June 21, 2024
David Bowie's self-titled debut album, an essential piece of music history, is set to captivate old and new fans alike with its upcoming groundbreaking reissue. This fresh take on Bowie’s early...
Read moreJune 21, 2024
Normani is ready to take the music world by storm with her highly-anticipated debut solo album, Dopamine. The singer, who first rose to fame as a member of Fifth Harmony, revealed the album's track...
Read moreJune 20, 2024
"Hardstone Psycho" has four distinct parts, each offering a unique musical journey. The album opens with the featureless cuts "Kryptonite" and "Tore Up," setting a powerful tone before Kodak Black...
Read moreJune 20, 2024
Country music star Sam Hunt has unleashed a new chapter in his musical journey with the release of his latest EP, "Locked Up," accompanied by an announcement of a nationwide tour set to kick off on...
Read moreJune 20, 2024
The Vamps, a British pop-rock band that has captivated audiences with their infectious energy and catchy melodies, have become a staple in the modern music landscape. Comprising Brad Simpson...
Read moreJune 20, 2024
David Guetta, born Pierre David Guetta on November 7, 1967, in Paris, France, is a name that resonates deeply within the world of electronic dance music (EDM). Over the past two decades, he has...
Read moreJune 20, 2024
The world of music has always been shrouded in a certain level of mystery and allure, but the recent spat between Meek Mill and Drake has brought a longstanding issue back into the spotlight...
Read moreJune 20, 2024
Simon Cowell has expressed hesitation about a potential One Direction reunion, revealing his regret over not taking "ownership" of the boy band’s name. In a candid interview with The Diary of a CEO...
Read moreJune 20, 2024
Jon Bon Jovi wasn’t sure if his band would ever record another album. The Jersey rock icon, whose raspy vocals lifted his eponymous Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band to global superstardom in the...
Read moreJune 20, 2024
Omar Apollo has just released his latest single, 'Less Of You,' offering fans a glimpse into his evolving musical landscape. This track is the third single from his highly anticipated second album...
Read moreJune 20, 2024
Rihanna's journey towards her ninth studio album, affectionately dubbed ‘R9’, has been a long and winding road. At the launch party for her new Fenty Hair line, she opened up about the delay...
Read moreJune 20, 2024
Eminem has stirred controversy with his latest single "Houdini," which includes a line that many believe makes light of the 2020 incident where Megan Thee Stallion was shot. In the song, Eminem...
Read moreWhen 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.
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.
Here are some steps to compress your low end effectively:
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.
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.