Eliminate Competition Between the Kick and Bass by Eli Krantzberg
The Golden Rule Regarding creative endeavors, I don’t like to make absolute pronouncements, but when it comes to kick and bass, there is one absolute rule that simply cannot be ignored, and it has to do with the arrangement. The kick and bass parts must not conflict with or fight each other. So what does that mean?
Sometimes the kick and bass play together rhythmically, while sometimes they never play at the same time. These scenarios are both fine, but what isn’t okay is the low-frequency elements get in each other’s way and distract from the rest of the song. No mix trick or plug-in can effectively fix this fundamental arranging mistake. The golden rule is, make sure the two complement each other in the arrangement.
Low-frequency instruments, like kick, bass, and 808s often fight each other for space in a mix. This fighting can be a result of overlapping frequencies, sloppy rhythms, or simply volume and balance problems. Additionally, many mixers who feel they can’t produce loud enough mixes are simply not controlling their low-end well enough. Clarity and balance in the low-end are what allow for loud masters.
Acoustic drums fit naturally against bass guitar because their fundamentals and harmonics tend to complement each other. In a clean arrangement, the kick and bass naturally blend to create a full low end. If you are overprocessing with EQ to make things work,
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