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Help needed with sound


paddy109
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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.

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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.

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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.

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[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?

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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.

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[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.

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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).

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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.

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[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....

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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.

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[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.

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