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Lowest string always sounds squashed

R

rico2209

Nov 1, 2024
10
19
#1
Hi all,

In short: I'm a hobbyist/bedroom bassist since 2006 but it seems like I'm still too stupid to understand and fix audio stuff.

So here's my question: as the thread title says, my lowest string always sounds squashed while the others are sounding quite clear tbh.
How do I fix it? I just want a good clear low end instead of the thumpy squashed sound I have now :/
Tested it on my parts Jazz bass in drop C, both my SBMM and Stringray SUB USA have it too..

The gear I'm using: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th gen) --> Boss TU3 tuner --> MXR M87 compressor (could be the culprit since we're talking compressed/squashed sounds) --> Tech21 VT Bass DI (new since last week)

About the settings on the Focusrite:
• Direct monitoring on (when off it's muted and I don't know why that suddenly is like that, because it didn't happen before honestly).
• Instrument input enabled
• Safe is on

Hopefully someone can help me out. Thanks in advance.
 
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Reactions: Dust2Dust
#2
Your setup description is a little confusing. What is the whole chain from bass to (I assume) computer? Standard notation is FROM source (instrument) TO destination (device putting sound in your ear). The arrows indicate the path the signal takes.

for example: Bass -> device 1 -> device 2 -> ... -> audio interface -> computer -> speakers

Have you tried the standard diagnostic steps:
1. Plug bass directly into the Focusrite, see how that sounds.
2. If it's OK (not "squashed"), add one device. If that's OK, add a second... repeat until it sounds "squashed".

The VT is supposed to be emulating the sound of an actual bass amp -- if you add effects after that, the result is going to be unnatural (in real life, you can't add effect pedals to the sound after it comes out of the speaker). Try rearranging your pedals and experiment with the settings.
 
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Reactions: KevInDaBassment, RattleSnack, Element Zero and 1 other person
#3
The full signal chain is: Jazz bass --> Boss TU3 tuner --> MXR M87 compressor --> Tech21 VT Bass DI --> Focusrite 2i2
It was indeed a bit confusing, my apologies. I'll try plugging in the bass directly in the audio interface now.
 
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Reactions: ardgedee
#5
rico2209 said:
The full signal chain is: Jazz bass --> Boss TU3 tuner --> MXR M87 compressor --> Tech21 VT Bass DI --> Focusrite 2i2
It was indeed a bit confusing, my apologies. I'll try plugging in the bass directly in the audio interface now.
Click to expand...
"What exact speakers/headphones" was also the focus of ardgedee's post above. Depending on the answer, that could be the source of the problem.

Speaking of which, does the lowest string squashed even in the notes from G (7th fret) upwards, which it has in common with the next lowest? or is it fine there?
 
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Reactions: TomB
#8
Basic troubleshooting applies. You're trying to figure out if it is bass or the signal chain.

1) Plug the bass straight in to the interface. Does it have the same problem? If yes- then it's probably the bass. Check strings and pickup height (too close sometimes chokes strings). Also worth trying another bass.

2) if the bass does not have the same problem straight into the interface, check pedals. try removing a pedal one at a time. Or changing order.
 
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Reactions: mcnach
#9
My guess is it’s the compressor. Unless it has a side chained high pass filter, the low frequencies will be compressed more than high frequencies. If turning the comp off gets rid of the problem, you might try one that has an LPF, like the Empress or the Cali76. Unfortunately those are both expensive. Maybe there are cheaper options.

You might also raise the threshold or lower the ratio on the compressor.
 
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Reactions: -Asdfgh-, KevInDaBassment, ElectricBass72 and 3 others
#10
Your problem often happens (beside other possibilities), if the lower strings are installed twisted. Try to install them sure straight and untwisted, this solved my problems.

If the pickups are too high, their magnets may influence the strings. Try to lower them a bit and hear if it is solved.
 
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Reactions: BobDeRosa and BobKos
#14
I'll take a different approach than others here. With your basses unplugged, do the low E strings ring and resonate clearly? Side note: Whenever I'm thinking of buying an instrument, I play it acoustically first. If it responds and resonates in a pleasing manner, then I plug it in. If it doesn't sound "right" acoustically, no manner of changing the signal chain will make it satisfactory.
 
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Reactions: cfortner
#16
3 basses, so it's not strings/pickups.

Focusrite to what? Headphones? Small monitors? I record with a 6i6. Going from the Focusrite to small monitors, you'll never get a great sound unless at low volume. To headphones, it depends on the headphones. My questions:

1: how are you adjusting the gain on the 2i2? The lowest string will have the highest output, so adjust the gain knob so you're just below where your low string triggers red
2: Don't go out to small speakers. Losing battle. If headphones, try some good cans and see if that's it.
3: If you're not going to use headphones, you may as well use a bass amp, 'cause to get a good sound through studio monitors, you'll need the equivalent of a bass rig.

To get a good sound from my 6i6 to speakers (to play with a mix or record to a mix), I use a 1000W stereo amp and the 112 cabinets I gig with. Otherwise, it's headphones that have good bass response. Trying to record a track or play with a track through smallish powered studio monitors, your bass will not sound good.
 

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