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Why You Need to Use Filters While Beatmaking

Updated: Oct 8, 2023
Why you Need to Use Filters While Making Beats (and Mixing / Mastering)

In this article, I want to give you some music production tips which reveal what audio filters are, and ideas for how to use filters while making beats.

In this video, we look at my beat called The Come-Up off my BEAT TAPES By GratuiTous Vol. 9 series!

Make sure to read the article below, it has some cool images.

Why You Need to Use Filters While Beatmaking [FL Studio Tutorial]

What is a Filter on an EQ?

You’re essentially “filtering” whenever you are using any EQ band.

If you cut some highs with a bell-shaped EQ band, you’re “filtering” those high frequencies out of the signal.

But when we music producers use the term filter, we are mainly talking about the dramatic EFFECT that a filter gives our music (low-cut and high-cut filters).

What is a High Cut Filters on an Equalizer?

High-Cut Filter from FabFilter Pro-Q 3 .. See my Favorite Mixing Plugins.

First, it’s important you are aware that a High-Cut Filter is also called a low-pass filter. (Just a different term for the same thing).

A High-Cut Filter removes the high frequencies of your audio. You can use this as a mixing tool to reduce brightness from a sound, or as a dramatic effect like shown in the video above.

You are also able to select how steep an audio filter can be (and as a bonus, don’t forget about using your Q, which is the resonance boost on “filter plugins”).

Resonance can help emphasis the effect further.. be careful.. it can hurt your ears 🤓

A Low-Cut Filter is the Opposite of a High Cut Filter

Low-Cut Filter from FabFilter Pro-Q 3 .. See my Favorite Mixing Plugins.

A Low-Cut Filter removes the low frequencies of your audio. (Other known as a high-pass filter).

This can be very useful in mixing to control the low-end of a sound, or to build very intense tension while you are arranging a song.

What’s This Audio Painting Term You Speak Of?

Audio Painting is my book about arrangement and song structure.

Simply put, Audio Painting is all about preparing the listener before a change happens in the song, such as switching from verse 1 to the chorus. If you don’t prepare the listener, your music sounds rushed, and very amateur.

We prepare the listener by adding in transitions, or communicating in some way that let’s them know a change is about to happen in a song.

Audio Painting will be absolutely game-changing to the way you arrange your music.

If interested, definitely checkout my Audio Painting Book..

Did You Learn Why Filters are So Powerful to Use in Music Production?

Filters are so powerful, aren’t they?

So there’s some tips for music producers about why you should be using audio filters while you’re beatmaking!

Usually we use these low and high cut filter effects on individual instruments, but you can do it on the MASTER as well!

Do you still have questions about filters?

Leave a comment below.. I’ll get back to you!

Also.. make sure to visit the LEARN YOUR GEAR page.. It’s a page I keep updated of equipment I use and recommend for FL Studio.

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About Author: GratuiTous

GratuiTous (Riley Weller) Music Producer

GratuiTous discovered FL Studio around 2009 when a friend introduced him to the DAW.. he then began making FL Studio tutorials in 2011 which lead to creating his Beatmaker Training Platform. He also authors music production books, and hosts the "Music Production Made Simple Podcast". Fun Fact: He was an electrician in Canada for 10 Years!

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