Highpass Filter

A highpass filter is the mirror image of a lowpass: it removes low frequencies below the cutoff and lets the highs through. In sound design it thins out a tone and takes away weight, which is useful for creating airy, delicate textures or for making a sound sit higher in the arrangement. In mixing it is one of the most valuable tools you have — rolling off inaudible rumble and unnecessary low end from non-bass elements clears space so the kick and bass can breathe without the mix turning muddy. Sweeping a highpass cutoff upward is also a classic transition effect, gradually stripping the low end out of a section to build tension before a drop.