Ella Walter
Panning is a technique used in music production to create a sense of space and depth in a mix. It involves adjusting the placement of different sounds in the stereo field, from hard left to hard right, to give each element its own space and prevent them from clashing. While panning can be used creatively in various ways, there are a few general guidelines. One common practice is to keep low-frequency elements like kick drums, basses, and anything below 120-150Hz centered in the mix to create a solid core. This is especially important in electronic music genres like dubstep, where the bass plays a crucial role. Panning bass too far to one side can lead to phase issues and an unbalanced or cluttered-sounding mix. However, some producers experiment with panning bass slightly off-center or using stereo effects to create a wider sound without losing the power of the low end. Ultimately, the decision to pan dubstep basses depends on the desired effect and the density or style of the track.
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What You'll Learn
Panning bass to the left and right can create a 'fatter' feeling sound
Panning bass to the left and right can create a fatter-feeling sound, but it is generally recommended to keep bass central in a mix. This is because low-frequency sounds are less directional and tend to be more effectively felt when they are central. Panning bass can create phase issues and an unbalanced or cluttered sound, particularly when played back on various systems.
However, panning bass slightly off-centre can be done to create a more distinct sound, particularly when there are other instruments in the mix. This is especially true in rock/guitar-driven music, where panning is used to create a "live" feel. For example, if a rock band has two guitars, each guitar should be panned oppositely. In electronic music, panning hats and percussion elements like shakers slightly to the left or right can also add depth to a mix.
If you want to create a fatter-sounding bass without panning, you can use more voices in the synth settings (polyphonic) or add chorus and imaging effects. You can also try sample delay, which delays either the left or right side of the signal by a few milliseconds to create a wider sound.
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Keeping bass in mono prevents phasing issues
In a live environment, most clubs either play in mono or sum their low-end frequencies to mono. This is because bass in mono has more "power". If your bass is in stereo, the record player's needle will jump and the record will be useless.
Additionally, when panning bass, it can get bloated all over. This can be prevented by using the Nugen monofilter on the master bus. This plugin forces low frequencies below a certain point to mono. It must be used with care but can considerably clear the overall mix.
Some producers suggest that it is okay to pan basses to the left and right to get a "fatter" feeling sound. However, this can cause phasing issues. One way to avoid this is to take the sub out of your basses and make it a separate instrument. Now you can make those basses as wide as you want and keep the sub in mono.
Another way to create the illusion of a "super fat, wide bass" is to use more voices in the synth settings (polyphonic) or chorus and imaging effects. If you just want a "thicker" or "warmer" bass, then saturation/distortion/amp/OTT effects can be used.
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Bass is commonly kept in the centre of a mix
However, some producers do experiment with panning the bass slightly off-centre, usually to the right, to create a more dynamic sound and to separate the bass from other elements like the kick and snare. This can be done by creating two channels with each going hard left or hard right, or by using a sample delay, which delays one side of the signal by a few milliseconds to create a wider sound. In rock and guitar-driven music, panning is used more frequently to create a "live" feel, and in dubstep, hats are often panned more to create depth.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to pan the bass or keep it in the centre depends on the style and density of the music, as well as the desired effect. As one producer puts it, "if it sounds good, it is good".
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Panning bass can be used for effect
Panning is a useful tool for music producers, allowing them to create a wide range of effects. It can be used to separate sounds, create contrast, build tension, and achieve a wider, fuller-sounding mix.
While there are conventions to panning, there are no hard and fast rules. Producers are encouraged to experiment and break the rules if it suits their creative vision. That being said, there are some guidelines that can help producers achieve a more professional-sounding mix. For example, the kick, snare, bass, and vocals often sit in the middle of a mix, while other elements such as percussion can be panned slightly to the left or right. This helps to create a sense of depth and separation, especially for sounds with similar frequency content.
In the case of bass, it is generally recommended to keep the sub frequencies mono, below 150Hz, to avoid phasing issues and an odd-sounding mix. However, some producers choose to separate the sub from the bass, keeping the sub mono while panning the bass to create a wider sound. This technique is commonly used in dubstep and by artists such as Shiba San and Claude VonStroke. Additionally, panning the bass slightly can help to separate it from the kick drum, making both more distinct.
Panning can also be used creatively to add interest to a song. For example, panning instruments hard left and hard right can create a fuller-sounding mix, especially with heavy electric guitars or EDM synths. This technique can also be used with double-tracked instruments, where the same part is recorded twice for effect. Automating the panning of certain elements, such as backup vocals or layered effect sounds, can also add movement and depth to a mix.
In conclusion, while there are some recommended practices for panning bass, it ultimately comes down to the producer's creative vision and what sounds good to them. Panning bass can be used for effect, whether it's to create a wider sound, separate clashing frequencies, or add interest and movement to a mix.
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Panning bass slightly off-centre can prevent clashing with other sounds
Panning bass is a common practice, especially in dubstep, where it is used to create a "'fatter' or "wider" feeling sound. However, it is important to be cautious when panning bass to avoid creating an unbalanced mix or causing phase issues. A good practice is to pan bass slightly off-centre, usually between 3-6% or 5% off-centre, to prevent clashing with other sounds, particularly the kick and snare. This technique is also known as "stereo imaging".
By panning the bass slightly off-centre, you can create a sense of separation between the bass and other central elements, such as the kick and snare drums, which are typically kept in the centre of the mix. This separation can help to create a clearer and more distinct sound, giving each element its own space in the mix. Additionally, panning the bass off-centre can help to avoid the issue of having multiple instruments stacked in the centre, which can result in a cluttered and muddied sound.
It is worth noting that low-frequency elements, such as bass, tend to be less directional and are often perceived as mono by listeners, even when panned slightly off-centre. This is because low-end frequencies tend to have a more omnidirectional sound, making it difficult to pinpoint their exact location. As a result, panning the bass slightly off-centre can provide a subtle effect that enhances the overall mix without being overly noticeable.
However, it is important to be cautious when panning bass to avoid creating an unbalanced mix. Some engineers and producers prefer to keep the bass in the centre, especially in electronic music, to create a solid "core" for the mix. Additionally, panning the bass too far to one side can result in phase issues, such as phasing problems and weird effects in the spectrum. Therefore, it is recommended to use subtle panning techniques for bass and to always refer to your ears and trust your instincts to determine what sounds best.
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Frequently asked questions
It is generally recommended to keep bass sounds in the centre as they tend to be less directional and respond better to central panning. However, some producers do pan their bass sounds to the left and right to create a 'fatter' feeling sound. If you do this, make sure to keep the sub in mono to avoid phasing issues.
To pan dubstep basses, you can try using stereo effects or panning on low-mid frequencies above 150Hz. You can also try using a plugin like Nugen Monofilter to force low frequencies to mono.
Panning bass sounds can make the mix sound cluttered and unbalanced. It can also cause issues when played back on different systems, such as club sound systems or Bluetooth speakers, which can reduce the overall power of the panned bass frequencies.
