Craig's Tip: Stupidly Simple Synth Bass Trick

[Craig Anderton]

This is a really simple tip, but...it's saved my butt enough times I figured I should mention it.

The ear has a hard time resolving low pitches, particularly if there are other sounds in the same general region (e.g., kick and floor tom). Before signing off on a synth bass part as final, I open the Inspector and transpose the entire track up by 12 semitones. That makes it much easier to hear if there's a note that's off pitch. After "proofing" the synth bass part, the transposition amount goes back to 0.

I told you it was simple!

 

[OutrageProductions]

If any doubt when regarding existing spectrum, I'll sometimes write the part an octave up and, at lower volume... proof it, then transpose down and make it fit the pocket. Same concept, different approach.

 

[Craig Anderton]

Good one!!