Don't Believe The HYPE

Hey Friends,

We need to talk. Last week I heard someone tell a beginner to high-pass everything below 250Hz and I nearly threw my headphones across the room.

I'll be completely honest - this myth bugs me more than most, perhaps because it stings a little. The truth is, I blindly followed this during my early days before my ears told me a different story. Which taught me a valuable lesson: our ears will tell you all you need to know. If it sounds good, it probably is.

You've probably noticed there's no shortage of BS on production forums and YouTube comments. I'm sure you've encountered some of these popular myths and "rules" about what's okay and what's not.

Today we're cutting through the noise to explore some legendary myths and truths about electronic music production.

MYTH: "Low cut everything below 250Hz"

Look, I get it. Cleaning up muddy frequencies that clash with other elements makes sense - a shaker doesn't need bass frequencies after all.

But here's what I discovered the hard way: if you automatically low-pass everything without listening carefully, your mix can end up sounding hollow and unnatural. Some instruments and sounds need to occupy that frequency space.

TRUTH: Pro tracks sound full because they make ear-based decisions

Ever wonder how professional tracks maintain that balanced fullness across frequencies? They're not blindly low-cutting everything - they're listening carefully and making decisions based on what they hear.

What actually works: Next time you drop an EQ with the goal to clean up, listen carefully and in context. A/B test with other sounds occupying the same space, then decide what needs cutting and what should stay. The goal is full, balanced mixes that deliver punch and emotion. Sound familiar?

MYTH: "Don't use samples - it's cheating. Real musicians don't use loops"

Woop woop - it's the music fashion police!

Look, I get that this sometimes comes from seeing someone drag in Splice loops, adjust a couple of faders, and call it a track. But dismissing samples altogether because it's "cheating" is wrong from my own experience.

I've seen producers stick to MIDI-only on principle, believing it's more original, only to get stuck because they couldn't make those MIDI instruments sound how they wanted. Meanwhile, they're missing out on perfect source material that could create exactly the sound they're after.

TRUTH: Samples are just another creative tool - and you can't beat the real thing

You won't get a real piano recorded in a hall on a high-end mic from a VST plugin. There's only so much synthesis can do. When it comes to real-world instruments, organic sounds, field recordings - you often can't beat the real thing.

What actually works: Treat samples as starting points. Chop them, process them, layer them. Turn loops into your own unique sound with a little skill and creativity. For me, samples are often the perfect source material to create the feeling I'm after.

MYTH: "You need expensive, high-end gear to produce professional tracks"

Here's the thing - beautiful analog vintage gear can bring a unique sound to your music. But is it make or break? The difference between professional and amateur?

In 2025, the gap between high-end gear and your DAW has narrowed to the point where telling the difference often takes an audiophile with years of ear training. And here's the key question: do fans actually notice or care if your track was made with expensive gear?

Take Ableton Live - there are so many instruments, sounds, and processing tools that you could make and release entire sample packs using only your DAW (believe me, I have ;). All the power you need is right there on your computer. Sadly, this is why many million-dollar analog studios have closed - they simply weren't needed anymore.

TRUTH: It's the ears, not the gear

Skill, creativity, and decision-making matter far more than equipment. Affordable setups can absolutely yield professional results.

What actually works: Look at Billie Eilish's early work - recorded in her parents' bedroom with Billie often sitting on the bed for vocals. No special booth or acoustic treatment. The setup? Audio-Technica AT2020 mic, Yamaha HS5 monitors, Universal Audio Apollo interface, and Logic Pro X with mostly stock plugins. The result? Global hits that changed pop music.

Notice how full and professional ‘bad guy’ sounds despite being recorded in a bedroom with basic gear.

MYTH: "Electronic music producers just press buttons"

Absolutely ridiculous!

It doesn't take long making electronic music to realize you're wearing multiple hats - drummer, singer, bass player, keys, synths, percussion, plus arranger, mixer, and mastering engineer. Jan Blomqvist summed this up perfectly in a recent podcast, talking about his transition from rock to electronic music taking six years until it all clicked. Despite his confidence as a rock musician, he was taken aback by how different and daunting electronic production was - it led him on a path of musical discovery, trial and error in the studio, and having to learn step by step to become the producer he wanted to be.

TRUTH: Production is a complex blend of art and technical skill

Electronic music production involves arrangement, sound design, mixing, and more. It's a creative and technical craft that demands multiple skillsets, not just button-pushing.

What actually works: Embrace the complexity. Each role you play - from sound designer to mix engineer - is an opportunity to develop your craft. The learning never stops, and that's what makes it exciting.

I'd love to hear from you! What myths have you encountered? Have you been misguided by any of these "rules" and learned the hard way they were wrong? I certainly have!

Next time someone drops one of these gospel truths in a video or comment section, you'll know to swipe left.

As always,
Keep creating,
Heath