Separate sub weight from low-mid mud
Sub energy gives size, but low-mid buildup can make that size feel slow and cloudy. The fix depends on which area is actually carrying too much energy.
- Sub bass below roughly 60 Hz affects weight and headroom.
- Bass fundamentals around 60-120 Hz affect translation on larger systems.
- Low mids around 150-350 Hz affect warmth, body, and mud.
Keep the foundation focused
Kick and bass can both be strong, but they need roles. If they occupy the same moments and the same frequency space, mastering compression will exaggerate the fight.
- Decide whether kick or bass owns the deepest energy in each section.
- Use arrangement, sidechain, EQ, or automation before adding more limiting.
- Check the low end in mono when using stereo bass, chorus, or wide synth layers.
Use analysis as a translation test
A small room can make a balanced low end sound wrong, and headphones can make a loose low end sound impressive. Analysis gives you another view before you over-correct.
- Look for repeated low-end warnings across frequency and stereo modules.
- Compare against a reference at the same perceived loudness.
- Fix the mix before relying on mastering EQ to compensate.