Mid cut or boost (live)

[OOD]

I read a lot about people cutting or boosting the mids but I never see great explanations. What do you guys think the benefits are to either?

 

[Dogbertday]

In a given situation one, the other, or neither, makes my bass sound better. [/thread]

 

[JTE]

Generally I find a boost helps my basses sound like my basses and sit in a mix brtter.

 

[OOD]

In a given situation one, the other, or neither, makes my bass sound better. [/thread]

Does that mean you don't think altering eq makes much of a difference?

 

[Bassist4Eris]

I read a lot about people cutting or boosting the mids but I never see great explanations. What do you guys think the benefits are to either?

If you find you're getting buried in the mix, insufficient mids are often the culprit, and a boost is in order. If your bass sounds overly honky or nasal, the mids may need cutting.

On a related note: often, what sounds honky by itself sits nicely in the mix.

 

[OOD]

If you find you're getting buried in the mix, insufficient mids are often the culprit, and a boost is in order. If your bass sounds overly honky or nasal, the mids may need cutting.

On a related note: often, what sounds honky by itself sits nicely in the mix.

I have practice with my band Wednesday. I'm going to test this out. I have been running into the pa for years (not my idea) so I am out of practice on how to eq. Now that I have a pedalboard, I finally have options again.

 

[JimFog]

Jazz Bass? - I generally boost the low mids.

P Bass? - Flat most of the time, or cut the upper mids a wee bit for a "sweeter" sound (jazz and acoustic stuff).

That's, of course, assuming I don't have to EQ to make up for a weird sounding room or mix. Then, all rules go out the window, IMO.

 

[flameworker]

I cut when practice ing alone, boost live to cut thru the mix and pop harmonics.

 

[flameworker]

Oh and the frequency of mids important, fine line between harsh and pop. I crank up bands to find the bad sounds and then cut them.

 

[BazzTard]

Oh and the frequency of mids important, fine line between harsh and pop. I crank up bands to find the bad sounds and then cut them.

THAT just might be the best bit of advice I've read this year!

 

[Dogbertday]

Does that mean you don't think altering eq makes much of a difference?

Not at all. It means that like all amp settings, techniques, etc. Just try it and if it sounds good, keep it. Follow your ears.

IMO and all that...

 

[OOD]

Not at all. It means that like all amp settings, techniques, etc. Just try it and if it sounds good, keep it. Follow your ears.

IMO and all that...

Yeah good point.

 

[SandCBass]

I just run a slight mid bump to shoot over the guitar player when he uses his micro POG, that way I'm not just a low frequency you feel and not hear really.

 

[RustyAxe]

The Whirlwind Bass Ten (equalizer) manual has a little info on EQ for different genres ... [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[DrDAV14]

Not all mid frequencies are the same. I do agree mid scoop or cut, doesn't cut through a dense mix well. In milder mixes it is very warm sounding.

 

[Slough Feg Bass]

I bump a bit between 800 - 1khz using the tone hammer.
works good for me when I need it.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

boosted mids sound terrible played alone, but REALLY help a bass cut through the mix.
Scooped mids sound great played alone but hurt you in the mix.

 

[brianrost]

With my URB I usually cut mids in the 800-1000hz range to control nasality. Other than that I usually have all EQ flat, never been much of a tweaker. The tone pots on my BGs are the most important EQ for me.

 

[dewbass4]

Normally I run amp eq flat, then make adjustment on bass(es) to fit specific situation. IME right hand technique/placement can change tone faster and easier than changing the amp's eq. YMMV

 

[PullThePlug]

Leave flat/generally boost when necessary. I never find myself cutting mids