How to… Micro-manage your mix for maximum bass

If a perfect kick and bass combination is on your agenda, those two elements need to fit together like a glove. But how the other parts in your track interact also plays an essential role in your mix. Pile in too many midrange sounds (such as vocals, guitars and synths), and the listener will be distracted from the bass; whereas a minimal mix will allow the bass to breathe and cut through. Similarly, brighten drums or vocals too much, and the entire focus of the mix will be shifted away from the low-end. Reference against your favourite bass-heavy tunes and dissect the overall balance, not just the bass.