Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this video, we debunk the current trend in audio production that claims you should "never add a low cut" (high-pass filter) to your sounds because it ruins the phase. While intended to help, this advice often ignores context.
We dive into why music production is about problem-solving rather than applying static rules. You’ll see a practical demonstration of how the phase shift introduced by a standard EQ low cut can actually be used as a tool to align your kick and bass, rather than destroy them.
We also touch on other common obsessions, like over-sidechaining and removing every single resonance - and explain why Linear Phase EQ might actually be making your drums sound worse, not better.
00:00 – Intro: The "Never Low Cut" Trend.
00:18 – The obsession with Sidechaining.
00:40 – The "Soothe" Trap: Why removing all resonances removes the sound.
01:00 – Why static production rules (always/never) usually fail.
01:24 – Production is problem-solving: Context is King.
02:00 – The "Kick vs. Bass" Phase Cancellation (A constructed scenario).
02:40 – Why Kick/Bass phase issues are rarer than tutorials imply.
05:40 – Demonstrating natural phase misalignment (and why it’s okay).
06:35 – The Trick: Using a Low Cut to FIX phase alignment.
08:20 – The trade-off: Slight loudness loss vs. Phase cohesion.
09:40 – The benefits of Zero Latency EQ.
10:15 – Why you should avoid Linear Phase EQ on drums (Pre-ringing & Artifacts).
12:30 – Where these myths come from (Multi-mic recording vs. Electronic production).
14:15 – Conclusion: Listen first, don't fix what isn't broken
Video transcribed, summarized and Q&A on my Blog (no ads): polarity.me/posts/polarity-music/2025-12-04-low-cuts-are-not-a-problem
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💕 Support me on Patreon: bit.ly/3PgbxZz
💰 donate via Paypal: bit.ly/3cae9t8
🎧 my Music: polarity.bandcamp.com
💾 my Tools: polarity.me/posts/articles/2024-08-04-polarity-tools
💻 my Gear: kit.co/polarity/polarity-music-kit
👉 Discord: discord.gg/eWwFBww
👉 Website: polarity.me
--
🛒 Buy/Upgrade Bitwig Studio & Support me bit.ly/3yQEyDU
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In this video, we debunk the current trend in audio production that claims you should "never add a low cut" (high-pass filter) to your sounds because it ruins the phase. While intended to help, this advice often ignores context.
We dive into why music production is about problem-solving rather than applying static rules. You’ll see a practical demonstration of how the phase shift introduced by a standard EQ low cut can actually be used as a tool to align your kick and bass, rather than destroy them.
We also touch on other common obsessions, like over-sidechaining and removing every single resonance - and explain why Linear Phase EQ might actually be making your drums sound worse, not better.
00:00 – Intro: The "Never Low Cut" Trend.
00:18 – The obsession with Sidechaining.
00:40 – The "Soothe" Trap: Why removing all resonances removes the sound.
01:00 – Why static production rules (always/never) usually fail.
01:24 – Production is problem-solving: Context is King.
02:00 – The "Kick vs. Bass" Phase Cancellation (A constructed scenario).
02:40 – Why Kick/Bass phase issues are rarer than tutorials imply.
05:40 – Demonstrating natural phase misalignment (and why it’s okay).
06:35 – The Trick: Using a Low Cut to FIX phase alignment.
08:20 – The trade-off: Slight loudness loss vs. Phase cohesion.
09:40 – The benefits of Zero Latency EQ.
10:15 – Why you should avoid Linear Phase EQ on drums (Pre-ringing & Artifacts).
12:30 – Where these myths come from (Multi-mic recording vs. Electronic production).
14:15 – Conclusion: Listen first, don't fix what isn't broken
Video transcribed, summarized and Q&A on my Blog (no ads): polarity.me/posts/polarity-music/2025-12-04-low-cuts-are-not-a-problem
--
💕 Support me on Patreon: bit.ly/3PgbxZz
💰 donate via Paypal: bit.ly/3cae9t8
🎧 my Music: polarity.bandcamp.com
💾 my Tools: polarity.me/posts/articles/2024-08-04-polarity-tools
💻 my Gear: kit.co/polarity/polarity-music-kit
👉 Discord: discord.gg/eWwFBww
👉 Website: polarity.me
--
🛒 Buy/Upgrade Bitwig Studio & Support me bit.ly/3yQEyDU
🛒 VST/AU Plugin Deals bit.ly/3zcvo66
