I create music through a huge pedalboard with a 6 string bass. A few weeks ago, I was messing around with something and came up with something I want to put on my upcoming album. Problem is, I wasn't really thinking much about that when I made it.

It's all low and low mid, so boosting/cutting doesn't seem to do much. I can't boost frequencies that aren't there. I feel if I am able to just add a bit more clarity to the sound, it's a good one for the album. Do I need an exciter plugin, or is there something else more appropriate that might fix this?

 

Redo it with the sound you want?

 

This is why I prefer DI signal

 

I would, but it was an improv that just happened to be really cohesive and good.

 

It is a DI signal, a DI is the last thing in the pedalboard.

 

Something that puzzles me is, if you have a project that is too bass heavy why not compliment it with other instruments? Add an acoustic guitar and a pad. Something with midrange and top end. You could also add some light drums.. Maybe just a touch of a kick drum to compliment the bass, then you can cut frequencies that are causing an issue and nobody would notice..

 

Here is one which is free from HoRNet, their plugins are usually quite good but i haven't tested this thing. It is a flexible harmonic waveshaper.
There are many good plugins you could experiment with like it. Free is hard to beat : https://www.hornetplugins.com/plugins/hornet-harmonics/

Aphex Aural Exciter could work well if you have Waves. I will usually use an exciter like this as a send fx because I may send more than one channel to it. Most of the time.

The Softube Saturation Knob plugin is free. No color to speak of, but don't overdo it: https://www.softube.com/saturationknob?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu6LK_LXn_gIVbvzjBx3CtABAEAAYASAAEgIEkPD_BwE

But you might like something like Fabfilter Saturn2, Black Rooster Magnetite; there are so many options for you to try. I almost always stick another EQ instance after it, pre-compressor.

 

Anything, saturator, distortion (maybe even in parallel), pre amp, amp will work.
D.I. and with just the amp (without cab) https://gofile.io/d/c6YJLp

 

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

Because I'm primarily doing beatless soundscapey stuff. I think the problem's more with getting a clearer signal recorded.

 

His comment is about the entire track and not the bass part, but his idea of layering is a good one. I'm not sure about your DAW, but Logic has a quick way of creating a Midi data track from audio so that it contains the same notes. Since you want to add frequency content anyway, you might get a cool result layering another bass part. You might use something like an instance of Trilian, EZbass, an 808. or even Kontakt; group the two channels together and stick a compressor on the group to glue it. Or you could duplicate the audio bass part you have and treat it sort of like you double-tracked it with some EQ and Panning.

If you already ran the bass guitar straight into the board, your other options can get more difficult or even pricey.