I want to tell you about the day I finally figured out how to EQ my mix bus.

It was the last thing I learned. After spending years learning how to EQ drums, vocals, bass, guitars, and everything else - I still didn't know what to do with my main mix.

And honestly? You don't really need it.

Let me explain.

You Don't Actually Need This

Here's the truth: if you can get all your individual instruments sounding good together, you don't need to EQ your mix bus.

I'm being real with you. Most of the time, if you dial in your drums right, get your vocals sitting perfect, and make your guitars and keys work together - you're done.

But sometimes you want to add some extra vibe. Sometimes you want that final polish that makes everything click.

That's when mix bus EQ helps.

My Secret Weapon

Before I do anything, I watch this cool plugin called Tonal Balance Control. It shows me what my mix looks like compared to pro songs.

I can see if I have too much bass. Or if my highs are too bright. It's like having a map that shows me where to go.

Then I use one simple trick that works every time.

The Magic Formula

I only do a few things:

1. Boost the high end - Usually around 8k to 16k for sparkle
2. Maybe boost the low end - Around 60 to 100Hz if the song needs more power
3. Don't overdo it - Less is always more

That's it. Super simple.

The plugin I use most is called the Pultec EQ. It just sounds good. I probably use it on 60% of my mixes.

The Rule That Changed Everything

Here's the best advice I ever got about mix bus EQ:

Whatever you think sounds good - cut it in half.

Seriously. If you boost something 4dB, try 2dB instead. If you cut something 6dB, try 3dB.

Your ears trick you when you're excited about a change. What sounds amazing in the moment is usually too much.

Why This Actually Works

Think about it this way: when you EQ your mix bus, you're changing EVERYTHING at once. Every drum. Every vocal. Every guitar. Everything.

So you need to be gentle. You need to be careful.

If you're doing big moves on your mix bus, you probably need to go back and fix individual things first.

Watch Me Do It Live

I recorded a whole video showing you exactly how I do this. I use a song called "Be Glorified" by Elijah Hickman (check him out - he's awesome).

You'll hear the song before any EQ. Then you'll hear it after. The difference is pretty cool.

Watch me break down my entire mix bus EQ process here →

The Real Secret

But here's what I really want you to understand:

Good mix bus EQ isn't about fixing problems. It's about adding the final touch.

Don't use it as a crutch. Don't use it to fix what's wrong in your mix. Use it to add that last bit of magic that makes everything shine.

Your mixes will get so much better when you think about it this way.

Start With This

If you're just getting started, try this:

1. Get your individual instruments sounding good first
2. Add a tiny boost around 12kHz for brightness
3. Maybe add a tiny boost around 80Hz for power
4. Keep everything under 2dB

That's it. Don't overthink it.

The video shows you everything step by step. Plus I have a free mixing cheat sheet that gives you all these settings written down.

Sometimes the simplest things make the biggest difference.