Thread: Cross-Fader Bass "Cancelling"

Okay, so BITD on a standard 2xDecks + Mixer + Amp +Speakers when I got 2 beats crisp on sync and the X-fader was in the middle (usually with housey 4-4 tunes) the bass cancelled itself out; always thought that the mixer (a relatively cheap one at £100) couldn't handle the two bass notes at the exact same time, therefore "cancelling" out the bass.

Been having this lately on my VDJ software and want to know if there's a way around it or even why it's happening?

Help REALLY needed on this one as I don't want any hiccups on the radio show!

I can only speak from personal experience and i'm sure there's plenty of others who can give you a better answer - but i generally find this happens when the 2 bass drums are identical, or very close to identical sounds.

Its similar to when you play the same track on both decks - you get a phase effect.

What i generally try and do do is not to have the fader bang in the middle - depending on your mix, pick a primary track and have the volume a bit higher on that tune. Or drop the low frequency on the mixer EQ a touch. Failing that, try not to pitch it quite as perfectly. I know that sounds odd but it doesn't necessarily mean you're gonna clang.

Like i said tho - there'll be others on here that'll give you much more "tech " reasons and more than likely better solutions. Just adding my tuppenceworth.

when I mix, I usually back the bass level down a bit, on the tune im 'bringing in' to the mix. Usually a 20db CUT from the bass knob on the mixer is plenty.
Once I have both tunes playing (in the mix) I proceed to 'swap' the bass over, ie as I turn the one I cut back UP to 0db, I turn the other track (tune going out of the mix) down to -20db.
This way you never get either bass overdose, or clashing b-lines.
Sometimes this is not neccessary, as the actual waveshapes of the basslines your mixing are different, and they dont really clash (although two basslines together can double up and sound too loud compared to the rest of the music).
Just a case of listening, and practising

Nice one guys I have been tweaking with all my EQs in the middle of mixes lately, and messing with my bass knobs but only for jungle melodies so that they don't clash in key... never thought about doing it for actual drum kicks

Nice one