After EQing a new track, check it has not masked more important earlier parts

EQing a new track to make it audible is only half the job; the other half is checking it has not masked indispensable aspects of the more important tracks already in the mix. Consciously direct attention to each important earlier part while muting/unmuting the new addition, listening for undesirable changes — because an instrument’s effective tone in context differs from its soloed tone.

Examples

Adding EQ’d piano chords may dull the lead vocal’s upper frequencies; muting/unmuting the piano while attending to the vocal reveals there isn’t room for your ideal piano tone.

Assessment

Explain why EQ decisions must be checked by shifting listening perspective to the more important tracks rather than judging in solo.