Why Your Kicks, 808s and Sub Bass Suck

Having trouble getting the low end right in your mixes? Here are the top 5 beginner mistakes when it comes to mixing kicks, 808s and sub bass + quick fixes.
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[@CRASS2047]

I transpose my 808 up an octave in piano roll then back down when the notes are correct

[@SeanDivine]

👍 that works too!

[@marcus1993ization]

Exactly what i do to check pitch 🙌

[@charoproduction5956]

exacly

[@apshinn]

The thing that has helped me most with low end monitoring so far has been installing Sonarworks Reference 4. I used to mix with a major null in my low end but this fixed everything for me and now I’m a lot more confident with how I mix low end. For sub bass, one thing that always bothered me was getting consistent volumes from each note without over compressing. You can either draw in different note volumes or use a tool like Waves Bass Rider and just mess with the settings until the notes feel right. Assigning sounds to a “choke group” often gets overlooked or making sure the most often triggered sound is the only one still playing. Also, adding sub harmonics with a tool like VOG or RBass can really beef up a sound that needs more credibility.

[@Ryzasu]

This is super helpful, very straight to the point and insightful. Thanks!

[@drumxbeatz6804]

If i don't get a video from you for 3days i feel like I'm doing all wrong Thank You Sean 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@MO-fb8oh]

Your tutorials are by far the best! You have a great gift of teaching in a very easy digestible way 🙌 (and I am not a native speaker)

[@SeanDivine]

Thank you! Great to hear that 😊

[@andrewlinn6664]

HD650 open back headphones were a game changer, totally agree.

[@MichelCiresMusic]

I always learn with every video. Thanks!

[@stamecec2003]

THE SAMPLES ,, HHMMM !!!!___ THANKS MAN ONCE AGAIN MAN

[@tonyedison9749]

U something like a beat doctor 👨‍⚕️👀😂😂💪🏽💪🏽💯 I have learned a lot from u since I started watching ur videos .. very helpful and I appreciate it .. thanks

[@KathrynJeanetteMusic]

I'm down with everything you're saying. Wish me luck with the new knowledge you shared!!

[@SeanDivine]

Good luck, you got this 🙌

[@Austin-vo2gh]

Dude what kick is that ! Sounds sick

[@mrnelsonius5631]

Sounds silly but car stereo testing for low end can be really helpful (if you have access to a car from the last decade with decent stock speakers). They tend to do some weird bumping of low but not super low frequencies to compensate for the loudness of driving. Mixes tend to fall apart in the car test. But it will really reveal any muddy parts of your mix.

[@SeanDivine]

Absolutely! One of the best mix references 👍

[@austinbain4932]

I’ve been trying to mix & master my 1st song, on my monitors & sub it sounds great ! When I test In the car the sub is crazy loud and muddy. Do I just dial back the volume or don’t use the compressor on the sub channel ? I want to release my track but want the low end to sound good 👍

[@mrnelsonius5631]

@@austinbain4932 I’d say, rely on your monitors more. It’s never worth mixing *just* for car speakers. But if your bass frequencies are way louder in the car than they are in a comparable reference mix then something is going on somewhere. Early on in mixing I found it hard to differentiate between low mids in a bass part and the actual sub frequencies because of a psychoacoustic effect involving harmonics. Check out Dan Worall’s recent video on mixing bass (think he did it for Fabfilter) here on KZbin for more on this. Mixing low end is just one of those things that takes lots of experience and having a good room/monitors that you know really well. It’s the one area I rely on metering as much as my ears still

[@vonnibeats6439]

Great vid bro 🙌🔥

[@frannie_el]

Great pointers, you are awesome!

[@TomerChentckingofficial]

thank u!!! great video!! learned from you a lot!

[@boogiejonz]

Another trick I use is to put a high pass filter (-18 dB/Oct) on the 808 and dial it up until I can't hear anything, THEN, flip it to a low pass filter and tweak to taste from there. This gets the low end out of the way of everything else.

[@darkcharmrecords]

That's dope i gotta try that

[@darkcharmrecords]

I just tried it ..... DAMN.. thank you soo much brother... that works 100%🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@shevronful]

Thanks bro, super useful info,btw I just used this beat to light My joint since it’s so fire 🔥

[@henriqueslionel5064]

Hi Sean I'm a fan of your channel, great video as always. Could you make a review of the new Tokyo Dawn Labs "Molot GE" compressor? Thanks

[@femifakoya7683]

Thanks much, Sean.

[@macsoloo]

crispy! (great job )

[@jaunti]

That's a nice, smooth beat, Sean! After listening to it, it just made me hop back into my studio again 😂

[@SeanDivine]

thanks Jaunti! glad it inspired 😁

[@jaunti]

@@SeanDivine anytime, keep those videos coming! Stay blessed!

[@brandonwatkins9003]

This is great tutorial on bass. The other tip I was given for sub bass mixing is use an oscilloscope to see phase balance.

[@SeanDivine]

Good tip!

[@papa_da_engineer]

Solid video Sean! Thank you 💎💎

[@SeanDivine]

thanks Adam! 🙌

[@papa_da_engineer]

@@SeanDivine no problem, you always drop gems 💎✌👊

[@istormiweather]

Thank you for this video!

[@SeanDivine]

sure thing!

[@RiversideProductionz]

Thanks for the video Sean 😎

[@SeanDivine]

No problem 👍

[@jacobregan5848]

Or you can adjust the attack on your kick instead of side chaining to make a little room for the kick imitating the same function as side chaining

[@riktascale4]

Wonderful!

[@vancenichols9490]

I dig this video, bro! You ever used Trackspacer for more dynamic frequency sidechaining of 808 BD with 808 sub bass? I would love to see a video where you share your thoughts and experience of such. Thanks!!!

[@SeanDivine]

I have not! I typically use F6 for dynamic sc... will have to check it out tho :)

[@elitefitness6539]

Hey Sean I really love your videos I’ve been subscribed for like 2 years now. I have a huge huge question to ask you. Sonically speaking I’ve been trying to get my vocals to sound like a artist named “NBA Youngboy” but don’t matter what I do I just can’t seem to achieve the sound I’m looking for. Can you please do a tutorial on the best way to achieve that vocal sound sonically speaking? It would be so much appreciated and keep up the good work🙏🏾

[@JnoTe707]

Always helpful. Thank you bro. I was told that you should take out anything below 20hz on kicks and 808s. What is your thought on that?

[@SeanDivine]

not a bad idea, just depends on how much is going on down there! you're likely not going to hear it but it can take up space in the mix. Just be careful about how you rolloff... depending on the slope, even at 20hz you could be cutting higher frequencies unintentionally

[@johnnynarcotics7299]

Hey Sean. Surely a dynamic eq such as the Waves f6 would be a more desirable side chaining method. Perhaps a tutorial on this in the future?

[@SeanDivine]

Given that the 808 / sub bass here didn’t have much happening above 200hz, standard sidechaining will do :) that said, noted and yes, ideal... f6 is one of my favorite dynamic sidechain tools

[@crxzycraine]

Thanks man🔥🔥🔥

[@SeanDivine]

no problem 🙏

[@bricksanchez9016]

Could you make a video about how to use R-Bass and MaxxBass on an 808? Every time I try to use R-Bass, it fucks up my entire mix

[@SeanDivine]

I’ve found if you have a good sample, it’s about setting the frequency correctly and using it sparingly... I’ll see what I can do for a tutorial!

[@arziva1615]

where to get the kick in this tutorial you using ? 1:06 :)

[@SupernovaSun77]

Your meters are so high bro. I’ve always wondered why that was. if people scream about gain staging. So I left the vid to make a quick beat and I mean quick. 10 Min. Took loops and just started mixing. Recorded a dumb verse and peaked at -3 I think. And just stared mixing. Forgot about gain staging and bro. My best mix I’ve ever made. Why is that? Listen even my output was at like what -1 and I added tape then NLS and other mastering stuff and my mix is so outstanding it’s beyond me. Wow just wow.

[@SeanDivine]

Sounds like you were mixing with your ears, not your eyes 👍 gain staging is important at times... it can also easily start overshadow your mixing creativity / intuition. Be aware of it, don't be reckless with levels but most importantly do what sounds best. This is music, after all 😁

[@SupernovaSun77]

@@SeanDivine yes I definitely was. I have been grabbing plugins and closing my eyes and doing it like that. Man it’s tough but more efficient. I’ve always looked and was like I see the analyzer lower that bump that. Nope all wrong. Damn it bro. I really would like to thank you for all your help. I think I’m ready to take a real course for mixing now. There’s so much to learn and I think after all these years I can make something that sounds amazing after this vid oddly enough. Smh. But I might have to jump on your site and take a look. Thanks for everything man for real! 💪🏽

[@vycashh]

How to mix, 808s sub bass and pad??

[@jordy1107]

great video, I noticed that you have a plugin called studio rack on a lot of your tracks. could you talk a little bit about that?

[@SeanDivine]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2LYc35tg99sd68

[@abtruce1]

Whats good Sean, great video helped alot with shaping my perspective differently about mixing bass. If a person doesn't have the budget for big monitors or quality headphones, Is there a way to hear the Lower range frequencies and still mix accurately?

[@abtruce1]

I went back and I found one of your older videos that helped “Mixing low end like a pro(Better Bass)

[@SeanDivine]

Glad to hear that!

[@SoniqSounds]

That is why you should know the 808 root key and then play them accordingly!

[@Skrenja]

I know all of this advice like the back of my hand, been producing for over 10 years and still can never get my kicks and bass right.

[@SeanDivine]

takes time... I feel like I still learn something new about mixing low end every session :)

[@OZIKTV]

Hi Sean, where can I get those samples which you used in this tutorial ? I mean this 808 - PMLB_808_08_E.wav and Kick P Kick_0001.wav 😁

[@SeanDivine]

I'm fairly certain these were from splice :)

[@azhazh3805]

Sean, question: How long in a row do you often mix before you're ears get tired and you stop the work. And how long do you aprox do with a mix before you release it?

[@SeanDivine]

I can usually mix for the majority of a day in the studio… I take frequent breaks (about 10 minutes every hour) and I mix at very low volumes about 95% of the time. That said, some days I might just be feeling the fatigue more than others and I will just step away and come back to it the next day!

[@AchelousAce]

there's a beat starts at min @4:20 while your talking .. what is it ? where can i find it ?

[@SeanDivine]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqa7k2pvfJt6aKM

[@moritzburow5301]

Heyy Sean... what Do you think about the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 pro or the 1770 pro for mixing ?

[@SeanDivine]

have not tried them

[@moritzburow5301]

@@SeanDivine ok thank you

[@paulnelsonbeats]

Should I always sidechain my kick and synth bass even though the bass may not be so "subby"?

[@SeanDivine]

Nope! Only if you feel like they’re clashing!

[@aleyummusic]

What's the name of the tune in the background?

[@SeanDivine]

it's my song called off the wall :)

[@spearsc49]

that beat is nice bro

[@SeanDivine]

thanks Chris

[@izkray]

Thanks for this man! I was curious why your kick was in stereo and not mono?

[@SeanDivine]

the sample has no stereo content to it, so it's playing back mono... I typically leave the channel in stereo as I sometimes layer kicks with percussive elements that may have a bit of width. if you want to be on the safe side, I'd suggest folding everything below 120hz or so for the kick into mono so you have more flexibility

[@izkray]

@@SeanDivine thank you for the response! I figured there was a reason and I was genuinely curious. Appreciate that!

[@JMAX2]

Thats a dope shirt

[@kevinwyers4494]

Has anyone tries sub pac for low end mixing?

[@SeanDivine]

I haven't and curious also...

[@JEtienneMusic]

Sean, this was tremendous, thanks Bro! Question: Did you ever become overwhelmed wearing all the hats in music? You're a songwriter, artist/performer, producer and engineer. I get the ease now knowing how to do all the jobs and how you want your songs to sound like. But I am not solid on the engineering side though I've been steady working at it for years and when I rap over beats I made then have to mix and try to master I am fatigued with the song and frustrated with my inability to make it all sound good.

[@bgallagrr]

Bro! Only a producer and trying to engineer and I feeel you on this. But I keep pushing.

[@SeanDivine]

appreciate it Joseph! and yes, completely understand the feeling, it's very involving. It helps to work on material very gradually and in stages... don't be afraid to collaborate and ask for help so you can stay focused... even if it's just asking another engineer you trust for feedback!

[@wavtunemusic]

Some 808 samples are out of tune. Most samplers have a built fine tune adjustment. You can use a guitar tuner plug-in after your sampler plug-in to see how how flat or sharp your 808 actually is....💧

[@Julian_Jimenez]

💯

[@normthomas9877]

Sean, are you running both side chains at the same time?

[@SeanDivine]

Yep! Both using the same kick as the sc trigger

[@normthomas9877]

@@SeanDivine Good looking out! Makes sense now..

[@stamecec2003]

I DONT HAVE PROFESSIONAL EQUIPAMENT LIKE YOU BRO ONE DAY KKKKKKKKKKKKKK

[@SeanDivine]

you don't need anything except a daw and some headphones... start now, don't wait to create :)

[@jaredhorst3913]

dude you never miss! everytime I see your name I click on the video cuz I know it's gonna be a great informative video

[@thelateraledge]

As much as listening helps, also try and not listen, if that makes sense, but rather feel how the two elements are interacting. (Yes I know, I'm going out there and you're probably imagining me as a hippie telling you to "Just feel the music maaaaaaan!" but just stay with me) This is a hard thing to explain to someone who hasn't acquired this skill yet. But you are in luck as tutorial perfectly illustrates this "feeling and not listening to the music skill" and this video also shows why this is such an important skill to have. Sean couldn't hear that the bass note was wrong because it was too low to be audible but he could feel that something was not quite right. So remember not to ignore these feelings. From time to time, stop what you are doing, clear your mind and just focus on the feeling of each element and how they interact. This is not just a one time learning skill either, you can keep improving your senses by practicing focusing on feeling rather than listening. Learning this skill has huge benefits to your production skills and should not be underestimated in my opinion, especially when it comes to making subtle adjustments and being able to separate and evaluate each change in your own mind. It took me a long time to figure out this skill for myself and how important it is but hopefully this will make sense to some and maybe open up some doors for people. So remember people "Just feel the music maaaaaaan!" ☮️☮️☮️

[@SeanDivine]

😊👍

[@user-gz6fx4bf9b]

Hey bro, we need english subtitles(auto). Why is there no english subtitles(auto) in your videos? You should add, please

[@SeanDivine]

KZbin doesn't always auto-generate them :/ and they're usually not accurate... I've added them manually :)

[@user-gz6fx4bf9b]

@@SeanDivine OMG. Thank you:) If it is possible, just add it automatically on your new videos. Because my English is not good. That way I can follow the text :) It doesn't matter if they're wrong.

[@elishapraveen9634]

❤

[@timothyforry2222]

The moment you realize you every rap beat you've made is trash. Thanks for this video sean can't wait to apply these elements

[@LoyteKing]

Dude turn on download feature on your videos!

[@bboymac84]

Try fading the 808 manually before the kick instead of sidechaining. See what happens...

[@raphealhamato7767]

Dude can you do a beat making video from scratch im trying to learn how to make professional hip hop and rnb beats

[@SeanDivine]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/e16VmoCLfM6Ja6M

[@raphealhamato7767]

@@SeanDivine Man i passed by that vid and just thought you were doing a run down of lpx 10.5 lol but that beat nice, appreciate it

[@GregJohnTheHedstokBand]

The super Sean

[@skriptico]

belle fiche i tua :P

[@stamecec2003]

PROBABLI THAT WHY MY Kicks, 808s and Sub Bass Suck ARE SUCK BRO !""!"

[@crxzycraine]

Check my beats 🤕 do they suck

[@dinjingle7809]

Waves commercial?

[@SeanDivine]

No and not a sponsored video. It’s just what I used :)

[@frostedhead]

Human ears can only hear from 60hz - 20khz you have too much Khz on the highs.

[@haidar6280]

First! Edit: Second!

[@Snugglebeee]

I’m a huge fan of Side chain kick and bass. But I think it’s interesting that probably the top mixer in hip hop in the last few years (Alex Tumay) NEVER side chains and he is famous for the biggest sounding 808s...

[@SeanDivine]

No right or wrong way to achieve a great mix! Whatever sounds best to you 👍

[@Snugglebeee]

@@SeanDivine yeah whatever gets you to your goal. I always side chain. Not sure how he does it without sidechaining.

[@furiusity]

I don't hear your sub on mobile 🔊

[@Aexitprod]

Who the fuck cant get their 808 on the right key lol

[@ofirgaash]

This note is CLEARLY C# and not an A. Use your ears, check yourself.

[@SeanDivine]

good ear! not to confuse - the sample is an E that wasn't retuned, so the notes as played in the piano roll are different

[@KiLLJOY1056]

Most of them suck because they all use the same sample/free lazy plugin and do nothing to it. If youre not making your own 808 from scratch with a synth style machine/plugin, your 808s suck.

[@dmt2864]

Your sub-bass is at C#, not A... Maybe learn music theory before attempting teaching?

[@SeanDivine]

The sample is an E (not retuned), so the piano roll is off 😜