In most popular music, electric bass generates much of the punch and bottom end, working in conjunction with the kick drum. Because of this, it stands to reason that you want to have as much low end in your bass sound as possible. But while it might be counter intuitive, often you’ll get the best tone by cutting the low end, rather than boosting it. There are several reasons for this.
First, remember that if you’re playing bass, you’re already playing notes that are one or two octaves below most other instruments in the band. Unless you’re playing a really trebly bass guitar, or you’re playing in a space that swallows the low end, you probably won’t need to emphasize the lows.
What you want is for every note to be distinct. Often cutting the low end, and/or adding a bit of midrange, is just what the doctor ordered to help your instrument have presence in the mix. The tighter low end and some cutting mids will really help make your notes stand out.
But a big factor to consider when crafting your bass guitar tone is the drummer’s kick drum. Is it tuned low or high? Is it boomy or tight sounding? Does it have bassy resonance or more lower-midrange resonance? If you can shape your tone to complement the kick drum — and allow room for the kick drum — the entire mix will be clearer and punchier sounding. This isn’t to say you should sacrifice your signature tone, but as we’re fond of saying, “Tone is a team sport.” This applies to bass, guitar, keyboards, drums, everything. If all the tones gel and support one another, everyone will be more audible in the mix.
Every bass guitar and room will require slightly different EQing, but if you keep those basic rules in mind — cut the lows, add some mids — you’ll get note distinction that will help you keep the bottom end thumping!