A piano EQ cheat sheet is a great asset to have because it helps to make better mixes.
Also, a guide like this is a great learning resource especially if you are a beginner mixing engineer.
I’ve learned many mixing tricks by reading EQ cheat sheets for different instruments and then applying them to real mixes.
Piano Frequencies
This piano EQ cheat sheet is created for upright and electric pianos and shows you frequency ranges that require attention during piano mixing.
Upright Piano EQ Cheat Sheet
- 0-250Hz – To achieve the desired sound, adjustments are needed within the range characterized by both mud and warmth. A high pass filter set below 70Hz can be used to cut unwanted frequencies, while a slight boost around 150-250Hz can be added for warmth, and 80-120Hz for a fuller sound.
- 250-3000Hz – Reduce frequencies between 250-500Hz to get a crisper tone on the piano. Additionally, removing frequencies between 2kHz and 3kHz can improve the instrument’s presence and keep it from clashing with guitars.
- 5000-9000Hz – Boosting within this range improves the piano’s attack and clarity while improving presence and clarity. Use wide Q values when applying EQ boosts in this range, but avoid over-boosting.
- 9000-20000Hz – The sharpness of the upright piano is prominent in this region, and the sound can be shaped using EQ boosts and cuts. To enhance sharpness, apply a boost at around 10-11kHz, while to maintain warmth, cut around 14-15kHz.
Electric Piano EQ Cheat Sheet
- 0-250Hz – One way to enhance the mix is by incorporating a high pass filter to eliminate any frequencies below 50Hz. Additionally, reducing the audio content between 100-250Hz can also be beneficial as this range tends to be muddled and may create a booming effect.
- 800-1000Hz – Electric pianos often face issues in this particular area, and to improve the sound quality, you need to use EQ cuts. Identify the frequencies that cause problems within this range.
- 1500-3000Hz – To enhance and give more prominence to the electric piano, wider Q values can be applied in this region. Generally, it is recommended to increase the frequencies between 1500-2500Hz and maintain the other frequencies at their current level.
- 5000-20000Hz – In some cases, increasing frequencies between 5-7kHz may be useful, however frequencies beyond 8kHz should be reduced because they generate unwanted noise and may cause problems with cymbals.
Conclusion
So, I hope this piano EQ cheat sheet will be a helpful guide and learning material that will help you to create better piano mixes and your songs will sound more professional.