Being Present In The Mix

BulbousMoses · #1 10-06-2011, 11:30 AM

So I have a passive bass and I'm running with an Ampeg Micro VR and SVT210AV cab. The bass is strung with GHS Precision flats. How can I set my amp so that I "cut through" in a live mix. I have a great solo sound but when I use that in a group or band mix, it dissappears.

paul_s · #2 10-06-2011, 11:34 AM

Low mids are your friend. Tell your guitarist to cut his lows, and you'll sit super nicely in the mix with that set up. Flats aren't going to make you pop out of a mix ahead of everything, but you will be very much so evident in the mix as supporting the connection between the guitars and drums.

Lazylion · #3 10-06-2011, 11:37 AM

You might try using a pick. It gives you a smidge more attack. IME recording engineers like it.

BulbousMoses · #4 10-06-2011, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul_s

Low mids are your friend. Tell your guitarist to cut his lows, and you'll sit super nicely in the mix with that set up. Flats aren't going to make you pop out of a mix ahead of everything, but you will be very much so evident in the mix as supporting the connection between the guitars and drums.

I can't really control the low mids on my amp. I just have bass, mid and treble controls. I guess I could bump the mid control.

paul_s · #5 10-06-2011, 12:06 PM

Definitely do that, and even try cutting your lows and highs a bit then boosting the overall master. Play around with the controls and realize that in the mix cutting your lows can make you sound deeper and more in the mix, paradoxically.

MNAirHead · #6 10-06-2011, 04:01 PM

Do you have a keyboard player

boodakon · #7 10-06-2011, 08:31 PM

Don't be married to your bedroom tone, because that's just you. You have to be prepared to constantly re-EQ to the band to be heard, for several reasons; Guitarists can always change their settings, the room, etc.

You have a great setup. Flats are the only thing I wouldn't use since they generally are not as punchy. I'd try some roundwound stainless steels, that would definitely bring you out.

Wes Whitmore · #8 10-06-2011, 10:36 PM

Is this an on stage sound issue (hearing yourself), or what you sound like out in the crowd?

BulbousMoses · #9 10-07-2011, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boodakon

Don't be married to your bedroom tone, because that's just you. You have to be prepared to constantly re-EQ to the band to be heard, for several reasons; Guitarists can always change their settings, the room, etc.

You have a great setup. Flats are the only thing I wouldn't use since they generally are not as punchy. I'd try some roundwound stainless steels, that would definitely bring you out.

For the kind of music I'm playing, flats are better (folk/acoustic). I realize flats won't pop but I just want to sit better in the mix.

BulbousMoses · #10 10-07-2011, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wes Whitmore

Is this an on stage sound issue (hearing yourself), or what you sound like out in the crowd?

It's both...

kevteop · #11 10-07-2011, 07:23 AM

What's the rest of your band's instrumentation? If the levels are right then you shouldn't have a problem being heard unless you've got another instrument stomping all over the same frequencies you're trying to occupy.

prd004 · #12 10-07-2011, 07:28 AM

The real trick is to play with your EQ at rehearsal. You can dial and tweak your knobs in private until the cows come home, but finding the sweet spot in the mix requires the band to be present.
Also if your a "flats" guy, Rotosounds and Chromes have the best upper mid presence and note definition IMO

tdub0199 · #13 10-07-2011, 07:30 AM

you will find that your solo tone will not always work in a band setting, everyone has suggested what you should try... cut your lows and highs and boost your mids and give a pick a try......

BulbousMoses · #14 10-07-2011, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevteop

What's the rest of your band's instrumentation? If the levels are right then you shouldn't have a problem being heard unless you've got another instrument stomping all over the same frequencies you're trying to occupy.

Rest of the band is one (sometimes 2) acoustic guitars, 2 (sometimes 3) vocalists and drums

Bassorama57 · #15 10-07-2011, 07:57 AM

I'm envisioning two big Dreadnaught accoustic guitars, which would produce enough low end to drown out your flat-strung passive 2-10" bass. Only thing you can do - aside from going lower (15" speaker? etc) is to attack in the mids - which you'll have to do with your amp. I think, as noted, they're sitting right in your frequency space.

BulbousMoses · #16 10-07-2011, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdub0199

you will find that your solo tone will not always work in a band setting, everyone has suggested what you should try... cut your lows and highs and boost your mids and give a pick a try......

I'll try this and see how it sounds.