Last night I suddenly remembered that I had MMultiAnalyzer, the very useful plugin which identifies frequency clashes across multiple tracks to help you identify the areas which need EQ for better instrument separation. Haven't used it for ages. So I decided to try it on a mix that I'd already done some EQ with.
I turned off all my EQ's and put MMultiAnalyzer on some tracks. It identifies problem frequency areas very clearly and gives you an accurate idea of where to make cuts. To my surprise, every time MMultiAnalyzer identified a strong clash area and I went back to the EQ to make a cut there on one of the tracks, I found I'd already made a cut in that exact frequency. It was uncanny and very satisfying to see. Tbh I never thought my ears were any good and that I was still groping about blindly with EQ. Now if only I could have the same thing happen with compression....