So what does "punch" mean, anyway?

[darwin-bass]

We have so many terms to describe bass sound but I suspect that few of us really have clear definitions of them. We think we're clearly communicating but I suspect often we not even speaking the same language.

I'd love to have some definitions in terms of volume & frequency. No fair using the term to define the term ("Smooth, you know - when it sounds smooth like a gentle breeze").

• Growly
• In-Your-Face
• Hi-Fi
• Vintage
• Full
• Smooth
• Bite
• Bark
• Burp
• Fart (sorry, but I'm not making these up)
• Thud
• Thump

And the one that leaves me the most confused:

• Punch

 

[P A U L]

you've never heard speaker fart?

 

[JKos]

you've never heard speaker fart?

It can be amp fart, too.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

Punch to me means hi-mid presence

 

[bass12]

When I think of “punch” I think of relatively fast attack, mid presence, strong fundamental and a bit of compression.

 

[mongo2]

When I think of “punch” I think of relatively fast attack, mid presence, strong fundamental and a bit of compression.

Yep.

 

[Michedelic]

It can be amp fart, too.

As well as minds.

 

[Drifter8230]

From the wiki:

Strong lows/mids that produce a pronounced Dull initial Attack - muted/padded kick drum-like in character (Reflective artist: Berry Oakley)

 

[consectaneus]

These are a couple of the punchiest bass tracks I can think of. There are tons. Mid range yes, and middle upper register. Some basses have that woody resonance or sweet spots on the neck. Also in these cases the articulation and attack enhance the sound cutting through.

 

[two fingers]

Tight, focused lows and plenty of mids.

You can have punch with or without highs... but I prefer with (some).

 

[StereoPlayer]

Punch to me means...

It cuts and punches right thru the mix. Every note heard.

 

[G-Dog]

We have so many terms to describe bass sound but I suspect that few of us really have clear definitions of them. We think we're clearly communicating but I suspect often we not even speaking the same language.

I'd love to have some definitions in terms of volume & frequency. No fair using the term to define the term ("Smooth, you know - when it sounds smooth like a gentle breeze").

• Growly
• In-Your-Face
• Hi-Fi
• Vintage
• Full
• Smooth
• Bite
• Bark
• Burp
• Fart (sorry, but I'm not making these up)
• Thud
• Thump

And the one that leaves me the most confused:

• Punch

From the wiki:

Strong lows/mids that produce a pronounced Dull initial Attack - muted/padded kick drum-like in character (Reflective artist: Berry Oakley)

See the TalkBass Tone Glossary Wiki page.
.

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

As well as minds.

When I fart, I blame the drummer.

 

[Drifter8230]

See the TalkBass Tone Glossary Wiki page.
.

Thank you for that! I couldn't figure it out on my phone

 

[micguy]

So, punch is when the sound has plenty of lows, mids, and highs. Enough punch, and you’re clearly heard in the mix.

I use another word for that:

loud

 

[DJ Bebop]

Tight, focused lows and plenty of kids.

 

[Doug Parent]

From the wiki:

Strong lows/mids that produce a pronounced Dull initial Attack - muted/padded kick drum-like in character (Reflective artist: Berry Oakley)

80-120 hz

 

[two fingers]

View attachment 4036611
View attachment 4036612

Ha! I just barely squeezed in an edit before the new short time ridiculousness got me.

 

[darwin-bass]

Ya see there we are. To me punch is emphasizing the heart of the sound from say 160hz to about 400hz. Others are saying upper midrange.

 

[marchone]

My benchmark is an acoustic double bass in a symphonic setting. The ‘51 Precision with one single coil pickup running at 60hz was the first step away with an amplified and decidedly electrified sound. Split coils changed the sound more in an attempt to resolve feedback. Active electronics brought the “modern” sound. Punch, bite and growl is now part of a modern player’s lexicon when once a Jazz Bass with roundwound strings and 100w Marshall stacks only hinted at what is available today with active instruments and solid state mega watt amps.