Author Topic: Getting a cleaner bass/sub mix  (Read 7248 times)

Some Dude

  • Sub Bass
  • *
  • Posts: 23
  • Honor: 3
    • https://soundcloud.com/somedudestunes
    • https://twitter.com/somedudestunes
    • View Profile
Getting a cleaner bass/sub mix
« on: January 12, 2016, 06:50:42 am »
hey guys, I've had this track ready to go for a while but Im hesitant to release it as Im not entirely happy with the kick/bass mix its got going on. The bass still feels a bit untamed and messy to me. Any advice on how to get the bass tighter and give it more control in the mix would be a big help!

https://soundcloud.com/somedudestunes/setmefree/s-TkZrZ

kiiskamusic

  • Subsonic
  • Posts: 18
  • Honor: 5
    • kiiskamusic
    • View Profile
Re: Getting a cleaner bass/sub mix
« Reply #1 on: January 13, 2016, 01:32:10 am »
Compression is a good technique to use when talking about trying to have more control/making your bass tighter.  But also the relationship between the kick and bass is extremely important. I'm talking about making sure your kick and bass are in the same key, the sidechain on the bass is nice and tight to the kick, and a great tip i heard a long time ago was when choosing your kick and bass, decide weather you want to have a long kick and short bass, or short kick and long bass. Look into these things first, some compression just to tighten things up isn't going to be the cure all on this track for you.

-K

Heatcliff

  • Sub Bass
  • *
  • Posts: 45
  • Honor: 6
    • heatcliffmusic
    • heatcliffmusic
    • View Profile
    • Artist Homepage
Re: Getting a cleaner bass/sub mix
« Reply #2 on: January 13, 2016, 02:46:05 pm »
Start with getting your room right - bass traps etc. An untreated room is your biggest enemy when it comes to judging the bass properly.

Xan

  • Low Mid
  • **
  • Posts: 150
  • Honor: 18
    • View Profile
Re: Getting a cleaner bass/sub mix
« Reply #3 on: January 13, 2016, 02:49:07 pm »
Compression is a good technique to use when talking about trying to have more control/making your bass tighter.  But also the relationship between the kick and bass is extremely important. I'm talking about making sure your kick and bass are in the same key, the sidechain on the bass is nice and tight to the kick, and a great tip i heard a long time ago was when choosing your kick and bass, decide weather you want to have a long kick and short bass, or short kick and long bass. Look into these things first, some compression just to tighten things up isn't going to be the cure all on this track for you.

-K

Very true. It is possible to have an intermediate, but you will need a strong sidechain to accomplish and it may not be the desired sound you want.

Marrow Machines

  • Mid
  • ***
  • Posts: 788
  • Honor: 101
  • Electronic Music
    • marrow-machines
    • MarrowMachines
    • View Profile
Re: Getting a cleaner bass/sub mix
« Reply #4 on: January 13, 2016, 11:48:38 pm »
It might be eq man. I try not to rely on side chaining.

It could be volume staging and eq. For a long time i fought with getting the bass and kick to sit right. In my mixes i tend to have the drum group the loudest in relation to every thing else (very little group volume augmentation) and leave the sub to go straight into your master or premaster channel/group.

I adjust the sub bass to not over power, but if you're cutting your frequencies in your kick to just let the sub carry most of the sub sonic weight, then you're in for a good deal.

I'd also try to make the sub sit a little lower than the kick drum. This last advice is a little tricky, because you'd need to use your feeling and ears rather than your eyes, because if you would drop your sub that low, it might not even exist.

I'd also advise you maybe layer in a more audible bass frequency that plays the sub part, just so it's more in the bass than the sub sonic region.

I listened to your track as well, it sounds alright, but the top end isn't pleasant to listen to. The overall perspective is kinda thin.
The bass is loud and clear, but compared to, currently listening to truth's mix TRUTH CHRONICLES, i can hear your sub clearly at a low volume on consumers, where his is more attenuated towards the drums and music.

It could be a perspective you carry in the mix that is affecting the way you're treating the bass. Out side of every advice posted, that's just my two cents.
Josh Huval: Honestly, the guys who are making good art are spending their time making it.