#AudioCation #1: BASS 101 by Treble Well Xtended
What better way to start this series than by talking about BASS?
I. What is Bass?
Bass refers to the lower end of the audio spectrum. It's the low, deep sound in music that you often feel as much as you hear. Typically, bass is considered to range from 20Hz to 250Hz, though it can extend up to 500Hz. I'll explain more about this when we discuss the different types of bass.
Bass adds richness and fullness to music, playing a crucial role in creating a sense of space and emotion. Without bass, music would lack dynamic range and impact.
Different Types of Bass
Sub-bass: The lowest range of bass frequencies, from 20Hz to 80Hz. This is the bass you feel more than you hear, creating that powerful, chest-thumping sensation I mentioned in the introduction. The rumbles in the sound come from this range.
Mid-bass: Ranges from 80Hz to 250Hz. Mid-bass is where most of the punch and rhythm in music comes from, making it prominent in genres like hip-hop, EDM, and rock. It’s the thumps and thuds you hear.
Upper-bass: Ranges from 250Hz to 500Hz. Upper-bass adds warmth and body to the sound, providing a fuller tone and adding weight to the mids. The bass guitar and kick drums usually reside in this range.
NOTE: It is not considered in BASS definition above 250. But we often as audiophile talk about it to explain about warmth in the mids. Example: QKZ x HBB is stretched till 400 for warm mids, and Sennheiser tuning always cut till 300Hz.
II. How is Bass Produced?
Instruments and Sources
Bass is produced by various instruments, including:
Bass Guitar and Drum Kits
Synthesisers (common in EDM)
Cello, double bass, bassoon, trombone and tuba etc.
Some really low VOCALS, like those of Louis Armstrong, Johnny Cash, Richard Sterban, and Paul David Kenamar, also fall into this category.
III. Bass in Headphones, Earphones and Speakers
Different types of headphones and earphones reproduce bass in various ways:
Over-Ear Headphones: Generally provide a fuller bass response due to their larger drivers and better isolation.
In-Ear Monitors (IEMs): Often preferred by bass enthusiasts for their ability to produce deep and rumbly bass. IEMs can be tuned for a bass-heavy sound.
For Speakers: There are three general classifications of speakers:
Subwoofers: Specialized speakers designed to reproduce very low-frequency sounds, mostly between 20Hz to 80Hz.
Full Range Speakers: Cover the entire spectrum of sound.
Tweeters: Focus on the higher frequencies.
IV. The Role of Bass in Music Genres
Bass plays different roles depending on the music genre:
EDM: Bass is the most important factor in driving the energy, emotions, and rhythm. It’s key for creating an immersive sound.
Hip-Hop: Bass is the foundation of this genre, with deep bass beats defining and dominating the sound.
Rock and Metal: The bass guitar and kick drum add depth and passion, supporting the guitars and vocals in the midrange. Rock particularly benefits from strong mid-bass.
Jazz and Classical: Bass instruments like the double bass add a rich, warm foundation, supporting the melodies and harmonies. In classical guitar, the top two strings provide bass, while the lower three strings dominate the song with harmonicas and arpeggios. Next time you listen, notice how the first or first two notes often sustain as bass notes.
V. How to Get Better Bass
Here are some tips for improving your bass experience:
IEMs: Choose the right eartips that provide the best seal.
Headphones: Get headphones that fit well and do not leak sound, or invest in good ear pads that suit your ear and head shape.
Speakers: Room acoustics are key. Experiment with angle and placement. I’m not an expert on speaker placement, so I’ll emphasize that room acoustics are essential.
EQ: If you're still not satisfied, try adjusting your bass shelf via an EQ (equalizer) in your software to see if it sounds bassy enough for you.
Note: Sometimes, your source can also elevate your experience, so always try different sources.
VI. Common Myths and Misconceptions about Bass
“More Bass Equals Better Sound”
It's a common belief that more bass automatically means better sound, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Excessive bass can overshadow the mids and even distort the overall sound. The key like Thanos said is "BALANCE"—bass should complement the mids and highs, not overpower them.
“Bass is Only for Certain Genres”
While bass is prominent in genres like EDM and hip-hop, it’s essential in all types of music, including classical, jazz, rock, and even acoustic. Every genre benefits from the depth and emotion that bass adds. Can you really enjoy Johnny Cash without bass?
“Subwoofers are Always Necessary”
While subwoofers can enhance bass, especially in home theater setups, they're not always necessary. Many high-quality speakers and headphones can deliver sufficient bass without a dedicated subwoofer.
Some Great Quality Bass IEMs (in increasing budget):
QKZ x HBB
7Hz Zero 2
Kefine Delci
Sennheiser IE200
Simgot Supermix 4
Simgot EA1000
Dunu x Gizaudio DaVinci
ThieAudio Hype 4
FatFreq Maestro Mini
Sennheiser IE600
Symphonium Meteor (All BA Bass)
Mangird Xenns Top
FatFreq Scarlet Mini
ThieAudio Oracle MK3
ThieAudio Monarch MK3
Sennheiser IE900
Symphonium Titan (My Favorite)
Sony IER-Z1R
FatFreq Grand Maestro
Fir Audio XE6
I may be forgetting some, but you get the idea.
Thumb Rule: The quality of bass is more important than the quantity.
VII. Conclusion
Bass is a fundamental aspect of audio, adding power, depth, and emotion to music. It is paramount for a rich listening experience. Explore, experiment, and discover the bass that best suits your tastes—your ears will thank you.
