{"id":39045,"date":"2026-02-13T18:29:38","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T23:29:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/?p=39045"},"modified":"2026-02-13T18:35:04","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T23:35:04","slug":"what-is-frequency-masking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/what-is-frequency-masking\/","title":{"rendered":"What is frequency masking? Definition, causes, and how to fix it"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\" class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Illustration:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.filipfroehlich.de\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\"><strong>Filip Fr\u00f6hlich<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are you a music producer who&#8217;s ecstatic about the idea of composing and recording, but exhausted at the thought of mixing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Being a producer demands versatility and focus across the distinct phases of modern music-making. One <a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/tag\/psychoacoustics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">psychoacoustic<\/a> concept that spooks many of us within this journey is frequency masking\u2014but it doesn&#8217;t have to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we break down what frequency masking is, when and why it happens, and how to fix it. Feel free to use the table of contents below to quickly navigate to a particular section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What you&#8217;ll learn:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#Definition\"><strong>What is frequency masking?<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Causes\"><strong>Why frequency masking happens in a mix<\/strong><\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#Arrangement\"><strong>Too many sounds are competing with each other in the arrangement<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Mixing\"><strong>You&#8217;re muddying things up in the mixing phase<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Identify\"><strong>How to identify frequency masking<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Fix\"><strong>How to fix frequency masking<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Plugins\"><strong>Plugins for solving frequency masking<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s get started!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-f5a2734ea82e3ec51d9db4acbad33d87\" style=\"background-color:#62daff\"><a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/plans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>New subscribers can try all of Splice\u2014including 200 monthly sample download credits, full access to all premium INSTRUMENT presets, and more\u2014for $4.99\/mo.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Definition\">What is frequency masking?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Frequency masking<\/strong> is a psychoacoustic phenomenon that occurs when two or more distinct sounds occupy similar frequency ranges in such a way that causes one sound to affect our perception of the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s not necessarily a technical mistake to kick yourself about, but rather a natural limitation of human hearing; the distinct sounds are literally competing for our attention. The result can be a frustrating muddiness in which none of the tracks actually cut through the mix, which can be fatiguing to listen to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fortunately, we can try to address this in <a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/an-introduction-to-mixing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the mixing phase<\/a> with intentional decisions in <a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/what-is-arrangement-in-music\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">arrangement<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/what-is-eq-music\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EQ<\/a>. Let\u2019s explore how to master this and ensure our mixing process is intentional, as opposed to endless trial and error.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Causes\">Why frequency masking happens in a mix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>But first, there are a few common reasons that we can identify for frequency masking, which can occur across both recording and mixing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Arrangement\">1. Too many sounds are competing with each other in the arrangement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If multiple instruments in your arrangement occupy a shared frequency range, set to similar registers and voicings, they&#8217;ll naturally compete for attention. Even the best processing tools have their limits if an arrangement is simply too dense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To hear this through your own work, go back to a MIDI-heavy track which you\u2019ve written in the past. Quickly \u201cSave As\u201d with a new name, and switch all of your MIDI tracks to a single instrument with a consistent timbre such as a lead, pad, or bass. In playback, you\u2019ll quickly hear just how much of your intention is lost; perhaps a better way to put it is that there&#8217;s a lot that you&#8217;ll quickly <em>stop <\/em>hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While it\u2019s unlikely that any of us would arrange a song in this way, it\u2019s not uncommon to use just a few too many tracks with the same category of instrument. It adds up, and sometimes it isn\u2019t easy to fix, leaving you with a flat-sounding bounce that doesn\u2019t speak to the listener as the core idea spoke to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-blog-splice wp-block-embed-blog-splice\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"ufeEfyh4QD\"><a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/what-is-arrangement-in-music\/\">What is arrangement in music? Unlocking the art of composition<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;What is arrangement in music? Unlocking the art of composition&#8221; &#8212; Blog | Splice\" src=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/what-is-arrangement-in-music\/embed\/#?secret=vNG1XkQLI7#?secret=ufeEfyh4QD\" data-secret=\"ufeEfyh4QD\" width=\"370\" height=\"209\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Mixing\">2. You&#8217;re muddying things up in the mixing phase<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As we apply various effects during the mixing phase, we can also unintentionally introduce frequency masking here if we\u2019re not careful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, you might notice that a <a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/what-is-reverb\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reverb<\/a> or delay that you really liked on its own causes frequency masking when listening to the entire project. Remember that time-based effects spread sound energy across a wider frequency and time spectrum, so if you\u2019re using these on a ton of tracks, you might need to attenuate or edit in the mixing phase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While frequency masking will inevitably occur from a wide range of production decisions, what&#8217;s important is <em>how<\/em> we notice and then respond to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Identify\">How to identify frequency masking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Up to this point, we&#8217;ve strictly viewed frequency masking as a problem. We&#8217;ll outline how to address it if that\u2019s true, but to be clear, your style might actually be one that leans <em>into<\/em> the phenomenon. For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/what-is-shoegaze-music\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">shoegaze,<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/how-to-make-lofi-music\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">lo-fi,<\/a> and other genres with heavily distorted instruments can actually rely on frequency masking as an aesthetic element.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What&#8217;s key is control; when your masking supports the emotional goal of the song, it works. When you notice it unintentionally hinders your creative vision, it becomes an issue to address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the case of the latter, A\/B testing is your best friend. Make sure to listen to your instruments in the context of sections and the entire mix as much as you listen to them in solo. Particularly pay attention to pairs like kicks and basses, pads and strings, snares and synth stabs, rhythm and lead guitars, etc. that are the most susceptible to frequency masking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also use <a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/plugins\/search?q=Spectral\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">spectral analyzer plugins<\/a> to help visualize the overlaps, especially when your ears are fatigued from listening to the same sounds for so long. And lastly, you can listen to your mix critically against your inspirations. Find some reference tracks that represent some part of what your track is trying to achieve, and try to pick out what&#8217;s working and what&#8217;s not in each one. While this might be a bit more advanced, requiring you to have a clear sense of <em>how <\/em>to take action based on what you notice, it\u2019s also something that can\u2019t be mastered without repeated practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Fix\">How to fix frequency masking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you notice an instance of frequency masking, there are several practical ways to reduce or eliminate it. Like so much of music production, the best results usually come from combining multiple approaches rather than relying on a single fix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With that said, here are some approaches you can mix and match from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>EQ carving<\/strong>: An excellent tool for visual learners, this approach cuts unnecessary frequencies from competing instruments, clarifying and giving space for identity to each one.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Panning and volume<\/strong>: Sometimes, the answer is simpler than you think; subtle adjustments in volume and panning can often be all that&#8217;s needed to create sufficient sonic space.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Arrangement<\/strong>: You can also revisit your arrangement decisions once you\u2019ve encountered masking. Make sure that each timbre and texture you\u2019ve chosen serves a clear purpose in your song. If you&#8217;re having trouble letting go of a certain preset, it could just be more reason to use that as a song starter in your next track!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sidechain compression<\/strong>: Allowing you to duck one sound in response to another, this often misunderstood technique can be used to create dynamic movement and space in your mix. You can even just use this on one particular frequency range, like the pesky lows.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that the most effective mixes don\u2019t eliminate masking entirely, but instead guide the listener\u2019s focus. Through this approach, we can allow the most important elements to shine while letting others support, tastefully challenge, and enhance them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Plugins\">Plugins for solving frequency masking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We&#8217;ve mentioned a number of tool categories that you can use to attenuate masking\u2014below, we share a few specific plugins that are worth checking out as starting points. Many of these are available via <a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/plugins\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">rent-to-own,<\/a> meaning you can try them for free to see if they work for your needs, and then pay smaller monthly installments towards ownership if they do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Spectrum analyzers:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/plugins\/1022-span-vst-au-by-voxengo?bust-cache=07d1e59f-4b24-4c7f-b047-0da553515deb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Voxengo SPAN,<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.izotope.com\/en\/products\/insight.html?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">iZotope Insight<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Equalizers with visual overlap detection:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/plugins\/39106010-neutron-4-au-by-izotope?bust-cache=b84fc28f-fe1c-442d-9cdb-8632ac098f08\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">iZotope Neutron 4,<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fabfilter.com\/products\/pro-q-4-equalizer-plug-in\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FabFilter Pro-Q<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dynamic EQs and multiband compressors:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/plugins\/39137135-multiband-x6-vst-au-by-devious-machines?bust-cache=f4c12c13-5148-4417-b002-f80ab7b811b2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Devious Machines Multiband X6,<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.waves.com\/plugins\/c6-multiband-compressor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Waves C6 Multiband Compressor<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Frequency masking can be frustrating, but we can find comfort in the fact that it\u2019s almost always addressable. And in addition to all of the arrangement, processing, and A\/B testing tricks, <a href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/tips-protecting-hearing-musician\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">taking care of your ears<\/a> can also help. Take regular breaks from producing and mixing to reset your senses, build a practice of regular ear training, and be sure to protect them with earplugs at shows. Above all, trust your ears and keep practicing, and you\u2019ll be a pro at identifying and addressing frequency masking in no time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Explore royalty-free one-shots, loops, FX, MIDI, and presets from leading artists, producers, and sound designers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/sounds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Join Splice today<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn about what frequency masking is, when and why it happens, and how to fix it in your mix.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":126,"featured_media":39536,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1698,1696],"tags":[1641,333,1712],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Frequency Masking: What It is, Causes, and How to Fix It - Blog | Splice<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn what frequency masking is and how it affects your mix. Discover tips to avoid masking and create clear, balanced tracks.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/what-is-frequency-masking\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Frequency Masking: What It is, Causes, and How to Fix It - Blog | Splice\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn what frequency masking is and how it affects your mix. Discover tips to avoid masking and create clear, balanced tracks.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/what-is-frequency-masking\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Blog | Splice\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Splice\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-02-13T23:29:38+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-13T23:35:04+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0126-What-is-frequency-masking-illo_BlogPost.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Matt Brooks\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@splice\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@splice\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Matt Brooks\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/what-is-frequency-masking\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/what-is-frequency-masking\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Matt Brooks\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/3acfa22e84539606b1c09c470c6f7902\"},\"headline\":\"What is frequency masking? 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