User discretion! ✋ The EQ in the photo is just meant to show the different areas you can cut or boost all at once. This is not necessarily how your hi-hat EQ will look.

You may not need to boost in certain areas all the time. Also, you'll want to search between these areas until you hear the sound that needs rather than boosting or cutting the entire area.

Cut

• 200Hz & below - use a high-pass filter to remove low end rumble.
• 5,000-7,000Hz - you won't always need to cut in this area, but if you're hearing some clashing with the lead vocals, this is where you will find it.

Boost

• 3,000Hz-4,000Hz - this is where you'll find the definition & character of the hi-hat.
• 8,000Hz-12,000Hz - search in this area to add more clarity & brightness to your hi-hat. A high shelf is usually ideal in this area.

Bonus area to boost! 200Hz - This is the area where the sound of the drumstick hitting the hi-hat lies. You usually won't need to boost here - especially when working with digital samples; however, when working with live hi-hats, this can be area that can bring out that sound more if needed.