How to measure and set frequencies?!

[Freak Of Metal]

I've learned that the frequency of every instrument plays an important part in it's audibilty in the mix. This may sound like a n00b question, and there may have been another thread covering it, but how do you guys measure the frequencies in the first place? I'm using reaper, have a lot of EQ plugins, but I just can't find a plugin to do it with. I always just used to EQ my mixes and didn't consciously set specific frequencies. So I'm trying to learn more about it as I realize that this may have been the cause of many problems. I did however, find some cool pages that deal with frequencies:

http://www.independentrecording.net/irn/resources/freqchart/main_display.htm

and

http://www.crazypellas.net/producer-talk-107/a-guide-giving-you-frequencies-for-the-sound-you-want-when-eq-ing-53269/

 

[Fragle]

ummm....best way would be to do it by ear i suppose

 

[Norris-wf]

I use a frequency analyser like this one to see what's happening in my mixes. http://www.bluecataudio.com/Products/Product_FreqAnalyst/ It was mentioned on here a while back, that's where I first heard about it. By using that you can see which frequencies keep appearing in your mix and you can see how your eq affects them in magnitude

 

[arv_foh]

You listen. With time you will be able to hear certain frequencies sticking out.

 

[dcb]

use a high q on your eq, boost the band by 12 db and sweep through the lower mids. for example with snare, there will be resonances sticking out.
this is a "bad" frequency that wil probly muddy your mix. try to lower other frequencies in octaves above (or below) that certain resonance.
this helps to clear up you midrange. this is basically what an equaliser is for - cutting unwanted frequencies.

31Hz

Rumble, "chest"
63 Hz

Bottom
125Hz

Boom, thump, warmth
250Hz

Fullness or mud
500Hz

Honk
1KHz

Whack
2KHz

Crunch
4KHz

Edge
8KHz

Sibilance, definition, "ouch!"
16 KHz

Air

 

[gabriel g.]

use a high q on your eq, boost the band by 12 db and sweep through the lower mids. for example with snare, there will be resonances sticking out.
this is a "bad" frequency that wil probly muddy your mix. try to lower other frequencies in octaves above (or below) that certain resonance.
this helps to clear up you midrange. this is basically what an equaliser is for - cutting unwanted frequencies.

Doing the same but keep in mind that your room can trick you here.
http://books.google.com/books?id=LJ...age&q=eigenfrequenz des rechteckraums&f=false

it is german so sorry guys, but the formular helps you to get the room frequencies....