Since I can't directly provide audio examples, I'll describe practical Mid/Side EQ settings with step-by-step instructions that you can try in FL Studio using FabFilter Pro-Q3 (or any Mid/Side EQ plugin).
🎧 Practical Mid/Side EQ Examples & Settings
📌 1️⃣ Cleaning Up the Low End (Tightening the Mix)
Goal: Remove unwanted low-end rumble from wide stereo elements (e.g., reverb, synths, pads) while keeping bass & kick tight in the center.
✅ Steps:
1️⃣ Open FabFilter Pro-Q3 on the Master Channel.
2️⃣ Add a High-Pass Filter (HPF) on the Sides at 75Hz – 150Hz.
- This removes unnecessary low frequencies from stereo sounds.
3️⃣ Keep the Mid (center) frequencies below 75Hz untouched to keep bass strong.
4️⃣ A/B test by enabling/disabling the EQ to hear the difference.
🎚️ Before Fix: The low end sounds messy, bass might be wide and unfocused.
🎚️ After Fix: The mix becomes tighter, with clean, punchy bass.
💡 Best used for: Vocals, synth pads, stereo drum loops, reverb-heavy tracks.
📌 2️⃣ Making Vocals Stand Out in the Mix (Cutting Mids on the Sides)
Goal: Reduce midrange clutter in stereo instruments (guitars, synths, reverb) so that vocals sit clearly in the mix.
✅ Steps:
1️⃣ Open FabFilter Pro-Q3 on the Instrument Bus (or Master Channel).
2️⃣ Select a Bell Curve EQ on the Sides at 200Hz – 500Hz and cut -2dB to -4dB.
- This removes some midrange energy from stereo sounds.
3️⃣ Leave the Mid (center) untouched so the vocal remains strong.
4️⃣ A/B test by toggling the EQ on/off to compare.
🎚️ Before Fix: The vocals may feel buried under the mix.
🎚️ After Fix: The vocals become clearer without raising their volume.
💡 Best used for: Vocal-heavy tracks where clarity is important.
📌 3️⃣ Widening Background Vocals & Synths (Boosting High Frequencies on Sides)
Goal: Enhance width and brightness in background vocals, synths, and pads by boosting high-end on the sides.
✅ Steps:
1️⃣ Open FabFilter Pro-Q3 on the Background Vocals or Synth Bus.
2️⃣ Select a High-Shelf EQ on the Sides at 8kHz – 15kHz and boost +2dB to +5dB.
- This makes stereo elements feel more open and airy.
3️⃣ Leave the Mid (center) frequencies unchanged.
4️⃣ A/B test to ensure the mix doesn’t become too harsh.
🎚️ Before Fix: The background elements feel dull and hidden.
🎚️ After Fix: The mix feels more spacious and wide.
💡 Best used for: Backing vocals, pads, ambient reverb, stereo synths.
📌 4️⃣ Controlling Harshness in Mastering (Taming Bright Vocals/Guitars)
Goal: Reduce harshness in the center of the mix without affecting the stereo width.
✅ Steps:
1️⃣ Open FabFilter Pro-Q3 on the Master Channel.
2️⃣ Select a Bell Curve EQ on the Mid at 2kHz – 6kHz and cut -1dB to -3dB.
- This reduces vocal/guitar harshness without affecting stereo elements.
3️⃣ Leave the Sides untouched to keep the width of the mix intact.
4️⃣ A/B test to make sure the mix still sounds natural.
🎚️ Before Fix: The vocals/guitars feel sharp and piercing.
🎚️ After Fix: The mix sounds smoother and balanced.
💡 Best used for: Mastering, bright vocals, aggressive guitars.
🚀 Try These Settings in Your Mix!
These Mid/Side EQ settings will help you create a cleaner, more spacious mix without over-processing.
Would you like me to provide automation techniques for Mid/Side EQ for transitions? 🚀
