5 Tips To Getting The Kick And Bass To Work Well Together

First and Foremost

The two main things I look for when getting the Kick and Bass to work well together are: Timing (are they playing at the same time?). Frequency (are they competing for the same low frequencies?).

Usually for the Kick and Bass to play nice together they CANNOT both be playing at the same time and competing for the same frequencies (playing the same note). If they are, here are a couple things you can try.

1. Opposite EQ
Use the EQ to carve out spaces for the opposite instrument. Example: Find the fundamental frequency (note) of the Kick, use and EQ to slightly boost that frequency, then use an EQ on the Bass to dip that frequency. How much you boost or cut depends on the instruments and the song. You can also cut other freqs on the kick and boost the same ones on the bass.

2. Mute or lower the volume of either the Kick or Bass when they play at the same time
This one can be a little more tricky and it depends on who needs to be heard more. A common way is to put a compressor on the Bass and use the Kick track to trigger the compressor. Essentially side-chaining the Bass with the Kick so every time the Kick plays, the compressor on the Bass turns it down. Again, how much depends on the instruments and the song.

3. Replace the Kick Drum
Use a program (there are many out there) to either completely replace or mix in with your Kick.

4. Re-tune the Kick - If your Kick is already a sample (not a live recording of your song no bleed from other instruments) you can us a pitch shifting plug-in to shift it out of the way of the Bass.
5. Re-amp the Bass

If you have a direct recording of the Bass (and a bass amp) you can re-amp the bass to better fit with the kick.
Important

These are common remedies for helping the Kick and Bass play nice together. However, the best way is to have an arrangement/parts that naturally work together or address the frequency issue during the recording process by tuning the Kick so it compliments the Bass or using a Bass amp setting that makes room for the Kick.

Over the last 10 years I've had the opportunity to record and mix some great bands and artists, including The Neighbourhood feat. Danny Brown, T-Pain, +44, Fallout Boy and Frankie J just to name a few. With the recent launch of my website iSound Audio Engineering I'm busier than ever but still enjoy helping new engineers and musicians learn the craft of recording and mixing.