Need Help Getting "Fuller Sound"

Dum-Dum-Dum · #1 04-02-2011, 10:34 AM

I need quite a bit of help. As far as bass players go, I'm pretty mediocre but I'm not exactly worried about my ability at the minute. I'm playing with a metal band and we're now looking for some gigs to play as a three piece. I need help in getting the best bass sound possible in order to make us sound bigger. Here's what I'm working with.

Ashdown Mag 300H EVO II Head
Ashdown MAG410T Amp
Fender Aerodyne Jazz Electric Bass
Boss ME-50B Electric Bass Effects

To be honest, when I first started playing bass, I always relied on other people to set up my system. They'd set the treble and bass levels and everything else and I'm kicking myself for that now. I know this is something I really need to learn so I'd really appreciate any tips, no matter how minor or obvious you may think they are.

Thanks guys!

MNAirHead · #2 04-02-2011, 11:06 AM

IF you're OK being a"FOUNDATION": player "not cut through the mix" there are some things..

IF you can pop for a used multi effects box.. there are tons of things that can be done to fatten/sustain/EQ out the high ends...

I have one patch that is just for doing this... I can hit a note and let it ride for a minute...

Much of Trio/Duo playing is counterintuitive... less and longer sounds fuller than trying to be impressive with your mad chops.

Tim

rockstarbassist · #3 04-05-2011, 12:13 PM

Have you actually rehearsed or played venues you'll be performing to know where you're "less full"? It's hard to help when we don't know what you're "missing" in the first place.
I play in a 2 guitar hard rock act so I bump the low and high mids the most, although they both have a pretty middy/trebly tone which is different than most current acts who are uber-scooped and very bass heavy so I've been looking at adding more bass/foundation and less "cut".

BuffaloBass · #4 04-05-2011, 12:47 PM

Let's start with basics - pickup height. When you fret the string, the pole should be about 3.5mm ( and tis a relatively small window) from the string.

Does the Ashdown have a preamp stage? If so, run this gain to 50% + throttle, like 60-65%. It will fatten up the notes by adding a bit of roundness and a fuzzy edge.

A second cab would make it louder.

HolmeBass · #5 04-05-2011, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuffaloBass

Let's start with basics - pickup height. When you fret the string, the pole should be about 3.5mm ( and tis a relatively small window) from the string.

Does the Ashdown have a preamp stage? If so, run this gain to 50% + throttle, like 60-65%. It will fatten up the notes by adding a bit of roundness and a fuzzy edge.

A second cab would make it louder.

This is good advice, which I'd paraphrase as making sure you're gain structure is sound. *I* would read the Evo's owner's manual and see how they suggest setting the input level/gain, (or whatever they call it; your first stage of amplification). That's a great place to start and will make any EQ choices you make pay off as best as possible. Then consider adding a second cabinet- very good advice as well.

walterw · #6 04-05-2011, 07:58 PM

if you're not sure where to set your amp knobs, then leave the multi-effects at home. like all multi-effects, it has a million crappy sounds and a few good ones, so what are the odds?

if this is loud-ass metal, your rig will be OK, but not great. a second identical cab would make all the difference in power, clarity and "fullness".

in the meantime, try a bit more mids and a bit less bass than normal. it won't sound as deep and fat by itself, but with a wall of distorted guitars, you'll hear it better, especially with only one bass cab.

oniman7 · #7 04-05-2011, 08:15 PM

Personally, I'd keep your bass EQ where it's at or lower. I'd raise the mids (especially the low mids, if you have that option) and cut some of the treble and really high mids. Some players like to leave their treble, I like to cut mine.

oniman7 · #8 04-05-2011, 08:16 PM

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/5n3ckS...les/eqfreq.php

Also, I came across this chart that might help.

dmusic148 · #9 04-05-2011, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterw

if you're not sure where to set your amp knobs, then leave the multi-effects at home. like all multi-effects, it has a million crappy sounds and a few good ones, so what are the odds?

if this is loud-ass metal, your rig will be OK, but not great. a second identical cab would make all the difference in power, clarity and "fullness".

in the meantime, try a bit more mids and a bit less bass than normal. it won't sound as deep and fat by itself, but with a wall of distorted guitars, you'll hear it better, especially with only one bass cab.

This, this, and this, again. Do NOT start worrying about pickups and strings and stuff. Not for awhile. Do ignore the Effect unit for now.

The only thing I'd add would be: With a Jazz bass, if you turn both pickup volume knobs to full, and then back them off about 20%, you will get a 'fatter' sound. Less treble, more of everything else, especially lower-midrange sound, which is what 'sounds 'loud.' Which is what you'll need, in your case.

D.A.R.K. · #10 04-05-2011, 09:08 PM

simple. play with the knobs and switches until you are familiar with what they do to the sound, and then play with them some more until you find the sound you are looking for.
just be cautious with the ones marked volume.

GrowlerBox · #11 04-05-2011, 10:56 PM

I just had a quick squizz at the manual for your amp, and I suggest you do, too. If you don't have a printed copy, it's available: http://www.ashdownmusic.com/tech/man...EBOEVOIIPS.pdf

I would use the "passive" input irrespective of whether your bass is active or passive. The "Input" dial adjusts the preamp gain -- set as described in the manual (increase until VU meter around 0dB, flicking into red from time to time) -- do this initially with the "Output" (volume) dial turned down to protect your speakers while you fiddle.

Set EQ -- I would leave the "Deep" and "Bright" buttons in the out/off position (and make sure the EQ button is in/on). Start with all the controls flat and adjust each one at a time so you can audition each band independently of the others. There's quite a bit of mid control (3 bands), so take your time, and be aware that different rooms will respond differently to your settings. People tend to push the bass in their bedrooms at low volume, only to find they get lost on stage or in rehearsal, and blow their speakers when they hit the volume. The mid range is where it's at in this setting. Once you've found your slot, you may need to tweak the gain ("Input") again.

Try out the on-board compressor once your EQ is set -- the manual suggests that it interacts with the gain, so you shouldn't need to worry about the effect it could have there. This does pretty much what it sounds like -- reduces the dynamic extremes of your sound so that the volume floor can be raised. This is a very commonly used tool for increasing "fullness". Too high, and you can get a pumping effect. Visit Compressor Reviews to discover more than you will ever need to know about compression.

Lastly, I would leave the "Subharmonic" switched off -- that way lies mud and blown speakers.

Let us know how you get on.

TimmyP · #12 04-07-2011, 09:16 PM

Based on the EQ descriptions on the website, I'd try this as a starting point:

Deep on, Bass flat, low mid half cut, mid half boost, hi mid flat, treble full cut, bright off. Of it's too thick, cut some bass or cut more mids. If it needs more growl, boost more mid. If it needs more "clank", boost the high mid (or the opposite if it's too clanky).