(no more than 2-3 dB or it may start sounding
like a keyboard or loop instead of a bass).
• If possible, on delay and reverb, remove hip-hop, or electronic music genres, cut
high and low frequencies from the wet signal bass and boost kick at 100 Hz, and boost
using high and low pass filters so that the bass at cut kick at 500 Hz. These genres
• When compressing bass, use a mid-to- effects only impact mid frequencies. This tend to have the kick handle the lower
slow attack time and a fast release time. keeps the lows clean and deemphasizes frequencies and the bass be more melodic.
Fast attack times may make the bass sound squeaks, sibilance, and pick/fret noises. Do the opposite for rock, punk, metal, or
more like a keyboard or a loop (unless you
hardcore genres, as they tend to have the
want that). Slow release times may overlap • To add a bit of thickness to the bass guitar,
the start of the next note. If necessary, use consider using a small amount of saturation
makeup gain to maintain the level. (analog distortion) or a chorus to fill in
• Eliminate noisy instrument hum by using
a gate with a threshold of -48dB to -52dB
bass drive the low end and emphasize the
kick’s in-your-face brighter attack.
harmonic frequencies; a high pass filter on NOTE: Addressing the bass and kick drum (and
the effect set around 100 Hz will keep the toms to a lesser extent) is a large enough topic
low-end clear. in itself, so stay tuned!
or as low as you can get and still catch the
instrument hum without cutting into sustained • When running a stereo mix, keeping the bass
notes. (Better yet, block electromagnetic guitar’s low frequencies centered as in a
fields causing the hum by shielding the inside mono mix will help the bass retain its punch,
of the bass using grounded copper or metal provide the best low-end projection while
foil.) minimizing phasing issues, and leave more
sonic real estate needed by the instruments
• High pass filter on other instruments (except
that provide stereo sonic information.
kick!) can help the bass guitar stand out
without boosting volume in the mix.
• To make bass stand out from kick in pop,
May 2020
Timothy J Miller
Timothy has served as a worship pastor and
technician for over 30 years in small, medium, large,
and multi-site churches. In addition to being the WSC
campus technology director at Bayside Community
Church (an 8-campus, 12k+ congregation along
Florida’s Gulf Coast), he writes for church leadership
and worship-related publications. His recent book,
Born For Worship: The Best You Can Be In Worship
Arts Ministry, uses mini-chapters to help teams and
individuals explore the biblical foundations that
result in growth and effective service.
htworship.com
[email protected]
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