Bass & Low End

The hardest part of a mix to get right.

Writing, playing and mixing the bottom of the track, where most amateur records fall apart.

Writing bass

What the part should do.

1. The bass has two jobs: harmony and rhythm
2. Locking the bass to the kick
3. Movement, passing notes and walking lines
4. Sub bass and bass: why you need both

Sound and control

Making it translate.

1. Choosing a bass sound for the style
2. Keep the bass in the middle
3. Compression on bass
4. Saturation so the bass is heard on small speakers
5. Sidechain ducking under the kick
6. Write and mix a bass part
7. Low end final