Want a powerful bass but it always sounds muddy?
I mean, who doesn't want a powerful bass that cuts through the mix?
Here are some things that you can try which will help your bass do that and make your songs better!
Layering:
Split your bass sound into different layers for low, mid, and high frequencies and process them individually.
You can also do the same for width, one wide and another mono.
This way, you're filling up the full frequency spectrum with your bass sound.
Subtractive EQ:
If you don't know, subtractive EQ is about cutting unnecessary frequencies which either sound bad or clash with your sound - in this case our bass.
Imagine your song like its in a bowl and each instrument in your song is a water color.
If you add too many things with the same color, what do you get? A swampy, muddy - messed up color.
So make sure to reduce frequencies that clash with your bass.
This will be the best thing you can do to make your bass more present and powerful in the mix.
Sidechain Compression:
This might be obvious for you if you're more experienced but use sidechain compression to create room for your bass within the mix.
Sidechain to other elements, like kick drums for example.
Whenever those elements play, the bass ducks in volume, reducing conflict and keeping the bass present in the mix.
Mono Compatibility:
Make sure that your bass sounds good in mono.
Many club systems and older playback devices are mono or have limited stereo capabilities.
Check your mix in mono (you can use utility in ableton, or gain in logic) to make sure your bass remains powerful and defined in the mix.
Post processing:
I can't tell you how much of a difference proper post processing can do for your bass.
Really understand the uses of saturation, glue compression, layering and good sound selection can do.
This was a short letter but more practical - I recommend you watch the video, it explains and shows actual examples of this.
Hope this was helpful and if you want more direct accountability and help on your music and growing your project, check out the free edm producer training.
Peace,
Vig/MA
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