🎸

Bass Guitar Mixing

IN LOGIC PRO

Chain Order (Start to Finish)

  1. Gain

    Set healthy peaks around -12 dBFS.

  2. Surgical EQ

    Remove mud and harsh resonances.

  3. Compression

    Control dynamics and add consistency.

  4. Tone EQ

    Shape musical balance and clarity.

  5. Saturation

    Add harmonics and perceived density.

  6. Space

    Use subtle reverb or delay if needed.

  7. Limiting

    Catch peaks and cap final level.

EQ, Compression, and Metering

EQ Targets

  • High-pass where possible
  • Cut boxiness first
  • Boost for intent, not volume

Compression Targets

  • Ratio 3:1 to 4:1
  • Attack 10-30 ms
  • Aim 2-6 dB gain reduction

Metering Targets

  • Keep peaks below -6 dBFS
  • Watch low-end buildup
  • Prioritize Low-end clarity

EQ Moves

RangeMoveWhy
25-40 HzHigh-pass filterRemove sub rumble
100-250 HzLow-mid cutClean mud and boxiness
700 Hz-1 kHzLow-mid focusAdd body and note definition
2-5 kHzPresence boostAdd attack and string clarity
8-12 kHzHigh shelfAdd top-end sheen

Plugin Recommendations

EQ

  • Bass Guitar Mixing FabFilter Pro-Q 3 screenshotFabFilter Pro-Q 3
  • Bass Guitar Mixing Waves F6 screenshotWaves F6

Compression

  • Bass Guitar Mixing FabFilter Pro-C 2 screenshotFabFilter Pro-C 2
  • Bass Guitar Mixing Waves CLA-76 screenshotWaves CLA-76

Saturation

  • Bass Guitar Mixing Soundtoys Decapitator screenshotSoundtoys Decapitator
  • Bass Guitar Mixing Waves J37 screenshotWaves J37

Reverb

  • Bass Guitar Mixing Valhalla VintageVerb screenshotValhalla VintageVerb
  • Bass Guitar Mixing Waves H-Reverb screenshotWaves H-Reverb

Quick Reminders

  • Carve space for kick and bass relationship.
  • Keep bass mostly mono for translation.
  • Use subtle saturation before heavy EQ boosts.
  • Reference low-end against trusted songs.