[Video] Mixing Low Frequencies: Why Bass Should Be in Mono

[Chris Hawkins]

Hey everyone,

We just dropped a new video on our YouTube channel discussing why bass should be in mono for a tighter, more controlled mix. If you've ever had issues with a muddy low end or weak bass, this might help clarify what's going on.



In this video, we cover:

• Why low frequencies should be centered in a mix

• How stereo bass can cause phase and clarity issues

• Using tools like Nugen Audio's Monofilter and iZotope's Ozone Imager to keep things in check

Would love to hear your thoughts—how do you approach low-end mixing? Do you keep bass in mono, or do you experiment with stereo widening? Let’s discuss!

[Benedict]

Basically I rarely stereo widen anything. That to me suggests poor use of stereo in the first place. Or worse making that wide but flat stickytape (no depth) thing that was so fashionable over the last few decades.

While there can be reasons to mono low freq, like when a vinyl engineer does it to stop the turntable needle having a cow, I am never a fan of laying rules that cause people to do odd things out of the fear of doing it wrong.

But... I am old-school and have never used a gyno monitor, I know where things are by feel. Seriously not the fashionable thing to say/do as DAWville loves its technical overkill.

[AsPeeXXXVIII]

Is it just me or does something about that video thumbnail scream AI to anyone else?

[mjolnir]

I find that it's not all or nothing. Back when I had really good mixes (not this year), I found that a nice technique was to create an all MONO send, LPF it, EQ it, and send a bit to it from whichever channels needed a stronger CENTER. Because it's gradient (fadered) it's not all or nothing. You can dial in just the right amount and keep your stereo bass but make it maybe ~75 mono or whatnot.

But music that's strictly collapsed to mono at the bass frequencies sounds really weak to my ears. Some of bass power comes from that fullness that you might be getting from stereo oscillators or whatnot.

[RunBeerRun]

Thanks Farquar I downloaded your video and will remaster it to suit my tastes, then watch it. I'm going to loop it together with a few instances so I can sit back and right now its only a mere 3 minutes.

Haven't watched it yet, much later, so no real comments yet.

[RunBeerRun]

Ok I watched most of it, there wasn't really much example audio, but when the Izotope came on I could tell it was high on resources and I couldn't take watching anyone abuse their computer anymore.