat sheet; you have to enter your email, click download, and it will be sent to your email account.