The heavy mix frequency map.

Something sounds wrong and you don't know where to look? Start here. These six ranges cause most of the problems in a heavy mix.

Thump Kick weight and bass you feel more than hear.	40 to 60 Hz
Body and boom Where palm mutes get big. And where they pile up.	80 to 160 Hz
Mud and box A little is warmth. A lot is a blanket on the mix.	200 to 400 Hz
Attack Pick attack and snare crack. The ear is touchy here.	2 to 4 kHz
Fizz and harsh Bees-in-a-can distortion and cymbal sizzle.	5 to 8 kHz
Air Space and shine. Easy to overdo on cymbals.	10 kHz and up

They're starting points, not rules. Every mix is different. Sweep, listen, and cut what's ugly.

Next: Muddy chugs aren't your amp.