In this episode, Ben & Carl get into the gritty business of making bass actually work in a mix. Not just technically — but emotionally, musically, and physically. We challenge each other’s instincts, admit when we’re wrong, and debate who should own the sub: the bass or the kick?

Spoiler: it depends — but we each have our go-to moves and a few spicy disagreements.


Discover:

• Whether bass should be felt, heard… or both
• The kick vs. bass power struggle (and how we each resolve it)
• Why sub-bass and electric bass don’t always play nice
• Dynamic EQ, sidechaining, and the art of subtle carving
• What frequencies actually matter most for bass perception
• “I Used to Be Cool” — and other producer identity crises

Ben and Carl's Weekly Inspiration Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1IpnxDVoTY44JBV1j19H4h?si=0f80e020d8ae497e

LA Wildfire Relief:
Musicares - https://donor.musicares.org/page/lafirerelief
WAMTN - https://give.wearemovingtheneedle.org/campaign/654724/donate


Learn more about StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5

Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing


Connect with us:

Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/

Learn more:

https://www.benwallick.com/
https://www.carlbahner.com/


This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/