The Mirror Frequency Effect (EQ Yin and Yang)

Written by: Robert Back

October 28, 2019

What is a mirrored frequency, and how is it measured?
Is 100Hz the mirror of 1kHz… or 10kHz?

In this video, Robert explores the mirror frequency effect using EQ.

The Mirror Frequency Effect is a psychoacoustic phenomenon. This effect shows that cutting high frequencies can have a similar perceived effect as boosting low frequencies, if the two samples are volume matched. In this way, changing anything, affects the frequency balance of everything.

The mirror frequency or ‘Yin yang’ effect reminds us that there are 2 ways of achieving a result. We can increase the sound quality we want more of or we can remove the space around the sound so it is presented more clearly.

In digital audio, the subtractive approach is beneficial to us because of our 0dBFS ceiling. We cannot always add more, because there is a finite amount of information that can fit through your speakers.

In this video, Robert shows you how to trim the frequency fat of neighboring instruments to achieve the same perceived effect as boosting the main focus instrument.

Mastering Audio – Bob Katz

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