• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Being Present In The Mix

BulbousMoses

BulbousMoses

Jun 26, 2008
1,412
142
Ottawa, Canada
#1
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.
 
#2
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.
 
#4
paul_s said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
#5
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.
 
#7
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.
 
#9
boodakon said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
#11
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.
 
#12
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
 
#15
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.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back