This is part three of the “Mixing a Rock Song From Start To Finish” series – mixing bass! If you’ve missed parts one and two, find out how to set up your DAW and prepare for mixing in part one here, and how to mix the drums here.
In part three you will find out how to mix bass guitar. For this song, the bass has been recorded using DI. Our goal when mixing bass for a rock song is to get a solid bass response with a present top end. I use compression to tame the peaks while retaining the natural dynamics. I also focus on getting the bass and the kick drum to sit right together.
Take a look.
In the next part, I will show you how to mix rhythm and lead guitar. We’ll then move onto vocals, automation and the finishing touches in the rest of the series.
I recommend mixing along with me with one of your own mixes! Applying what you learn about mixing bass during this part will help to get the process clear in your head, and push you towards getting the results you’re after in your mixes.