Recording engineer gave me some great pieces of advice about using EQ: 1. Use EQ sparingly 2. Use as wide a Q (bandwidth) as you can, or else it will sound unnatural 3. Use frequency cuts as often as you use frequency boost 4. If you need to use EQ to fix a problem, do it until your ears tell you the problem is 100% fixed; then scale back your changes a little to avoid overdoing it.
Just wanted to thank you for all these videos. I have been playing for about 3 years and recently discovered you. You are an excellent and very clear teacher. Great playing as well.
I found myself nodding in agreement during the whole video. If I had watched this in my 20's that would have helped me a lot. I had to learn most of those things the hard way. Quality advice right here. Beginners, let it sink in.
Everything you've said is so true. I spent years doing it wrong. I've finally found an amp that sounds awesome flat ( Markbass tube 500 ) and a fender precision Deluxe special. Now I can get rock growl to tight funk with little or no Eq and just blending between pickups. Now I'm never lost in the mix and fellow bass players want to ask me how I get such a great sound
really good vid and great advices. what i would add to all of this is, after you have your sound set without any tone controls, first cut the bad frequencies (there are some in every room) out then boost a bit the good stuff, youll have a better tone and itll cut a bit better
As other have said a great lesson. Excellent demonstrations of how different frequencies affect different aspects of the natural bass sound. I, as it seems others, struggled for years with this and only recently really concentrating on the sound of my bass playing. One suggestion I would make is to record your band during shows and rehearsals and listen to what you sound like. Many times you will be surprised. What you think is a great sound when you are next to your amp is either lost or mud to the house. There have been many times where I felt my sound was thin or hawky only to hear a recording of the show later and discover the sound was actually quite good. Again a great lesson with lots to think about. Thanks!
That was the most informative video, and for once I used my headphones. Im constantly messing around my my setting. But you explain how different frequencies can affect each other. So im in a area im happy with the sound i got. I just play in my living room. So scooping everything over 150. To 2K With the bass boost on. Sounds awesome. And explaining the loss of bass sound futher away in a live setting Anyway very informative. Thank you👍👍👍
The only thing I always disliked about the GEB7 is that it squeezes the sound because of its buffer circuit, other than that, it's a great Boss pedal. I also use a variable graphic equalizer on my amplifier, but you just have convinced me I needed a parametric EQ. Thanks for the complete and instructive demonstration
Absolutely and without any doubt, the best lesson on EQ. I actually have an understanding of EQ now. I do have one question, though. When you began the parametric EQ portion, a thought occurred to me... Would it be redundant to combine both graphic and parametric EQ's to get a more precise tone, or would that be taking it a bit too far? Thank you for posting this lesson.
Gregg Johnson yes you can do that. but don't over do it, it's easy to get carried away. if you're going for a specific tone sculpture there's many factors to consider: technique, Amp, instruments, strings...etc. Your gear is a big factor. You can emulate another signature tone with EQ alone. Like the video said. Try to find a comfortable tone at almost flat EQ then start from there. I encourage crazy EQ's for solo play/for fun but not in a band environment.
I used to only boost bass and cut everything else when I started. Since a mix engineer sat down with me and explained how he would eq my signal I cut bass and boost mids.
Very educational, thx for posting this ! I've often had a boomy sound on the E-string, now I think I understand why: I always set EQ first, then brought the volume up... duh :-)
With the BOSS pedal , I found pumping 4K and 400 hz adds punch and clarity. And rolling off 60 slightly removes the "boom." Other than that, leave it flat.
Great lesson! Could you do one for intermediate/advanced players? And this frequency range that makes the sound more defined among other instruments is really the low-mid? Or is it the high-mid?
I'm kinda confused. The low mids (~200Hz) can help you cut through the mix but the 250-450Hz range introduces muddiness and makes you lose clarity, right?
Adjust your bass amp EQ to attain one sound (your main tone) and use the EQ pedal to alter that sound for different songs and/or boost your signal louder for solo sections or other song portions.
Honestly it's the midrange of every instrument that reveals its true character. If you remove it, you end up with an extremely boring sound. Be very wary of bass amps that use "tone sculpting" to decrease the mids even when the EQ is set flat.
Yes our gitard loves to scoop his tube amp & muddy the stage mix. I have to slide up the neck on bass to play more mids n just stay out of his muddy mix to be heard. Grrrr...
@@Toastrodamus Yeah my ampeg portaflex has "ultra high" and "ultra low" buttons that cut the mids around the 400-800 hz range (where most of your bass tone is supposed to come from) and boosts the bass and treble at 40 hz and 4,000 hz which makes it sound like hollow muddy garbage. The buttons are only usable if you crank the mids up to compensate for the cut frequencies
Hey I've been practicing bass for a few months now and this makes me wonder: what's that small round thing between the G and D string close to the tuning knobs (or whatever it's called) ?
but 55 is a flat a string what about e ,, if we let 5 stringers alone ,, i got marshall 2x 200 transistor from 90 s,,i got super x low at 25 herc to ,, 12 knobs for eq than some i do not remember /pre post headroom ,, and 2 wolumes because 2x 200 and bi amp mode /never used it in life,,so there should be 25 /50 ,,and than fwd eq
The idea is to educate you about how to use the range of your bass, not how to mimic other musicians...it's much more useful to have the skill to create the right sound you envision than it is to say "look, I can sound just like xyz band"
Thanks, man. Nice video. Your accent reminds me of Dr. Hamster's, from Peppa Pig. Please, where are you from and is Dr. Hamster (the voice actress) from there as well? Cheers from a New Englander in Brazil.
Recording engineer gave me some great pieces of advice about using EQ:
1. Use EQ sparingly
2. Use as wide a Q (bandwidth) as you can, or else it will sound unnatural
3. Use frequency cuts as often as you use frequency boost
4. If you need to use EQ to fix a problem, do it until your ears tell you the problem is 100% fixed; then scale back your changes a little to avoid overdoing it.
Just wanted to thank you for all these videos. I have been playing for about 3 years and recently discovered you. You are an excellent and very clear teacher. Great playing as well.
I found myself nodding in agreement during the whole video. If I had watched this in my 20's that would have helped me a lot. I had to learn most of those things the hard way. Quality advice right here. Beginners, let it sink in.
this should be seen by every bass player in the world
I bought a behringer ultrabass, and I had To check This
Excellent overview. The remarks in the last four minutes are gold.
Paul B agreed! good tips
Everything you've said is so true. I spent years doing it wrong. I've finally found an amp that sounds awesome flat ( Markbass tube 500 ) and a fender precision Deluxe special. Now I can get rock growl to tight funk with little or no Eq and just blending between pickups. Now I'm never lost in the mix and fellow bass players want to ask me how I get such a great sound
Most precise, understandable and informative bass eq vid ever.. You get an award from me..
Fab vid!
The only thing I can add is that I've usually had more success making small cuts than boosts, unless for Reggae, etc., and then only slight.
Got thé GEB 7 since 2006. It has been a Vital part on my board. Use it when the gitarist goes into solo mode. Perfect pedal❤️
really good vid and great advices. what i would add to all of this is, after you have your sound set without any tone controls, first cut the bad frequencies (there are some in every room) out then boost a bit the good stuff, youll have a better tone and itll cut a bit better
Thanks Mark this was very informative.
As other have said a great lesson. Excellent demonstrations of how different frequencies affect different aspects of the natural bass sound. I, as it seems others, struggled for years with this and only recently really concentrating on the sound of my bass playing.
One suggestion I would make is to record your band during shows and rehearsals and listen to what you sound like. Many times you will be surprised. What you think is a great sound when you are next to your amp is either lost or mud to the house. There have been many times where I felt my sound was thin or hawky only to hear a recording of the show later and discover the sound was actually quite good.
Again a great lesson with lots to think about. Thanks!
this tutorial is good! i already knew about it but you explained it very well.
Great information! Back in the 60's, the trick was to adjust the bass EQ until the girls in the metal chairs smile!
robert mcnab 😂😂😂
Oh yes I remember back when I had a band the girl in our band always liked to sit on my amplifier
Hey Cool story bro
😂
I needed this today!
Great advice about tone alone vs fitting into a band or mix. It is a special struggle of a bass player.
Is heard of parametric amplifiers for years but never seen or heard one before. Thanks for the explanation.
That was the most informative video, and for once I used my headphones.
Im constantly messing around my my setting. But you explain how different frequencies can affect each other. So im in a area im happy with the sound i got.
I just play in my living room. So scooping everything over 150. To 2K
With the bass boost on. Sounds awesome. And explaining the loss of bass sound futher away in a live setting
Anyway very informative. Thank you👍👍👍
I like your lessons so much, you are the best bass teacher for me! Thank you!
You help me to fix my muddy sound, thank you.
The only thing I always disliked about the GEB7 is that it squeezes the sound because of its buffer circuit, other than that, it's a great Boss pedal. I also use a variable graphic equalizer on my amplifier, but you just have convinced me I needed a parametric EQ. Thanks for the complete and instructive demonstration
Absolutely and without any doubt, the best lesson on EQ. I actually have an understanding of EQ now. I do have one question, though. When you began the parametric EQ portion, a thought occurred to me... Would it be redundant to combine both graphic and parametric EQ's to get a more precise tone, or would that be taking it a bit too far?
Thank you for posting this lesson.
Gregg Johnson yes you can do that. but don't over do it, it's easy to get carried away.
if you're going for a specific tone sculpture there's many factors to consider: technique, Amp, instruments, strings...etc. Your gear is a big factor. You can emulate another signature tone with EQ alone.
Like the video said. Try to find a comfortable tone at almost flat EQ then start from there. I encourage crazy EQ's for solo play/for fun but not in a band environment.
I used to only boost bass and cut everything else when I started. Since a mix engineer sat down with me and explained how he would eq my signal I cut bass and boost mids.
Thank you so much for this. I had these effects on my zoom b1on and had no idea what I was doing.
Your Local Mario Elitist I recently bought that pedal too. it's awesome to practice
Great stuff. Thanks for taking the time to go through this.
Excellent video - so much great information here!
Very educational, thx for posting this ! I've often had a boomy sound on the E-string, now I think I understand why: I always set EQ first, then brought the volume up... duh :-)
With the BOSS pedal , I found pumping 4K and 400 hz adds punch and clarity. And rolling off 60 slightly removes the "boom." Other than that, leave it flat.
thank you for making this
Why has no one ever told me this lol, that last bit was so helpful!
Great lesson! Could you do one for intermediate/advanced players? And this frequency range that makes the sound more defined among other instruments is really the low-mid? Or is it the high-mid?
Matheus Felipe It can change depending on the band size and lineup but it's usually low mid around the 200hz area
+TalkingBass - Online Bass Lessons
Room anomalies can be a factor as can cab configuration.
All hail the great sensei!
low mids can be your friend...this is an absolute truth!
I think if you find the right bass and the right amp, it usually sounds good close to flat EQ.
love your videos, very helpful
this is my favorite guy
right on!!! those were WISE words!!
Very good info.. thanks!!! God bless you bro..
Great video and extremely helpful
Nice video! very usefull thanks a lot :D
Great Lesson, thanks!
turning up bass - cutting mids - turning up treble - worst thing to be done......exactly what ive been doing all these years :(
Does the Boss pedal introduce any noise into the sound? Thanks for any replies.
I'm kinda confused. The low mids (~200Hz) can help you cut through the mix but the 250-450Hz range introduces muddiness and makes you lose clarity, right?
Very clear, thank you.
VERY useful! Thanks!
This is awesome, would be awesome if you could do a lesson on tone knobs on an active bass as I'm still confused with mine
Great vid!
What a lesson! Ty
Thank you much for this video!,
Very good !!!!!!!!!
Beginner here. I have a bass amp laney rb4 with equalizer. Should i set it to flat and adjust only on my bass eq pedal?
Adjust your bass amp EQ to attain one sound (your main tone) and use the EQ pedal to alter that sound for different songs and/or boost your signal louder for solo sections or other song portions.
Great video.
Amazing
do you have a recommend setup for pedals so I can play metal core on my bass guitar?
I came here thinking I wanted an EQ pedal and left realising I have the wrong bass. That was an expensive video
Doesn't matter which bass you own, you always need another one😉.
Same 😂
Hahahahahahaha
Using a pedal eq , you set bass and AMP eq s at twelf o clock? Just to control the Sound with the pedal?
4:18 _“Now we’re getting more into the Honky territory”_
..yeah, that’s what my friend Dáshawn says, everytime he comes to one of my Gigs..
😃🤣😂
Is there a huge difference between a normal EQ pedal and a "bass" EQ pedal? Or is it just marketing?
Different frequencies are articulated in each pedal
I mainly use my eq pedal to make sound basser or bommier.
Could you please tell me which are high, low and middle, and ect
Halo..i have bass equalizer pedal and bass enhancer pedal. How to set them right? Bass guitar -enhancer- eq bass- amply?it it right?
Hi .. sand Amp and EQ bass ..is it differnt or the same ... Thx
Who more better? GEB7 Taiwan or GE 7b Japan?
Think the behringer eq would suck?
Oh the scoop sound. It should be avoided like the plague. Especially guitarist.
SixSentSoldiers this is why I hate D’Addario strings. They just like to scoop the tone out of your instrument.
Lavalval Dragon - Really? I've never noticed. Ummm.
Honestly it's the midrange of every instrument that reveals its true character. If you remove it, you end up with an extremely boring sound. Be very wary of bass amps that use "tone sculpting" to decrease the mids even when the EQ is set flat.
Yes our gitard loves to scoop his tube amp & muddy the stage mix. I have to slide up the neck on bass to play more mids n just stay out of his muddy mix to be heard. Grrrr...
@@Toastrodamus Yeah my ampeg portaflex has "ultra high" and "ultra low" buttons that cut the mids around the 400-800 hz range (where most of your bass tone is supposed to come from) and boosts the bass and treble at 40 hz and 4,000 hz which makes it sound like hollow muddy garbage. The buttons are only usable if you crank the mids up to compensate for the cut frequencies
Suggest me a good jazz bass💞
What looper are you using Mark?
James J. Attard It's a Ditto Looper Gold, it's the one you can see a bit of on the right
René Nissen Got it in one! Ditto Gold
Hey I've been practicing bass for a few months now and this makes me wonder: what's that small round thing between the G and D string close to the tuning knobs (or whatever it's called) ?
A0 I think you're referring to the string tree, it's there to keep tension of the D & G string against the nut...
Ah I see; Is it really useful or nah? I don't have one on my bass and I was supposed to buy one months ago but I didn't know what it does
If the headstock is mostly parallel with the fretboard, it should have one. If the headstock angles back, stringtrees are usually avoided.
How to cuts through the mix
Boost mids
but 55 is a flat a string what about e ,, if we let 5 stringers alone ,, i got marshall 2x 200 transistor from 90 s,,i got super x low at 25 herc to ,, 12 knobs for eq than some i do not remember /pre post headroom ,, and 2 wolumes because 2x 200 and bi amp mode /never used it in life,,so there should be 25 /50 ,,and than fwd eq
Connection from amplifier to guitar
What if I use this in a bass drum mic in live gigs?
Kick mics tend to be ridiculously contoured (mid scooped), if you can't dial in a cutting bass tone with it, the problems probably the mic
interesting, but it would have meant more with EXAMPLES of where this used in familar songs
The idea is to educate you about how to use the range of your bass, not how to mimic other musicians...it's much more useful to have the skill to create the right sound you envision than it is to say "look, I can sound just like xyz band"
Bass eq for boss.. I just got cheap rowin bass eq.. For me the boss eq so expensive.. If someone can buy for me it would be nice
Life as a Bassist is easy. Lower the treble and boost the bass to 11.
Thanks, man. Nice video. Your accent reminds me of Dr. Hamster's, from Peppa Pig. Please, where are you from and is Dr. Hamster (the voice actress) from there as well? Cheers from a New Englander in Brazil.
i dont spend so many money on a box
like this i always fine something others for fine price for same quality
Is that a U-Retro lectronics you have there?
if i met u in a bar i would buy you a pint, ez.
If theres anything I learned is that you should turn everything all the way up xD
Must go to 11, gotcha
I make a V
Basically with a 200€ PJ Squier, pedals, compressor and preamp I will not get a good sound? Definitely need to buy a 1000€ bass
50 hertz sound bommy 🤣🤣🤣🤣 you mean low Bass ground or rumbling or subsonic like