Correct production levels/instruments

[lanebobane]

Hello all,

So I've been fooling around with Live trying to figure out the software and its theory before making a finished track and I ran in this the following issue:

When I listen to a song by say, Bassnectar on my computer speakers, it obviously doesn't sound as great as with my stereo speakers/sub, but I can still hear the deeper parts of the song (kick, bassline etc.). In a little song I made, I can hear the lower freq stuff on my stereo speakers/sub and the sound is full bodied, but cannot really hear it through my computer speakers and the sound is weak.

So my question is: When producing, do pros choose instruments and levels that will sound good across a range of speaker types? Or do they only consider how it sounds coming out of their studio monitors?

[Mint Invader]

Well, yes and no. Its more about EQing particular instruments to improve the range on different speakers.

Also, producing with a sub is very risky as it can give the impression that your bass tones are hitting hard overall when they in fact are only in that 30hz-40hz and will lose prominence in smaller systems. Hope that helps.

[ollyb303]

+1 to not using a sub when mixing, however tempting it is!

I like to mix on decent monitors (or my AT cans if it's late) then listen back on my NS10Ms. If the bottom end sounds good on the 10s, it's gonna sound alright on pretty much anything!

[Mint Invader]

Keep in mind if you do know your levels you can use a sub during production. Its all personal preference. Some big producers use them (Figure) and some dont (Subfocus)