16/06/2025
Mixing in a small room? This might sound familiar.
Today I notched out a nasty frequency in the bass. The low end instantly tightened up, which was super satisfying.
Then I realized:
Sonarworks room correction was OFF.
I had been EQing based on the sound of my room.
Turned it back on…
The frequency I cut?
100 Hz, almost exactly the same spot and dB as the correction curve.
Here’s what that tells me:
- Small or untreated rooms lie to you, especially in the low end.
- Room correction doesn’t just “fix” your room; it helps you make reliable, confident decisions.
- Mixes that fall apart in the car or on headphones often result from reacting to room issues, not actual mix problems.
- Keeping correction active, even when just listening to music, helps train your ears to hear more accurately over time.
- Your instincts can adapt, but room EQ gets you there faster and with less second-guessing.
Also... kind of a flex that I nailed it by ear.
If you’re working in a small or untreated space, room EQ is honestly a game-changer. (Ofcourse, I recommend highly that you treat your room first).
Since measuring my room, I keep it active both on my desktop for everyday listening and in my DAW when I mix.
It’s also incredibly easy to set up with Sonarworks. Their guided process and measurement mic make it simple, even if you’ve never done acoustic measurements before. You’ll be up and running in no time, and the difference is immediate.
Sonarworks
