Piano & Synth Keys EQ Frequencies: Warmth, Hammer Attack & Air (60 Hz β 12 kHz)
Because the piano spans over seven octaves, it can easily collide with every other instrument in your arrangementβfrom sub-bass to lead vocals. Strategic EQ carves out dedicated harmonic lanes so the piano sounds rich without swallowing the mix.
Direct Acoustic Data & Engineering Fact
Piano covers the entire 88-key spectrum from 27.5 Hz (A0) to 4,186 Hz (C8). In a full mix, high-pass piano at 85β110 Hz to protect kick and bass, cut sustain pedal mud at 280β350 Hz by 3 dB, and boost 3 kHz (+2 dB) for rhythmic hammer articulation.
Surgical EQ Recommendations Table
| Band / Filter | Frequency | Q Factor | Gain | Acoustic Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mix High-Pass | 95 Hz | 12 dB/oct | 0 dB | Keep left-hand piano octaves out of the sub-bass lane. |
| Sustain Pedal De-Mud | 310 Hz | 2.2 | -3.0 dB | Clear cumulative low-mid chord congestion. |
| Hammer Articulation | 3.2 kHz | 1.6 | +2.0 dB | Help rhythmic chord stabs cut through drums and guitars. |
| Concert Hall Air | 11 kHz | 0.8 | +2.5 dB | Open up stereo overtones and string shimmer. |
Mix Engineer Practical Strategy
Separate the left-hand bass notes from the right-hand chords using a split-band EQ. Dip 1β2 kHz slightly in the center channel if a lead vocal is present, while boosting 8β12 kHz on the stereo sides using PHASOR or FIBONACCI EQ.
Frequency Masking & Arrangement Clashes
Piano midrange (400 Hz β 2 kHz) sits in the exact fundamental and harmonic zone of the human voice. Use Mid/Side EQ to dip 1.2 kHz in the Mid channel while keeping the Side channels full.
Suggested VST DSP Plugins for this Task
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop piano chords from muddying the mix?
Cut 280β350 Hz with a medium Q bell filter and roll off frequencies below 90β100 Hz so the sustain pedal resonance doesn't clash with the bassline.
More Acoustic Frequency Guides
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