This is a guest post from Studio One community member Ilias Gogakis shares his thoughts on rock and metal guitar production.
In rock and metal music distorted guitars is one of the main elements, if not the key element. Many engineers, producers and musician build their careers based on a distinctive guitar sound, that is why when it comes down to mixing distorted guitars most of the times we need to focus on that sound.
In the following guide I will describe a few steps on my approach of mixing distorted guitars, that might help you with your process.
Distorted guitars need a lot of space. The Mid – High frequency spectrum is the critical presence zone if you want to push for some air for your guitars. Also the Low-Mid frequencies around 650Hz – 900Hz sometimes will provide you with some information, that need to be scooped in order to make space for other instruments to come through. I sometimes take something out of that frequency range depending on the recording. Another frequency that you have to pay attention is Midrange spectrum, around 2KHz and 3KHz which is vital. This frequency range is fighting with vocals most of the time, so you need to filter with caution. I always use HiPass filter around 60Hz – 80Hz to cut any rumble and unwanted frequencies and often find myself to use a HiCut around 10KHz – 12KHz.
Something that is really helpful for me, is that I always pan the guitars hard left – hard right, it’s a common trick, but for a reason, it helps create space. If I have double tracked guitars that creates a great natural delay, and a heavier and “In Your Face” sound. Also I use a Bus for my guitars, and on the Bus I use the Slate VTM and also a Slate FG-RED in minimal compression to Glue the guitars as the distorted guitars are always compressed from the amp.
Another useful tip, I always mix without soloing any channels, as that helps with “EQuing” against other instruments. For correct mixing level, start from the bottom and while the song is playing start moving the faders up, stop when you feel sure that the guitars are not fighting with other instruments and that they sound as you want them to sound. If the recording is good, then the mixing process should be easy.
This is a small guide on my approach on how to EQ distorted guitars. I hope It helped.
So there are some of my tips, what about your tips, please share them.
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