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How to Adjust the Bass Equalizer

Equalization is the process of boosting or reducing specific frequencies of an entire sound, such as a single instrument or full-band recording, to make the sound more natural or pleasing to the ear. This differs from volume, compression and other forms of audio gain and editing in that different parts of the sound's entirety receive a different amount of the effect. Whether done on a computer, machine, amplifier or live bass instrument itself, equalizing "bass" or "low-end" frequencies means you affect the frequencies that are around 100 Hz and lower.

Instructions

    • 1
      Computers are helpful when trying to perfect sound after it is recorded.

      Open your audio program if you are using a computer; pick up your bass if you have a bass instrument, or view hardware you plan to equalize your sound with. Hardware includes mixers, equalizer machines and amplifiers. Load any software versions of real hardware if you are using computer programs, such as Reason, Pro Tools, Ableton and Logic.

    • 2
      Some styles of music use "punchy" bass, or bass with a boost in higher frequencies.

      Study and know your bass instrument. Basses usually have three to five knobs, all of which will change the tone, quality or volume of your instrument. Refer to any instruction manuals that came with your bass to be able to distinguish between the knobs as most basses do not have labels for the knobs.

    • 3
      While mixers look intimidating, each column actually represents a single instrument and the tools used to alter its sound.

      Go to your mixer. Any live production and many computer programs incorporate standard sound mixing boards. Find the track of the instrument for which you wish to adjust the bass equalization. Instrument tracks are numbered and in "column" form. Look for the equalization on the board. Mixing board equalizers are in rows so that each instrument has its own miniature equalizer. Adjust the knob in the row that is labeled "Bass" and is also in your track's colum. Turn it to the left to reduce low frequencies or right to boost them.

    • 4

      Twist the equalization knobs, if your bass is equipped with them, until your bass produces a sound that you feel is right for the music you play. Different types of music will require different settings for all of the high and middle frequencies, but as a general rule of thumb, the low frequencies should be boosted even if the boost is slight.

    • 5
      Because equalizers are stand-alone machines, they offer more equalization possibilities than other methods of equalizing.

      View your equalization machine. This has the more in-depth frequency adjustment abilities than amps, mixers and instruments. Look for the lowest frequencies. Depending on the type of equalizer you use, the frequencies may be represented by knobs or sliders.

    • 6

      Move the sliders up or down to change how the "low-end" frequencies sound if you have a graphic equalizer. If your equalizer is parametric or shelving filter, "gain" represents how much the frequencies are boosted or reduced. Other knobs in the "low" section adjust the range and amount of frequencies affected when boosted or reduced.

    • 7
      There are specificc amps designed to handle powerful bass frequencies.

      Look at the knobs at the top of your amplifier if it has equalization capabilities. Under a section labeled "EQ" or "Equalization" are knobs that will be labeled "Bass," "Mid" and "Treble" instead of "Low," "Mid" or "High." Adjust these to achieve the sound you desire. Make sure the equalizer is on. Some amps have a button that must be pressed in order to turn on the equalizer.

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