Set up a first bass sound with S9 Lava

Put S9 Lava on your bass track and play the part. Raise the volcano a little, then try Heat. Check it with the rest of the song and set the level with Output. The volcano sets how much character you add; it isn’t a volume knob.

Updated 7 November 2026 · S9 Audio

Use a short bass phrase you know well and change one thing at a time. Match the level when you compare, so louder doesn’t win just for being louder.

For S9 Lava 0.1.3.

S9 Lava’s volcano, Heat, Focus, Sub Anchor, Bite, Mix and Output controls
The real S9 Lava interface. Open full size.

Step by step

  1. Put Lava on your bass

    Add S9 Lava as an effect on a bass audio track or after a bass instrument. It needs incoming audio; it doesn’t make sound on its own.

  2. Raise the volcano

    Start low and turn the volcano up. Then try Heat for a warmer or grittier edge.

  3. Add only what’s missing

    Focus moves where the added harmonics sit, Bite adds upper edge and Sub Anchor adds more of the low end. You don’t need all of them.

  4. Set the level

    Use Mix and Output, and listen in the song as well as solo. Check your DAW’s meters.

Good to know

Judge it in the song

A bold setting can sound amazing alone and crowd the kick or vocal. Decide with the whole mix playing.

Watch the level with Sub Anchor

Sub Anchor adds real bass, so check Output afterwards. Lava has no output limiter.

Get S9 Lava free

Every control included. No account, activation or trial limit.

Sources