Managing Sub-Bass - TranceAddict Forums

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Posted by Gaztr on Jul-18-2011 11:01:

Managing Sub-Bass

Hello fellow trance addicts!

Newbie here, likely one of many posts

Probably an odd place to start, but I'm looking for some help regarding the majestic sub bass. Just to note that I monitor using KRK Rokit 8s with a frequency response around 45Hz-20kHz.

My question is both specific to frequency response and use of practical eq. So, how would I go about applying eq to my sub bass whilst playing nicely within the 45Hz response limit of my monitors? Common sense is telling me that without a decent sub-woofer, perhaps the best thing to do would be to apply minimal processing to anything with sub frequencies.

Okay so a typical scenario. Usually, I'd program my sub bass using sylenth1. Once programmed, I'd then apply a high pass to around 45Hz (with a bandwidth setting of say about 1:20)octave. I do this to assume that I am tightening up the lowest end possible within my monitors frequency response. Whilst cutting anything under that value. I'd then do a smooth boost around 80Hz. Finally, I'd put a lowpass to cut anything within the mid-high frequency range.

I then run a spectrum analyzer so that I can analyze the kick and bass together to see any conflicts. However, as most basslines are on the off, they seldom seem to conflict even if they are occupying the same kind of frequencies so no problems there generally.

So coming back to the concept of high-passing at 45Hz, I was wondering would it be better to run a gradual shelf instead, rolling anything off below say 30Hz, with a nice slope up to say 80Hz?

I'd love to post some mp3 examples as I think it'd be better to hear whats happening.
Cheers
Gaztr

Posted by Gaztr on Jul-18-2011 11:05:

Oh and by the way, I realize that sub basses go down to 30Hz hence why I mentioned a shelf, so the cut off below 45Hz was really because I couldn't hear any changes below that anyway.

Cheers
Gaztr

Posted by evo8 on Jul-18-2011 11:24:

quote:
Originally posted by Gaztr
Oh and by the way, I realize that sub basses go down to 30Hz hence why I mentioned a shelf, so the cut off below 45Hz was really because I couldn't hear any changes below that anyway.

Cheers
Gaztr

if i was you i would forget about spectrum analysers for sub-bass - ive never found them any help really for mixing bass

Monitoring in this area requires a good monitoring setup i.e. good monitors and a good room

Also you dont need as much sub-bass as you think - its a balancing act with the kick. You may need to listen to your track on a system that has more sub and then see what tweaks you need to make

Be careful with sub-bass as it will eat into your headroom rapidly

Posted by Gaztr on Jul-18-2011 11:43:

Cheers evo8.

Yes, I kind of see the sub bass as support only. But already I can see how finely balanced it has to be. I think what I'm going to do is provide some mp3 examples later of what I'd normally do. Nothing beats constructive feedback and hopefully that way can provide it.

Thanks for letting me know regarding the spectrum analysers + stuff

Cheers
Gaztr

Posted by Pagan-za on Jul-18-2011 12:01:

I agree with evo8, subbass is tricky because its felt more than heard, so looking at it visually can be a bit deceiving and its really easy to go overboard with it.

Usually I do subbass almost as an afterthought, just to give the bass that little something extra, but it should be subtle and not too apparent imo.

Posted by Gaztr on Jul-18-2011 14:22:

Cheers for the reply!

Well as said earlier, I have provided an mp3 below of how I'd normally mix/eq my kick and sub bass.

Just a word about what I've done. Firstly, the MP3 is hosted on megaupload (first file sharing servie that come up: let me know if it's a problem).

In this example, for the kick using just a various setting on one of my favorite EQ's, plus some compression. On the sub bass, I've
set a high pass to cut at 45Hz with a Q of 1:20, and a peak boost at around 85Hz by 2.14db. A lowpass cuts all down to 555Hz. Kick is referenced at 0db, sub bass mixed in at -8db.

[[ LINK REMOVED ]]

It's a mega basic example...but fundamentally feel free to rip this apart. If there's anything I can do to improve it, please let me know.

Cheers
Gaztr

Posted by evo8 on Jul-18-2011 17:13:

Sounds pretty good to me, i dont have a sub here but it doesnt sound too boomy on monitors, which is good

p.s. consider getting a basic soundcloud a/c, handy for posting stuff like that