stayc main image

A.R. Rahman: The Maestro of Modern Indian Music

June 19, 2024

Allah Rakha Rahman, known globally as A.R. Rahman, is synonymous with musical genius and innovation. Born on January 6, 1967, in Chennai, India, Rahman's journey from a child prodigy to an...

Read more
stayc main image

Eventbrite Study Reveals Shift in Ticket-Buying Trends Among Music Fans

June 19, 2024

A recent study by Eventbrite has uncovered a notable shift in the behaviour of music fans, who are now purchasing concert tickets later than ever before. This trend was a key topic of discussion at...

Read more
stayc main image

Why are female artists underplayed on Canadian radio?

June 19, 2024

A new University of Ottawa study has revealed a stark disparity in the airplay of music by women, particularly racialized and trans artists, on commercial Canadian radio over the past decade...

Read more
stayc main image

Thousands of Swifties made 'unbelievable impact' on Edinburgh

June 19, 2024

Taylor Swift’s billion-dollar Eras Tour recently graced Edinburgh, bringing a flood of enthusiastic Swifties to the city and creating an exceptional boom for local businesses. Tens of thousands of...

Read more
stayc main image

Amazon Music Livestream: Showcasing Kendrick Lamar in "The Pop Out — Ken & Friends"

June 19, 2024

Amazon Music is set to enhance its live streaming offerings with an exciting event: "The Pop Out — Ken & Friends," featuring the acclaimed rapper Kendrick Lamar. Scheduled for Juneteenth in...

Read more
stayc main image

The Black Keys' Management Shift: A New Chapter and Its Impact on the Live Music Sector

June 18, 2024

The Black Keys, the renowned rock duo, have recently made headlines with their decision to part ways with their long-time managers, Irving Azoff and Steve Moir. This significant change comes in the...

Read more
stayc main image

Jhené Aiko: The Soulful Songstress of Contemporary R&B

June 18, 2024

Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo, known professionally as Jhené Aiko, has become a defining voice in contemporary R&B with her ethereal vocals, deeply personal lyrics, and genre-blending sound. Born on...

Read more
stayc main image

Billie Eilish says she cried after performing ‘The Greatest’ for the first time

June 18, 2024

Billie Eilish has opened up about the emotional experience of performing her new song “The Greatest” for the first time. Her latest album, Hit Me Hard And Soft, was released on May 17, and Eilish...

Read more
stayc main image

Billie Eilish responds to Lana Del Rey calling her the “voice of our generation”

June 18, 2024

Billie Eilish has responded to Lana Del Rey’s recent declaration that she is the “voice of our generation.” Eilish made a special surprise appearance during Del Rey’s headlining set at Coachella’s...

Read more
stayc main image

Lana Del Rey has spoken out on her “fight” with “stalkers” in Paris: “Don’t follow me

June 18, 2024

Lana Del Rey has spoken out following her “fight” with “stalkers” in Paris. The singer was recently spotted having a heated exchange in the French capital, where she claimed someone was “following”...

Read more
stayc main image

Howard University Revokes Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Honorary Degree Following Release of Cassie Assault Video

June 18, 2024

Howard University announced on Friday that it would revoke Sean “Diddy” Combs’ honorary degree, originally conferred in 2014, in light of recent revelations concerning the disgraced rapper and...

Read more
stayc main image

Billie Eilish Joins the Race for the Song of the Summer with "Birds of a Feather"

June 18, 2024

As summer draws near, the race for the season's signature song heats up. Just when it seemed like Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” was poised to dominate, Billie Eilish has thrown her hat into the...

Read more

Mastering the Low End: Compression Tips for a Tight Mix

stayc main image

When it comes to music production, getting the low end right can be tricky. Many producers face a common issue: after the initial mix sounds perfect, a few days later, the low end starts to feel too loud or muddy. It can be frustrating when you've nailed the mids and highs but can't seem to get the bass frequencies to sit just right. If you're wondering how to properly compress the low end for a tighter mix, you're not alone.

In this article, we'll dive into how to compress the low end effectively and explore an example of a famous producer who overcame similar challenges.

Understanding the Low End

Before jumping into compression, it's important to understand why the low end can be so tricky. Low-frequency sounds, like bass guitars, kick drums, and synths, tend to have more energy, which can make them difficult to control in a mix. The human ear is also less sensitive to low frequencies, which can cause producers to initially perceive the low end as balanced, only to find it overwhelming after repeated listens.

The key to controlling the low end lies in compression. Compression helps smooth out the dynamic range, ensuring that the bass elements don't overpower the rest of the track while still retaining their punch.

How to Compress the Low End

Here are some steps to compress your low end effectively:

  1. Use a Multiband Compressor: A multiband compressor allows you to target only the low frequencies without affecting the rest of the track. This helps control the low end while leaving the mids and highs untouched.
  2. Set the Right Threshold: Start by adjusting the threshold so that the compressor only kicks in when the low end becomes too loud. You want the compression to be subtle, so avoid over-compressing, as this can rob your track of its energy.
  3. Adjust the Ratio: A compression ratio of 3:1 or 4:1 is a good starting point for low-end compression. This will help tame the low frequencies without squashing them completely.
  4. Attack and Release: Set the attack time fast enough to catch any transient peaks in the bass but not so fast that it kills the punch of your low end. Release should be slow enough to avoid pumping but fast enough to recover between notes.
  5. Sidechain Compression: Another technique is sidechain compression, where the bass is compressed when other elements, like the kick, are playing. This helps the kick cut through the mix without clashing with the bass.

Example: Skrillex and the Low End

Electronic music producer Skrillex faced similar low-end issues early in his career. His mixes would sound great in the studio but would translate poorly on other systems, with the low end either being too dominant or not cutting through. After trial and error, he mastered the art of compressing the low end, often using a combination of multiband compression and sidechaining to keep the bass powerful yet controlled.

In his track "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites," for instance, Skrillex uses multiband compression to ensure the sub-bass sits tightly in the mix without overshadowing the mids and highs. He also uses sidechain compression to create that signature "pumping" effect, giving the track its rhythmic drive while keeping the low end in check.

Final Tips

  • Check Your Mix on Different Systems: The low end can sound very different depending on the playback system (studio monitors, headphones, car speakers). Always test your mix on multiple devices to ensure the bass translates well across platforms.
  • Use Reference Tracks: Compare your mix to professionally mastered songs with a similar sound. This can help you gauge if your low end is sitting right in the mix.
  • Don’t Rely Solely on Compression: Sometimes, EQ adjustments can also help tame the low end without needing heavy compression. Cutting unnecessary sub-bass frequencies can often clean up your mix.

Conclusion

Mastering the low end is a challenge for many producers, but with the right compression techniques and some trial and error, you can achieve a well-balanced, professional-sounding mix. If producers like Skrillex can overcome this hurdle, so can you! Remember, it's all about finding the sweet spot where the bass is controlled yet impactful, allowing all the elements in your track to shine.