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Snare sounds boxy? Cut 800 Hz to 1 kHz
A boxy snare sounds like hitting a cardboard box: a hollow 'bonk' instead of a snap. That ring usually sits around 800 Hz to 1 kHz. Sweep a narrow boost to find the exact spot, then cut it 3 to 4 dB. The snare gets its snap back.
How to do it
- Solo the snare and put an EQ on it.
- Boost a narrow band by about 8 dB and sweep between 800 Hz and 1 kHz.
- Stop where it rings and sounds most like cardboard.
- Turn that boost into a cut of 3 to 4 dB.
- Unsolo and listen with the whole beat: it should snap, not sound thin.
Why it works
A snare drum's shell and heads ring at a few frequencies in the mids, and samples carry that ring too. A small cut right on the ring takes out the hollow tone while the body below and the crack above stay.
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