Bass layering isn’t about doing more, it’s about gaining control.
 
In this on-demand mentoring video, I break down splitting a bass into three separate layers — lows, mids, and highs — to show how this technique can give you far greater control over how a bass sits, moves, and translates in a mix.
 
This isn’t a technique you should reach for every time. And that’s a big part of the lesson.
 
Before applying anything, we address the real questions:
 
Does the bass actually contain useful low, mid, and high information?
Does the track have enough space for this kind of processing?
Is layering going to improve the mix, or just complicate it?
 
What’s covered in this session:
 
Splitting a single bass into three frequency-focused layers
Treating each layer with intent, not habit
Sidechaining only the low layer to the kick for tight, controlled low-end
Why the mid and high layers are not sidechained, even though they’re EQ’d
Panning the mid layer slightly left and the high layer slightly right for width and separation
Adding reverb only to the high layer to enhance presence without muddying the low-end
Applying different automation and filter movement across each layer for depth and motion
Controlling stereo width at the synth source, not after the fact
Why source-level decisions always produce cleaner, more professional results
 
The core theme throughout this video is control:
 
Control over frequency ranges
Control over stereo information
Control over movement
And control over when not to use a technique at all
 
If you’ve ever:
 
Tried bass layering and ended up with a messy low-end
Sidechained everything “just because”
Struggled to get bass presence without sacrificing weight
 
…this session will help you make far better decisions.
 
No rules for the sake of it. No over-processing. Just intentional bass layering, applied when the track actually calls for it.