Masking is fixed in priority order: arrange apart in time first, then EQ carve, then pan, then change register

When two sounds occupy the same frequency band they mask each other — the ear cannot separate them and both sound weaker. The source gives a four-step fix order by preference: (1) arrange them apart in time (call-and-response — the compositional fix, no EQ needed); (2) carve with EQ (cut one where the other lives — the mixing fix); (3) pan them apart (stereo separation); (4) pick a different register (change the sound itself). The ordering matters: arrangement solutions are more robust and more musical than processing solutions. The classic clash is kick vs bass in the low end; starting at EQ when a timing rearrangement would have worked is a common mistake.

Examples

Kick vs bass: first try placing the bass on the offbeats so they don’t overlap in time (call-and-response). If they must overlap, carve the bass around 60–80 Hz where the kick’s fundamental lives.

Assessment

A kick and pad mask each other at 250 Hz. Walk the four fixes in priority order starting with the compositional one. At which step do you reach for an EQ cut?