Help needed with sound

[paddy109]

Hi all - now I really dont confess to be anything but a novice when it comes to sound and setting up and really need some help. My issue is bottom end sound is a bit undefined and not punchy enough. D and G sound good but overall I would like more thump and definition.

I am playing Strunal 50/4 with Innovation golden slaps - k&k bassmax - fishman pro plat - ashdown giant effects return - gk 212mbe.

The band plays a mix of country, bluegrass style.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[thumperbob 2002]

All down to EQ pal- your gear is certainly good enough to get you a good sound. Lose the low frequencies and boost the low mids and go from there- keep all other frequencies flat until you have the sound you like. I know people that simply remove all bass and then add until they get the bottom they like. You would be surprised how little bass you need when playing at volume- it is these bass frequencies that will muddy up your tone and make you less defined.

[Lozz196]

As above, for me, I like a scooped sound, but with any sound related issues, set everything flat/at midday, and take it from there. Reduce what you don`t want first, then find out what you like and add to it slowly.

[harleyheath]

sound advice! no pun intended, lol

[paddy109]

Thanks for the advice will give it a go before gigging at w'end.
When setting the platinum pro flat/midday is this the sliders at the bottom or half way?

[Lozz196]

Half way will be flat.

[paddy109]

OK - messed about with my sound this morning (poor neighbours).
Definitely sounds better but difficult to know how good this will sound at a gig but I have a good place to start.
Thanks for the advice - I think I assumed that ramping the bass up would help!
Paddy.

[Lozz196]

I usually find that the scratchier/middier it sounds on its own, the better it will be in the mix. Whereas when I`ve got a great bassy sound on it`s own, it just sludges in the mix, being all wallowy.

[Jack]

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1354719443' post='1889545']
I usually find that the scratchier/middier it sounds on its own, the better it will be in the mix. Whereas when I`ve got a great bassy sound on it`s own, it just sludges in the mix, being all wallowy.
[/quote]

Could we get this on a t-shirt or something?

[ThomBassmonkey]

Keep playing with the EQ, try putting everything on 5 then moving one dial at a time too see what they do.

If you still can't find something you like, you could try a compressor, they can help with definition and punch.

Most important thing is that you will find you sound different in a mix to solo. Don't EQ yourself on your own then get disheartened if you don't sound as good in a mix. Get your band to jam and play with the EQ then.

[Spike Vincent]

[quote name='paddy109' timestamp='1354718610' post='1889523']
OK - messed about with my sound this morning (poor neighbours).
Definitely sounds better but difficult to know how good this will sound at a gig but I have a good place to start.
Thanks for the advice - I think I assumed that ramping the bass up would help!
Paddy.
[/quote]

Also bear in mind that you're stood close to the amp,those low frequencies are big long soundwaves and it will likely sound very different to an audience.

[51m0n]

Never fix eq or timbral issues solo when you are trying to sort out the sound in the mix.

Ever...

[vsmith1]

Also remember the Fletcher-Munson curves - ie what we hear at lower volume levels is not the same as at higher levels. So sat in a bedroom with the amp down low won't same the same (nevermind room acoustics) as in a gig situation (nevermind the rest of the band playing as well).

[paddy109]

Fletcher-Munson? Now that makes sense then - at home and I have my amp fairly loud my sound can sound pretty good. As soon as I ramp the volume and play with the band my sound goes all to sh*t!

Thanks for all the top advice - will sort it in practice tonight and gig tomorrow.

[51m0n]

[quote name='Spike Vincent' timestamp='1354789125' post='1890307']
Also bear in mind that you're stood close to the amp,those low frequencies are big long soundwaves and it will likely sound very different to an audience.
[/quote]

Nothing to do with wavelength per se, everything to do with the room acoustics....

[51m0n]

This may be of some help:-

http://blog.basschat.co.uk/equalisation/

[paddy109]

Thanks guys- just got back from a gig in Bristol and my DB sounded so much better and I was even able to keep my volume down and cut through the mix with a good thump.
My band all commented how good my sound was and even asked me to turn down a little - that's a first.
Respect.

[Lozz196]

That`s the power of increased mids, methinks.

[Prime_BASS]

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1354978540' post='1892555']
That`s the power of increased mids, methinks.
[/quote]

true. Regardless of what I do with the amp at home (usually flat, with cut bass) I nearly always find myself adding mids at gigs.
I always have the mids on the bass a little past the centre detent too anyway.