Snare Frequency Chart: EQ Reference for Mixing

Snare frequency chart provides reference points for EQ decisions affecting the most prominent drum element in most mixes. While every snare drum and recording presents unique characteristics, certain frequency ranges consistently affect specific tonal qualities. Understanding these relationships enables efficient problem-solving and intentional tonal shaping for professional snare sounds.

Fundamental and Body (100-200Hz)

This range contains the snare drum’s fundamental pitch and low-end weight. Enhancement adds depth and power that makes snares feel substantial.

Too much content here creates boominess that conflicts with kick drum. The snare’s low-end should complement rather than compete with kick.

The fundamental pitch varies with snare size and tuning. Higher-tuned snares have fundamentals higher in this range; lower-tuned snares extend down toward 100Hz.

Metal shells tend to produce less low-end than wood shells. EQ may need to add body that metal shells don’t naturally provide.

Body and Fullness (200-350Hz)

This range provides the sense of body and fullness. Enhancement makes snares feel bigger and more present.

The transition between useful body and problematic boxiness lives here. Some enhancement is beneficial; too much creates mud.

The specific balance depends on the snare’s recorded character and the mix context. Dense mixes may need less body; sparse arrangements can accommodate more.

Boxiness and Mud (350-600Hz)

This range often contains the boxy, cardboard-like quality that damages snare clarity. Reduction here is one of the most common snare EQ moves.

The specific problem frequency varies between recordings. Sweeping a narrow cut through this range while listening reveals where the problem lives.

Not every snare needs reduction here. Well-recorded snares with appropriate tuning may have minimal boxiness. Address actual problems, not assumed ones.

Midrange Presence (600Hz-1.5kHz)

This range affects how the snare cuts through the midrange of the mix. Enhancement helps snares remain audible against guitars and vocals.

This range interacts with vocal frequencies. Too much snare content here may conflict with vocal clarity.

The tone quality—bright versus warm—is significantly affected by this range. More emphasis creates brighter character; less emphasis creates warmer tone.

Crack and Attack (1.5-4kHz)

The defining snare “crack” that cuts through mixes lives in this range. Enhancement here is one of the most common snare EQ moves for rock and pop.

The specific crack frequency varies with snare and tuning. Some snares crack around 2kHz; others crack around 3-4kHz.

Excessive emphasis creates harsh, abrasive snares. Balance is essential—enough crack for presence without fatiguing harshness.

Wire Sizzle (4-8kHz)

Snare wire brightness appears in this range, especially in the bottom mic capture. Enhancement adds crispness and presence.

This range overlaps with cymbal frequencies. Excessive snare emphasis here may make cymbals seem louder in the overhead capture.

The top and bottom snare mics contribute differently to this range. The bottom mic provides more wire content; blending affects how much sizzle appears.

Air and Shimmer (8-12kHz)

High-frequency shimmer adds modern polish and expensive quality. Subtle enhancement brightens the snare without adding harshness.

This range should be treated gently. Excessive boost sounds artificial and may reveal high-frequency noise.

Not all snare recordings need high-frequency enhancement. Well-recorded snares with quality cymbals may have sufficient air naturally.

Common EQ Moves

Cut boxiness (400-600Hz, narrow Q): One of the most frequent snare EQ adjustments. Reduces the cardboard quality that damages clarity.

Boost crack (2-4kHz, moderate Q): Adds the cutting presence that helps snares punch through mixes. The specific frequency depends on the recording.

High-pass filtering (below 100Hz): Removes low-frequency content that the kick drum should provide. Clears space for kick while tightening snare.

Reduce harshness (if needed, 3-5kHz, narrow Q): Some recordings have unpleasant harshness requiring surgical reduction.

Add body (150-250Hz, wide Q): If the snare sounds thin, gentle low-end enhancement adds weight.

Frequency Interaction Between Top and Bottom Mics

Blending top and bottom mics affects frequency balance. More bottom mic adds wire content (4-8kHz) and changes low-mid character.

EQ decisions may differ between mics. The top mic might need body enhancement while the bottom mic needs high-pass filtering to remove kick bleed.

The blend ratio affects what EQ adjustments accomplish. Changing the blend may solve problems that EQ cannot address.