thanks again for the tip. so, just to be clear, you insert a hi pass at 150Hz (eliminating all frequencies below 150) on 'non-bassy' channels, and on lower frequency tracks (bass/synth etc.) you roll off around 60Hz?

sweet!

Je'si,

>> a low shelf has worked moreso than a hpf, as it retains some lower harmonics but reduces the volume of the lower, boomy frequencies.

That's exactly what I was going to suggest... a HPF (especially all the way *up* at 150Hz should maybe be reserved for elements that you want NO low end in. Not something to be done on all elements except for the bass elements.

That's a very "electronic" technique that may work well for dancefloor-oriented (to be played by a DJ at a club/party) music, but not so much for something a bit more naturally intended. I get the impression that your music is more organic. Even in club music, that may be a bit extreme (150Hz) for all but bass elements.

A low-shelf for me is ALWAYS necessary... no matter what instrument we're talking about. To get music not to "boom" or FLUBB on car stereos, those bass elements need to have their lows (perhaps all below 100-125Hz) attenuated. Perhaps as much as 8-9dB for certain really wompy bass sounds.

I like Jeremy's recommendation about using a Multiband (at least 2band) compressor for bass elements. I would also either use a low-shelf EQ and cut some lows... or just mix the low-band on the compressor down a bit. Untamed basses and kick drums are almost always WAY too bassy unless you're pulling a sample from an instrument or library that has had the sounds compressed and EQ'd to sound great on all systems. Many new sample libraries and instruments (especially drums/percussion related) are done that way. The kick drums especially have been EQ'd and compressed to smack without flubbing smaller (like car) stereos with less bass forgiving speakers.

Keep in mind though, when pitching up or down those samples, it changes the frequency characteristics and will negate that type of EQ'ing. You'll need to reEQ the problem frequencies sometimes.

So my point is that people shouldn't use the low-shelf-by-default formula without exception. Our ears are always the best judge.

I have yet to see a bass synthesizer or sample library, however, that has the bass sounds EQ'd and compressed for car stereos. I would imagine that's because you can't really do that with basses since the notes will be playing melodies and it must be compressed and EQ'd after the basses are playing their parts. You don't compress and EQ each bass note separately.. well unless you're an OCD maniac!! :)