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Meet NewJeans: The K-Pop Group Taking the World by Storm

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Max Martin: Why a Pop-Hit Songwriter and Producer Created a Musical

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MANILA GREY: Vancouver's Rising R&B Duo

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The Filipino-Canadian duo from Vancouver has been releasing new tracks left and right, and they are known for their most streamed songs on Spotify, “Timezones,” and “Silver Skies.” Previously .......

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How did Miley Cyrus’ Heartbreak Song “Flowers” Break the Spotify Record?

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The singer, songwriter, and actress Miley Cyrus has recently released a record-breaking song called “Flowers” in January 2023. This song recites her 10-year long relationship with her ex-husband....

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Men I Trust: Canada’s DIY Indie Band That Could Be Your New Favourite

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Men I Trust is a Canadian indie pop band known for their dreamy and mellow sound. Their music is laid back, incorporating elements of funk, disco, and R&B to create a smooth and groovy vibe that is

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Basics For Building an At-Home Recording Studio

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Artists like Kaytranada have proved that you don’t need access to a professional recording studio to create well-produced music. As technology and social media have advanced, it is now easier than eve

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Facing the Music: Legal Challenges With AI and Copyright Laws

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People draw inspiration from others when forming their ideas, it’s a fact of life. Sampling in music is no exception - and artists do it for a variety of reasons. Traditionally, copyright laws and

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Tobias Jesso Jr.: GRAMMY-Winning Canadian Sells His Song Rights

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Tobias Jesso Jr. You may know his name from his 2015 solo album Goon. Or maybe from his work on various popular songs, such as “When We Were Young” by Adele and “Alive” by Sia. Or even from his rece

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How Popular TV Shows and Movies Resurrect Classic Songs

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Ginalina: Bringing Her Taiwan Roots Into Her Latest Album

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Folk singer. Songwriter. Canadian. Polyglot. All of these titles belong to Gina Lam, also known by her stage name Ginalina. In November 2022, she released her latest album titled Going Back: Remembe

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Rihanna’s Super Bowl Performance

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Rihanna is an illustrious artist. She is among the best selling female artists of all time, and was one of the greatest hitmakers of the 2000s and 2010s. She has since grown to become the richest...

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How do Streaming Platforms Pay Artists - Is It Fair?

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Streaming is now the driving force of the music industry, making up 84% of the industry revenue in the U.S. While streaming is much more convenient for listeners, many artists argue that it is near im

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Mastering the Low End: Compression Tips for a Tight Mix

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When it comes to music production, getting the low end right can be tricky. Many producers face a common issue: after the initial mix sounds perfect, a few days later, the low end starts to feel too loud or muddy. It can be frustrating when you've nailed the mids and highs but can't seem to get the bass frequencies to sit just right. If you're wondering how to properly compress the low end for a tighter mix, you're not alone.

In this article, we'll dive into how to compress the low end effectively and explore an example of a famous producer who overcame similar challenges.

Understanding the Low End

Before jumping into compression, it's important to understand why the low end can be so tricky. Low-frequency sounds, like bass guitars, kick drums, and synths, tend to have more energy, which can make them difficult to control in a mix. The human ear is also less sensitive to low frequencies, which can cause producers to initially perceive the low end as balanced, only to find it overwhelming after repeated listens.

The key to controlling the low end lies in compression. Compression helps smooth out the dynamic range, ensuring that the bass elements don't overpower the rest of the track while still retaining their punch.

How to Compress the Low End

Here are some steps to compress your low end effectively:

  1. Use a Multiband Compressor: A multiband compressor allows you to target only the low frequencies without affecting the rest of the track. This helps control the low end while leaving the mids and highs untouched.
  2. Set the Right Threshold: Start by adjusting the threshold so that the compressor only kicks in when the low end becomes too loud. You want the compression to be subtle, so avoid over-compressing, as this can rob your track of its energy.
  3. Adjust the Ratio: A compression ratio of 3:1 or 4:1 is a good starting point for low-end compression. This will help tame the low frequencies without squashing them completely.
  4. Attack and Release: Set the attack time fast enough to catch any transient peaks in the bass but not so fast that it kills the punch of your low end. Release should be slow enough to avoid pumping but fast enough to recover between notes.
  5. Sidechain Compression: Another technique is sidechain compression, where the bass is compressed when other elements, like the kick, are playing. This helps the kick cut through the mix without clashing with the bass.

Example: Skrillex and the Low End

Electronic music producer Skrillex faced similar low-end issues early in his career. His mixes would sound great in the studio but would translate poorly on other systems, with the low end either being too dominant or not cutting through. After trial and error, he mastered the art of compressing the low end, often using a combination of multiband compression and sidechaining to keep the bass powerful yet controlled.

In his track "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites," for instance, Skrillex uses multiband compression to ensure the sub-bass sits tightly in the mix without overshadowing the mids and highs. He also uses sidechain compression to create that signature "pumping" effect, giving the track its rhythmic drive while keeping the low end in check.

Final Tips

  • Check Your Mix on Different Systems: The low end can sound very different depending on the playback system (studio monitors, headphones, car speakers). Always test your mix on multiple devices to ensure the bass translates well across platforms.
  • Use Reference Tracks: Compare your mix to professionally mastered songs with a similar sound. This can help you gauge if your low end is sitting right in the mix.
  • Don’t Rely Solely on Compression: Sometimes, EQ adjustments can also help tame the low end without needing heavy compression. Cutting unnecessary sub-bass frequencies can often clean up your mix.

Conclusion

Mastering the low end is a challenge for many producers, but with the right compression techniques and some trial and error, you can achieve a well-balanced, professional-sounding mix. If producers like Skrillex can overcome this hurdle, so can you! Remember, it's all about finding the sweet spot where the bass is controlled yet impactful, allowing all the elements in your track to shine.