nashman
Well-known member
I'm wondering how EQ works between the bass and head. Do you use the EQ on the bass, or the head, or both at the same time? I'm not sure how this works, what the options are or what is recommended. Thanks Guys ...
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Newbie EQ Question
- Thread starter nashman
- Start date
adouglas
Well-known member
The glib answer is yes, yes, and yes, and do what sounds best to you.
There is no "right" answer.
But there are some rules of thumb....
- Start with everything flat (in the middle/at 12 o'clock), and go from there.
- Avoid cranking anything to extremes (except maybe volume on your instrument). A little goes a long way. Be subtle.
- What sounds really good soloed usually sounds pretty bad once the rest of the band starts playing. And vice versa.
- If you want to cut through the mix, pay attention to midrange. More mids = more presence, generally, but again don't crank anything to extremes unless it really does sound better that way.
- Too much bottom end = mud.
Anybody got any more?
There is no "right" answer.
But there are some rules of thumb....
- Start with everything flat (in the middle/at 12 o'clock), and go from there.
- Avoid cranking anything to extremes (except maybe volume on your instrument). A little goes a long way. Be subtle.
- What sounds really good soloed usually sounds pretty bad once the rest of the band starts playing. And vice versa.
- If you want to cut through the mix, pay attention to midrange. More mids = more presence, generally, but again don't crank anything to extremes unless it really does sound better that way.
- Too much bottom end = mud.
Anybody got any more?
Last edited:
SteveB
Well-known member
There's probably a lot of personal preference to the subject. However, I would start with both the amp and bass EQ's flat (neither cutting nor boosting) and then proceed by adjusting the EQ controls on the bass.
If you find the tone you want that way, you're done. If not, get as close as possible using the bass's controls, and then use the amp's controls to finish the job.
This is just one of many ways to approach the subject. Hopefully others will chime in with equally valid or even better methods.
If you find the tone you want that way, you're done. If not, get as close as possible using the bass's controls, and then use the amp's controls to finish the job.
This is just one of many ways to approach the subject. Hopefully others will chime in with equally valid or even better methods.
nashman
Well-known member
Excellent ... thanks! I didn't even know if both could be used at the same time or not. Obviously, the answer is "yes" ... which opens up a million combinations/permutations ... I imagine it could get overwhelming in terms of different EQ settings for different types of music, venues, environmentals, other instruments/gear you are gigging with etc.. Really appreciate the "rules of thumb" setting consideration input.
adouglas
Well-known member
I got one more....
I've found that sometimes you can think of the volume control on your amp sort of as another tone control.
Here's what I mean by that:
Sometimes you have a hard time hearing yourself in the mix, but you think you're loud enough, so you try fiddling with your EQ to solve the problem.
Instead, if you turn yourself up a little bit (not enough to start a volume war), you just might solve the problem. Again, pay attention to that midrange....that'll get you a long way.
I've found that sometimes you can think of the volume control on your amp sort of as another tone control.
Here's what I mean by that:
Sometimes you have a hard time hearing yourself in the mix, but you think you're loud enough, so you try fiddling with your EQ to solve the problem.
Instead, if you turn yourself up a little bit (not enough to start a volume war), you just might solve the problem. Again, pay attention to that midrange....that'll get you a long way.
nashman
Well-known member
Alright! More volume to fix the problem ... I like it. If it's too loud, you are too young!
adouglas
Well-known member
nashman said:
Ohhhh, don't get me going. If it's too loud, you're not too old. It's just TOO LOUD.
I'm 47 and have tinnitus. You do not want to spend your ENTIRE life listening to an 8 kilohertz whine.
beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Motojunkie
Well-known member
My approach is to EQ everything flat. Then I'll adjust the amp to compensate for the qualities (or lack thereof) of the room and adjust the bass for whatever song to song variations that I need. I find that the EQs of the gear that I use are very powerful, and that just a little does the trick - you can really screw up you're tone by being "heavy-handed" with the EQ.
I've seen guys with the bass cut on the amp, and boosted on the bass.....seems to be a bit counterproductive to me.
I've seen guys with the bass cut on the amp, and boosted on the bass.....seems to be a bit counterproductive to me.
nashman
Well-known member
adouglas said:
You are right ... not to the point of damage "I hear you".
