I sometimes use the word "hacks" when describing my free EQ cheatsheet I often
send to my subscribers.
To me, "hacks" is a synonym for the word "tip."
Yet, people LOVE to freak out, feel insulted and call me out for it. How dare I!
It's my favorite criticism from asshole trolls on the internet.
But people will always find something to complain about because it's easier than creating something of your own.
It's easier to have an opinion than open yourself up to other people's judgment, however insignificant their opinions may be.
If they're annoyed at the word "hacks" it might just be because they're scared of learning.
Hacks are helpful because they get you there faster. They're shortcuts that help you get results. And when you get quick results, it encourages you to keep going.
Maybe they hate hacks because it reminds them that they gave up on their creativity a long time ago because the problem was too hard.
A problem that's too hard to solve becomes a chore and a bore. You give up on it.
Maybe you give up on the entire hobby as well.
It's sure to leave a chip on your shoulder.
That's no good. I'd rather get you quick results to motivate you to finish your mixes.
Whenever Tim Ferriss tackles a problem, he asks himself,
"What would this look like if it were easy?"
To me, EQ'ing is easy if you have a set of solutions to common problems that you know can get you 80% of the way there. You can hack your way to the solution.
The rest? Practice. The discipline that leads to mastery.
Although I am constantly learning new things about EQ (because life is easier when you consider yourself a consummate beginner), I like to think I have something to offer on the subject.
If you're looking to achieve mastery over the frequency spectrum, EQ Strategies - Your Ultimate Guide to EQ and the Audio Issues EQ plug-in is the final EQ tool you'll need in your arsenal.
It's as comprehensive as I could've made it, and I believe it will get you closer to the finished mix you hear in your head.
Click this link to make EQ'ing easy.