Hi-hats too harsh? Cut 8 to 10 kHz

Harsh hi-hats usually have too much energy around 8 to 10 kHz, the piercing sizzle that tires your ears. Put an EQ on the hats and cut 3 to 4 dB in that range with a medium-wide band. They stay bright and crisp, but stop stabbing. Turning the hats down a little often helps too.

How to do it

1. Put an EQ on the hi-hat track (or the hats bus).
2. Boost a narrow band by 8 dB and sweep between 6 and 12 kHz to find the most piercing spot.
3. Turn that boost into a cut of 3 to 4 dB with a medium-wide band.
4. Check the hats' volume: harsh hats are often just too loud.
5. Compare with the EQ on and off at the same level. They should sound bright, not dull.

Why it works

Hi-hat samples are often made to sound exciting on their own, so they come with a lot of top end. In a full mix, and on earbuds, that top end turns sharp. A small cut takes the edge off without losing the shine.