Bass instruments usually need added top end to cut through and reach small speakers

A common misconception is that bass EQ is all about the low end. In a dense track, bass usually needs plenty of added top end to cut through — it may sound uncomfortably bright soloed yet sit perfectly in the mix, and the upper spectrum is also what lets bass read on small speakers with no low-frequency output. Equally important is clearing low-end space so kick and bass each have their own room.

Examples

Boosting a bass’s upper harmonics makes it audible against heavy guitars and on laptop speakers, even though the soloed bass then sounds thin and bright.

Assessment

Explain why bass instruments often need added top end and how it helps them cut through and translate to small speakers.