I’ll spend a day building and recording the bass tracks for each song ….although it takes months to actually write a bass that we’re happy with.
The bass for each song is usually made up of 2-6 tracks. They are:
Sub bass: This provides the sub thump. Usually this is the SH101 low and fat. Panned centre.
Main bass: This provides the definition. Usually a single oscillator (sometimes we use 2). Goes through Mooger Fooger, Obermoog Moog filter of EMS clone. Panned centre. Frequencies below 80Hz EQed out. Often have a small amount for FM on the filter.
Stereo Pair #1: These provide the grunt. These come in and out to add dynamics. 2 oscillators each. Through the Diode filters or the Wasp clones. Lots of FM on the filter and often distorted. Panned 60% Left and Right. Frequencies below 150Hz EQed out.
Stereo Pair #2: These provide the insanity. These are for dynamics as they have a BIG sound. Usually introduced in the last verse. 3 or 4 oscillators each, often use Jupiter-8 and Prophet 5 Through the Metasonix TM-2 filter. Lots of FM on the filter and often distorted. Panned 100% Left and Right. Frequencies below 250Hz EQed out. When this sound comes in the serious field and overall dynamics are widened.
Each bass has a frequency range and panning zone. It’s important to keep the subs clear of everything except the sub bass and the kick.
