How to measure bass?

[DLuz]

Hey guys.. I usually have a problem with my bass and kicks being just a bit too loud because it didn't sound that way on my monitors. What software do you guys use or suggest to get the right level on your bass? I've used Waves Analyzer but it doesn't seem to help too much... Is there anything out there specifically for bass?

Thanks...

[sparqee]

If the bass sounds good on your monitors but then is too loud on other playback systems that means that your monitors are light on the bass. Your best solution is to update your monitoring system to achieve a flatter response. Perhaps a sub woofer? Some people use EQ on their room but many people will tell you there are problems with that. I have no personal experience with that.

I've tried using spectrum analyzers to try and visually tweak the low end but it never worked for me. The low end is just tricky. You hear many people say that. Good speakers and good ears is the usual solution. Never the less you can learn certain things by using a spectrum analyzer. There are some out there that will allow you to overlay the graph of two separate signals so you can compare the frequency graph of your mix to the graph of your favorite commercial mix. It can be educational.

p.s. there is also the Waves RenBass plugin which adds low harmonics to your sound. This has the effect of fooling the ear into thinking there are low fundamentals that are not actually there.

[TheTool]

Well said sparque, 100% correct.

[DLuz]

well I have great monitors (Yamaha HS80M) and a subwoofer but still... anyway thanks for the response!!! If there are any other suggestions out there let me know

[TheTool]

Is it a studio sub?

ith a sub you shouldnt really have problems. You could turn your sub up to compensate, or even better get your room treated and your monitoring setup calibrated.

[DLuz]

Originally Posted by TheTool

Is it a studio sub?

ith a sub you shouldnt really have problems. You could turn your sub up to compensate, or even better get your room treated and your monitoring setup calibrated.

well.... it's not a studio sub unfortunately; it's a movie sub cuz I can't afford a studio sub @ the moment hehehe.... So... I'm assuming your next response will be that the only way of knowing a good level on the bass is with a studio sub...

[TheTool]

Not exactly, but it does make it easier.

Just try to calibrate it by ear with a sine sweep, and if you have the money get some bass traps. Also mix to a reference, and ty to match yur levels with the reference trak.

[sparqee]

If you're interested in software then you might try checking out: Room EQ Wizard Home Page. They offer free software that helps you understand the frequency response of your room. Or try out one of the many "matching EQ" plugins that will analyze two sound files and then show you an EQ curve that will being the one file closer to the other (frequency spectrum wise). These plugins don't usually live up to the marketing but they can point out really glaring difference between your mix and a commercial one.

The reviews on the HS80M seem positive about the frequency response. I assume you do not have the their low cut filter engaged. I do see that they are designed to work with Yamaha's HS10W sub woofer. I wonder if for some reason they do not play well with your sub.

Another thing to consider is that if you mix from a relatively static position in your room (i.e. you always sit in the exact same spot) there may just be a null point centered right where your head is, thus certain frequencies are canceling out, so you hear a lack of bass as you mix. To compensate you bring up the bass. If you move around the room and listen critically you can usually identify places here bass is peaky and others where it's low. Just some ideas.

[chrisharris]

If your mixes are consistently ending up with too much low end, I recommend 2 very cheap things.

1. Move your head back 2 full feet when mixing; and
2. Turn the mix up a lot louder than you would normally listen.

[DLuz]

Thanks a lot for the suggestions guys!!!