Mixing Technique - Bass Switching
Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 11:42 am
Mixing Technique - Bass Switching
Almost every mixer comes with EQ these days, some even with parametric and four-band options, including models from Denon, Vestax, Kam and Allen & Heath.
That three-band EQ you’ve got is still more than adequate though, and in the current climate of FX overload a good basic EQ shouldn’t be ignored, as it is one of the DJ’s greatest tools. With skilled use you can instantly add extra dynamics to a long mix. One of the most popular EQ mix-tricks is bass-switching, though you will need an EQ that provides a full kill to perform this properly.
This trick can also be useful when mixing tracks with a b-line clash. So, on the channel you’re about to bring in (record B), set the low or bass EQ to zero. Get the track in the mix, but remember you won’t be able to hear the full kickdrum or bassline due to the position of the EQ. Now, there are two ways of performing the switch.
The easiest is to pull it off over two beats. So, on the third beat of the bar pull the low EQ to zero on the track that’s playing. You’ll now have no bass on either channel. Then, on the first beat of the next bar quickly bring the low rotary up to the 12 o’clock position. Hey presto, bass in ya face!
Alternatively, you can switch basslines on the same beat, though this takes a bit more practice, as well as needing two hands on the EQ. The principle is the same, only you’ll be killing the bass on the outgoing track (record A) on the first beat of the bar, while at the same time bringing the low rotary up on the incoming tune (record B).
You won’t have much space to do this, so use your fingertips, and accuracy is imperative because the last thing you want is to overshoot and overload the bass. However, once mastered, you can then start bass-switching in the mix, ie, playing the bassline from one tune with the beats from another, and that’s when you’ll really start to hear the crowd scream.
DJ Lurch
source: www.id-j.co.uk