Final pro tips for sub bass
Whether you have your sub bass follow along with your bass line, use it only to accentuate certain notes, or let it steal the show by occupying the entire low end, here are some of my top pro tips for using sub bass in your productions.
Layer your sub bass
Sometimes, one sub bass isn’t enough to achieve the desired impact. Layering different sub bass sounds can add depth and complexity. For example, layering a clean sine wave with a subtly distorted triangle wave can combine the best of both worlds: solid low-end power with a hint of harmonic interest. When layering, pay close attention to phase alignment and check your EQs to make sure the layers complement rather than conflict with each other.
Use sidechain compression
Sidechain compression is a powerful technique to ensure your sub bass and kick drum coexist harmoniously in the mix, each with its own clear space. By applying sidechain compression to your sub bass, triggered by the kick drum, the sub bass volume temporarily ducks each time the kick hits. This creates a rhythmic pulse that not only prevents frequency clashes but also adds a dynamic movement to your track, enhancing the groove.
Monitor your volume levels
Volume leveling is a crucial step in integrating your sub bass seamlessly into the mix, ensuring it provides a solid foundation without overshadowing the other musical elements. By carefully adjusting the volume of your sub bass, you can maintain a balance that complements the overall track, allowing it to support the mix rather than dominate it.
Use automation
For parts of your track that might have varying energy levels or where the sub bass needs to be more prominent or subdued, volume automation becomes an invaluable tool. This technique allows for precise control over the sub bass volume throughout different sections of your song, adapting in real-time to the dynamic needs of the track to keep the energy consistent and engaging.
Play with spatial placement
While sub bass frequencies inherently possess an omnidirectional quality, making them feel like they’re coming from everywhere, a strategic approach to spatial placement can elevate your track. By applying slight stereo widening to the upper harmonics of your sub bass, you introduce an element of spatial intrigue without compromising the core low-end focus. However, it’s important to tread lightly with stereo effects on low frequencies – overdoing it can lead to phase issues that muddy your mix or weaken the impact of your sub bass when played on mono systems, such as club PA setups.
Reference and test
Ensuring your sub bass performs consistently across a variety of listening environments is crucial for its effectiveness in your mix. Reference and test your track on different systems – these can range from high-quality studio monitors to basic headphones and even built-in smartphone speakers. This will show you how your sub bass translates in real-world scenarios, highlighting any issues with balance, clarity, or presence that might not be apparent in the studio. By making adjustments based on these tests, you can achieve a sub bass that maintains its impact, whether it’s felt on a club sound system or heard through earbuds during a morning commute.