Balance between strings.

[rohan]

I have been a player for almost 5 years now, and have only started having this problem recently, it seems easily solved, and I wondered if i could have some help.

On my current head, i play with the bass on half, no mid, the high on full.

This gives me the sound i want on the bottom E, but the other three strings seem to be a lot quieter in the mix.

Is compression the way of solving this, or could it just be my pickups or my current head?

Was just wondering if playing with no mid range on the eq, affects this balance?

Sorry guys I'm still a bit clueless with this sort of thing!!

[bass_ferret]

Hard to say without knowing what the full kit list is. Try changing the tone controls!

[alexclaber]

[quote name='rohan' post='29919' date='Jul 10 2007, 06:58 PM']Was just wondering if playing with no mid range on the eq, affects this balance?[/quote]

Got it in one! I'm amazed you can hear yourself in the mix with that EQ. Bring back those mids, mellow out the treble and reduce the bass boost and your string to string balance will be restored. EQ is best used like seasoning - lightly, and with regular tasting to avoid overuse.

Alex

[Toasted]

This is one of the real benefits of my Dingwall. The string balance is the best I've ever experienced.

[alexclaber]

Why is this thread here and not in basses?

Alex

[dave_bass5]

[quote name='rohan' post='29919' date='Jul 10 2007, 06:58 PM']I have been a player for almost 5 years now, and have only started having this problem recently, it seems easily solved, and I wondered if i could have some help.

On my current head, i play with the bass on half, no mid, the high on full.

This gives me the sound i want on the bottom E, but the other three strings seem to be a lot quieter in the mix.

Is compression the way of solving this, or could it just be my pickups or my current head?

Was just wondering if playing with no mid range on the eq, affects this balance?

Sorry guys I'm still a bit clueless with this sort of thing!![/quote]

How does this sound out front?
If you are balancing your sound and standing in front of the amp then maybe you need to hear what it sounds like to the audience.
You really need the mids to carry the sound out. They might sound harsh or too loud in front of the amp but out from the mids tend to mellow and will sound different.
IMHO of course.

[Basszilla]

You need at least some of those mids. If you prefer a scooped sound then back off the lows and highs by around 50/60% and introduce some mids into that setting, there should be less noise as well. Use your bass to make small EQ adjustments as you go along.

[rohan]

Hmm, I will try this at practice tonight.

[rohan]

Cheers for the advice everyone.

[nick]

[quote name='alexclaber' post='29957' date='Jul 10 2007, 08:10 PM']Got it in one! I'm amazed you can hear yourself in the mix with that EQ. Bring back those mids, mellow out the treble and reduce the bass boost and your string to string balance will be restored. EQ is best used like seasoning - lightly, and with regular tasting to avoid overuse.

Alex[/quote]

I had the same problem for a while with my P-Bass, after having changed EQ settings to something I thought I liked i.e. loads of bass/treble, cut middle. Despite having been playing for quite a few years, took me ages to work out why; changed pickups, tried compressor/limiters... It drove me bonkers!

All the above comments are bang on. I got an even sound in the end by compromising a bit - in backing off on middle scoop, not so much bass & treble, & with slight adjustment pickup heights to suit.

As mentioned, it's also worth standing back a bit from your amp, to hear what your tone is really like, particularly when everyone else is playing. You will be surprised.
I've got quite the 'clanky' sound I like now (when required) without such extreme settings.

Good luck in acheiving your tone!

[rohan]

Yeah its sorted now guys! started playing with my fingers now instead of a pick, which evens out the sound a lot also.

[dave_bass5]

[quote name='rohan' post='31022' date='Jul 13 2007, 12:16 AM']Yeah its sorted now guys! started playing with my fingers now instead of a pick, which evens out the sound a lot also.[/quote]

Thats what im trying to do.

[bass_ferret]

There is no reason playing with a pick should sound unbalanced apart from bad technique. Practice more.

[dave_bass5]

[quote name='bass_ferret' post='31449' date='Jul 13 2007, 05:54 PM']There is no reason playing with a pick should sound unbalanced apart from bad technique. Practice more.[/quote]

My balance is ok, just not my sound ;-)
The 1.9mm Claytons turned up yesterday and seem quite difficult to hold. ill try them out tomorrow night but i might also go the other way and get lighter as well.