Smileyface EQ, defended by Dave Ellefson (Megadeth)

[Salamenster]

In this video Dave Ellefson tells us about his signature Jackson bass.

He discusses the elements in this bass, wich give him 'A nice round bottom' (exact quote) that sits with the bassdrum and a clicky top that cuts trough the mix.

So essentially, a midscoop, as he states 'We have a thick midrange, a wall of guitars' and he sort of works 'around' that midrange with his tone, so to speak.

Basically, he's defending a smiley face EQ. What do we think about this, in the Live Sound section of TB?

 

[HeebHammer70]

Dave Mustaine boosts the midrange in his amp so that frequency range is probably completely taken up. I can't find the video but Ellefson said he likes to leave his Hartke flat and just push the extra top end button.

 

[JimmyM]

I say whatever Dave Ellefson, or anyone else, wants for their band, I'm perfectly fine with it. In my main band, some more mid content works better, but I end up having a tiny bit of a midscoop anyway just because I don't like cardboard sounding mids. You have to do what you feel is right for your own particular situation, and if midscoop works, then it works.

 

[match]

I heard "warm bottom".

 

[Epitaph04]

It all depends on the situation. Sometimes when I use a pick I like to leave both pups at full blast, and just boost a little bit of mid range for some definition. Essentially, a scooped tone but with a little bit of bite...it sounds great though and sits nicely in the mix.