"I think one thing that helped the sound change, it's a real subtle thing; it's just one switch on my bass, it has three positions, and I usually boost the mid-range frequency, I lowered the frequency that I boost, and that goes out to the sound system, too"
About this Quote
In this quote, Mike Gordon, the bassist for the band Phish, provides insight into the nuances of forming musical noise and how small changes can have considerable effects. This passage is both a technical revelation and a philosophical musing on sound engineering.
At its core, Gordon's statement highlights the complexity involved in producing a specific musical tone. He starts by acknowledging how something as basic as "one turn on my bass" can result in a visible shift in noise. This referral to "one switch" represents the significance of precision in musical efficiency and production. It underlines how artists frequently make small modifications to accomplish their wanted noise profile, demonstrating that knowledge typically depends on the details.
Gordon's bass has a switch with "3 positions", suggesting it has several settings to manipulate the instrument's tone. By normally increasing the "mid-range frequency", he emphasizes the frequency variety that cuts through the mix and provides clarity, assisting specify the bassline within a song. The mid-range is a crucial part of any mix since it carries the melodic and harmonic material that is most discernible to the human ear.
The critical change he mentions includes lowering the frequency boost, which would offer the bass a much deeper, maybe more suppressed character. This change could anchor the band's noise in a richer, more resonant structure. Gordon's decision to alter the frequency demonstrates a thoughtful technique to sound characteristics; it's not almost volume or loudness, but about the texture and depth of sound.
Eventually, Gordon's remark encapsulates the journey of constant expedition in music and noise production. It reveals how musicians connect deeply with their instruments, not just through performance however through the important ear they establish in attaining perfect orchestral consistency. His ability to equate subtle technical modifications into wider auditory experiences highlights the artistry involved in sound engineering, in which even the most minor technical tweak can redefine the entire musical landscape.