Is The Bass Too Loud?

plangentmusic · #1 10-13-2010, 04:06 PM

That's a rhetorical question. Here's an example of doubling the guitar line on an old surf instrumental with the bass actually more upfront than the guitar -- just the way it ought to be. : )

Go to the first track -- "Diamond Head."

(It's great not to fight with the guitar player about who should be mixed more upfront).

Whataya think? Just right?

http://www.reverbnation.com/#/nelsonmontana

Gearhead17 · #2 10-13-2010, 04:13 PM

Since the bass is fairly thick sounding and the guitarist seems to not have as much midrange or be as thick sounding.... I feel the bass is mixed a bit too high. I think you could bring the bass down a little bit volume wise and still have the tone cut through. By bringing it down, everything else will come through better while still being able to hear your bass really well.

Then again, it's your call, if everyone else likes it, don't complain!

carlos840 · #3 10-13-2010, 04:14 PM

I also think its to loud...
Also the fact that the guitar is so drowned in reverb doesnt help!

agreatheight · #4 10-13-2010, 04:15 PM

+1, too loud.

gus1894 · #5 10-13-2010, 04:22 PM

The bass is mixed too loud. It's not just the guitar beneath the bass, it's the drums too. It's subtle, but in certain parts it's definitely noticeable. To my ears, I would mix it down differently. It's cool stuff though, I like it! The second track is excellent.

I have to go home, still at work. I think I'll listen to the rest at home - is this your band?

pedro · #6 10-13-2010, 04:29 PM

Not too loud at all IMO. Sounds about right.

nurnay · #7 10-13-2010, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gus1894

The bass is mixed too loud. It's not just the guitar beneath the bass, it's the drums too. It's subtle, but in certain parts it's definitely noticeable.

Agreed. It's not overtly loud, just a little too much. I'm always asking my band mates if I'm too loud, because it seems that way, but they say it's fine. :-)

plangentmusic · #8 10-13-2010, 04:51 PM

Interesting. I wonder if the reaction would be the same if it were a famous bass players solo project instead of a TB member. lol!

I know it's upfront but I think people (including bassists) have gotten used to the bass being buried. Close To The Edge, Abby Road, Rio, Piece of Mind, and of course a lot of the Motown stuff have bass mixes that would never be allowed today. And it sounds great to my ears.

Anyway, maybe it's a tad TOO upfront here but I'm going for something.

BTW, the reason the other member didn't complain is because I'm playing all the instruments. That's ONE way to et a fair bass balance.

And...THANKS pedro! A man who knows the bassist role! hahaha

pedro · #9 10-13-2010, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plangentmusic

Interesting. I wonder if the reaction would be the same if it were a famous bass players solo project instead of a TB member. lol!

I know it's upfront but I think people (including bassists) have gotten used to the bass being buried. Close To The Edge, Abby Road, Rio, Piece of Mind, and of course a lot of the Motown stuff have bass mixes that would never be allowed today. And it sounds great to my ears.

Anyway, maybe it's a tad TOO upfront here but I'm going for something.

BTW, the reason the other member didn't complain is because I'm playing all the instruments. That's ONE way to et a fair bass balance.

And...THANKS pedro! A man who knows the bassist role! hahaha

Not only do I NOT think its too loud I don't think its actually louder than the guitar. Seems like a pretty even mix to my ears.

plangentmusic · #10 10-13-2010, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carlos840

I also think its to loud...
Also the fact that the guitar is so drowned in reverb doesnt help!

It's surf music! That's the sound.

lx_night · #11 10-13-2010, 04:58 PM

Is it intended to be a bass lead type of thing like marcus miller is always on top because he is the leading instrument.

If it is not intended for the bass to lead then it is too loud.

AltGrendel · #12 10-13-2010, 05:01 PM

Only in the intro, the rest is fine.

plangentmusic · #13 10-13-2010, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lx_night

Is it intended to be a bass lead type of thing like marcus miller is always on top because he is the leading instrument.

If it is not intended for the bass to lead then it is too loud.

Fair enough. That is the sound throughout the album. Check out "Pipeline" The way is WAY up front, but I think it works.

Also, "Yesterday" is not from the same album. But the bass is REALLY upfront on that one. lol!

gus1894 · #14 10-13-2010, 05:06 PM

I did say subtle. But it wasn't the guitar being less present that caught my ear, it was that the drums were in line with the guitar, and that's why I thought as I did (I mean, do)

But still - I like it.

plangentmusic · #15 10-13-2010, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gus1894

I did say subtle. But it wasn't the guitar being less present that caught my ear, it was that the drums were in line with the guitar, and that's why I thought as I did (I mean, do)

But still - I like it.

Thanks bro.

For years I worried about being too out front and always wound up lost in the mix. Now I just say, screw it. When in doubt, turn the bass up! You'll like it.

paganjack · #16 10-13-2010, 05:11 PM

I think the guitar just needs a little more mid-presence. Not a whole lot, but some. IMO.

Nashrakh · #17 10-13-2010, 05:15 PM

I liked the mix on Diamond Head. I don't think the bass is too out there at all.

mwbassace · #18 10-13-2010, 05:42 PM

The "Diamond Head" mix is a good mix, IMO. I can't stand when the bass is buried in the mix. Bass & drums are what gives music it's drive, so to say. Kudos on your songs, i really liked "Yesterday", but "Pipeline" is cool also. In fact all 3 of them are good mixes, maybe not perfect, but damn good.

plangentmusic · #19 10-13-2010, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwbassace

The "Diamond Head" mix is a good mix, IMO. I can't stand when the bass is buried in the mix. Bass & drums are what gives music it's drive, so to say. Kudos on your songs, i really liked "Yesterday", but "Pipeline" is cool also. In fact all 3 of them are good mixes, maybe not perfect, but damn good.

Thanks. Appreciate it.

Of course, "Yesterday is just a single take -- no overdubs or other tracks. (4 string bass.)

Everything is done on Garage Band.

gus1894 · #20 10-13-2010, 06:50 PM

These days I end up being an old man in a cover band, which is actually fun most of the time. It's your basic power trio plus a singer, so I tend to have a big presence and my guitarist is luckily a cool guy who isn't an egomaniac - it's nice not having to compete w/ the guitarist!