Professional Kick Drum EQ Tutorial with TotalEQ MK2

Master the art of kick drum equalization with visual precision

Watch as Saverio demonstrates his professional kick drum EQ technique using TotalEQ MK2’s advanced visual capabilities. This comprehensive tutorial covers everything from phase correction to surgical resonance removal, giving you the tools to transform muddy, boxy kick drums into tight, professional-sounding foundations for your mixes.

What You’ll Learn in This Tutorial

Phase Correction Fundamentals

Discover how to properly align inside and outside kick drum microphones using phase inversion techniques. Learn to identify phase issues visually and make corrections that immediately improve your kick drum’s punch and clarity.

The 4.5 dB/Octave Tilt Technique

Master the professional standard for frequency balance using TotalEQ MK2’s intuitive tilt controls. This fundamental approach ensures your kick drum sits perfectly in any mix context.

Surgical Resonance Removal

Learn to identify and eliminate problematic inharmonic resonances at specific frequencies. These surgical cuts can transform a muddy kick into a tight, controlled low-end foundation.

Visual EQ Workflow

See how TotalEQ MK2’s real-time spectrum analyzer makes complex EQ decisions simple and precise. No more guessing – watch your adjustments in real-time and make informed decisions based on visual feedback.

Key Techniques Covered

🎯 Before You Start

• Proper gain staging and level setting
• Phase relationship checking between multiple mics
• Setting up visual monitoring for accurate adjustments

⚡ Core EQ Moves

• Low-shelf filtering to control excessive bass buildup
• Precise notch filtering for problematic resonances
• High-frequency enhancement for clarity and definition
• Artistic choices: removing “boxy” frequencies for a more hi-fi sound

🔧 Advanced Tips

• Using Equal Loudness monitoring to avoid volume bias
• Working with harmonic vs. inharmonic frequency content
• Balancing multiple microphone perspectives
• Making surgical cuts without destroying the natural tone

Why TotalEQ MK2 is Perfect for This Work

Visual Precision: The real-time spectrum analyzer shows exactly what you’re hearing, making it easy to identify problem frequencies and monitor your adjustments.

Surgical Control: Up to 36 parametric bands give you the precision needed for detailed work like resonance removal without affecting surrounding frequencies.

Professional Workflow: Features like Equal Loudness monitoring and A/B comparison ensure your decisions improve the mix, not just change it.

Flexible Processing: From gentle tonal shaping to surgical problem-solving, TotalEQ MK2 handles every aspect of kick drum processing in one intuitive interface.

Get Started with Your Own Kick Drum Processing

Ready to apply these techniques to your own mixes? TotalEQ MK2 is available for just €34.99 and includes a free trial so you can test these exact techniques on your own material.

More EQ Tutorials Coming Soon

This is the first in a comprehensive series of equalization tutorials using TotalEQ MK2. Upcoming videos will cover:

• Dynamic EQ techniques for responsive frequency control
• Mid/Side processing for stereo width and focus
• Advanced saturation per-band processing
• Mastering EQ workflows and techniques
• Genre-specific EQ approaches

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About the Instructor

Saverio Vigni is the founder and lead developer of HoRNet Plugins. With over a decade of experience in professional audio production and plugin development, Saverio creates tools based on real studio needs and proven mixing techniques. Every HoRNet plugin is battle-tested in professional productions before release.

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