Hitting The Key Points When Mixing EDM (Part 2)
After breaking down the drum section in the first part of our editorial we thought the next big thing in mixing EDM would be the Bass line. As you probably know by now the Bass is what adds the most power in a song so messing this section up is equal to disaster when you’re making beats
Let’s see if we can escape the common mistakes done when making the beat and if we can actually add a big boost to a track instead of ruining the balance. Peep our tutorial right here below.
The key point you should aim for making beats is to blend the Bass with the drum section so assuming you got the second part straight we’re going to debate your regular Bass sound and how to obtain the best parameters coming from this section when making the beat. Even if a drum section might sound amazing as a solo act or a Bass sound might emulate the same thing you should always try and level both assets to sound perfect when being played together. Don’t put the spotlight on one single section, mix everything out so you get your track coming as full force.
Two things will affect most on how hard or soft your drums – Bass section will hit: the sound and the Sequence so in addition to the Bass sound of your choice, the Sequence will also make a big difference to the final cut during your making beats process. The arpeggio style, the staccato, the long or short notes and the spaces left between each note matter when crafting and adding a Bass line so there will be times when you need to change the whole composition just to fit the drums and this sequence even if the Bass sound sounds just fine when played by itself. Pretty confusing right? Don’t worry because we’re going to front you with some clear directions if you’re making the beat.
Start by layering two Bass sounds together but then make the first one with lots of low ends and more as a Sub-bass sound wave while crafting the second sound as more sharp saw or square wave. Use both sounds on the same sequence and also, transport the sharper one an octave higher. This is the part when you need to tweak around with EQ. Cut the low frequencies out of that second Bass line but avoid messing the low end. Don’t forget to increase the volume just a bit up to 1 or 3 dB’s.
Center the Pan to the Bass sound while making beats and definitely consider sidechain compression when mixing the kicks and the Bass line. It’s definitely a life saver while making the beat and it’s also the trademark of modern Electronic music so don’t miss out on that. Get to work, good luck!