How to mix bass sounds.

Proper mixing of bass tracks is essential for achieving dynamic and harmonious musical foundations. Since bass sounds have the largest amplitude in most music, these sounds significantly influence the vibration of other sounds. For bass, you should pay attention to the following:

  • 1. Sense of space In a classic case, a simpler bass sound usually does not have a very wide sense of space. However, increasing the sense of space in bass tracks is not an impossible process. A simple but high-quality reverb with a short decay time can greatly improve the sense of space in the bass. In this case, you don't have to worry as much about phase cancellation. Using delay on bass sounds can be confusing, so if you add delay, handle the echo with the built-in low-cut filter. This eliminates the noise-like sound and reduces the possibility of phase cancellation.
  • 2. Phase cancellation Phase cancellation can be a significant problem for bass sounds because the waveform on both sides has opposite polarity and therefore partially or completely cancels each other out. That's why spatializing bass using a chorus effect can be more problematic. Whether this effect is allowed depends on the specific tone, so its use may not necessarily cause problems, but it can happen. Check your work in mono as well. If the sound disappears, its volume decreases significantly, or you hear a strange sound, there is a chance of phase cancellation.>
  • 3. Low cut filter If we sharply cut off the lowest frequencies of the bass channel up to around 30 Hz, we get rid of the parts with the highest amplitude of the bass, but since humans don't hear this frequency range as well, we can safely eliminate it. However, this is not a golden rule; if the music as a whole does not require cutting, then only minimally handle the lower ranges this way! On the other hand, it is a fact that the recording will be clearer, and more headroom will remain for the music.
  • Frequency distribution The harmony of the kick drum and the bass. If the song allows, use a kick drum that sounds at a completely different frequency compared to the bass. For deeper bass, you can choose a more snappy kick drum. If this is not advantageous in the particular song, then, on the other hand, you should strive to match the fundamental tonality of the kick drum and the bass.
  • Rhythm If the bass sounds exactly when the kick drum does, the two sounds reinforce each other. Therefore, it is essential to choose the right kick drum or change the rhythmic harmony of the bass. Sidechain compressor Using a sidechain compressor on the bass track controlled by the drum can be a good solution, as the bass automatically quiets down when the kick drum hits with the sidechain compressor, making the kick drum more pronounced, and the balance between the two sounds improves.
  • Other solutions for enhancing the sense of space. Using solutions that increase the sense of space, such as the Ozone Stereo Imager, is not advantageous for low frequencies, so avoid excessive use. Phase cancellation may occur.
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