EQ Targets
- Filter only what the arrangement does not need.
- Cut boxiness, harshness, or mud when you actually hear it.
- Boost for a musical reason, not to make the track louder.
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Room Mic Mixing Guide
IN LOGIC PRO
Recommended Modular Chain
Clip Gain / Input Gain
Set a workable level before plugins, avoid clipping, and do not use gain staging just to make the track loud.
Cleanup / Corrective EQ
Remove rumble, harsh resonances, boxiness, or mud only if needed; use narrow cuts for real problems.
Dynamics
Compress only when the source needs leveling, punch, control, or tone; leave it alone when it already sits correctly.
Tone EQ
Add weight, presence, or air after the source is controlled and the part works in context.
Saturation / Character
Optional color for density, harmonic interest, or perceived loudness when the arrangement benefits from it.
Space / Sends
Prefer sends for shared reverbs and delays; use insert reverbs only when the effect is part of the sound.
Peak Control
Use clip gain, light clipping, or limiting only when peaks are causing problems; do not limit every track by default.
EQ, Compression, and Metering
Compression Starting Points
- Natural room: light compression with 1-3 dB gain reduction.
- Exciting room: heavy compression or limiting can be a deliberate effect.
- Blend aggressive room compression underneath the dry kit.
Metering Targets
- Leave headroom before buses
- Watch low-end buildup
- Prioritize Space and realism clarity in context
EQ Moves
| Range | Move | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 80-150 Hz | Low cut | Remove low-end rumble |
| 200-500 Hz | Low-mid control | Reduce boxy buildup |
| 2-5 kHz | Presence | Add articulation if needed |
| 8-12 kHz | Air | Add life and shimmer |
| 12-16 kHz | Shelf | Optional brightness lift |
Plugin Recommendations
EQ
Logic Channel EQ- vintage EQ
- or FabFilter Pro-Q 4
Compression
Studio VCA
Opto/FET blend
Gate (Optional)
Use lightly for spill control
Saturation
- Logic Phat FX
tape drive for character
Quick Reminders
- Room mics should support, not dominate.
- Check mono and phase before level rides.
- Bring room up until feel appears, then back off.
- Use fader automation instead of hard muting.