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anonymous 1 October 2004

Is there a generalruleof thumb for the bass? Like it should be loud as the guitar or drums etc?

Comments

anonymous Fri, 10/01/2004 - 09:32

Very subjective question. Do you want to hear the bass above other instruments? Or do you want the bass to only be perceived? Do you want the bass to follow the kick? It all depends on a lot of things. You need to be more specific about what type of music you are recording, what role the bass plays in those songs, but I can tell you this - there is no concrete rock-solid rule about levels of bass. Sometimes making a simple EQ change can make it sound like louder if the listener can hear the track better even if you didnt add any db's. Subtraction, when done well, is really addition - at least in my experiences.

KurtFoster Fri, 10/01/2004 - 12:01

Levels can be subjective, so all anyone can offer is their own personal approach.
(Very rule of thumb .. )
I think kick, snare and bass, all mono elements in a mix, should be about the same level so you may define each in the mix. I usually mix them to about -6 on digital, -3 on a VU scale .. and then fill in with the other insturments. Last, lay the vocals over that so everything can be defined in the mix.

Guest Fri, 10/01/2004 - 14:42

levels

I listen to GNR. I am still impressed with all that they recorded. Duffs bass lines are so cool.
In my prior attemps to get a good mix I looked at things just like you are looking at them. Certain levels for certain instruments. But as time went on I started noticing that if I break the song down to its different parts... bridge, chorus, intro, outro, solo, slow downs, breaks, changes, dramatics, ect.
...that I could get great mixes by concentrating on each piece one at a time. Instead of trying to get the whole mix perfect.
Does this make sense?
Like, lets say your bassist is killer, so maybe you highlight him some on the main rifs, just because he is so good. But when the chorus starts you want to start highlighting the vocals more (just a tad). And you cant highlight everybody all the time. To me getting a good mix has alot to do with hearing the parts that need to be louder so you make the song as rememberable as possible.
I hope this is of some help
let me know if i can explain it any better

anonymous Fri, 10/01/2004 - 17:13

The greatist thing about GnR is that they never overplayed any parts. Listen to Appetite for Des, Slash is in one ear, Izzy is in the other.. duff is right down the middle holding down the Back end with the drummer.

The guitar sounds where diffrent, Izzy used a boogie amp and Tele's, Slash had his signature Les Paul and marshall..
The guitar parts where slightly diffrent as well which really opened up the mix possibilites as well..

Bottom line.... Great songs and they didnt overplay and try and out do each other..

After Izzy left it was all over.... Listen to that Song that GnR did for Terminator 2 Soundtrack- Slash was in both speakers and it didnt Sound like GNR anymore...

anonymous Sat, 10/02/2004 - 19:47

Gotta laugh at that one... They blew it big time.. If they kept that band together for 1 more really good album they would get my vote for Possible Rock and roll Hall of Fame.

Anyone seen Axl lately... what a mess. He ruined the GNR name. Put togther that band of total strangers and Packaged it as GNR...

Just plain Awfull. Look at his face. He is a frankenstein now. The guy had character before and yea he was a cranky Pr!ck as well, but dude take a look at yourself. You are starting to look like Joan richards....

YUCK... Hope his face doesnt start to fall off like Michael Jackson's...

Tito, get me a tissue...!!

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