Drums Mixing and Processing

Question 1

What is the frequency “boxy” region for kick drums?

Answer 1

100~300 hz

*this is only just a general range

Question 2

For snares what is a way to give it more “body and weight” in the mix?

Answer 2

Boosting the fundamental frequency

Question 3

In live drum recordings - is it alright to keep some low end in the overhead mics?

Answer 3

Yes - it can add more depth and enhance the low end of the kick

Question 4

When EQing kick drums even though it sounds dull on its down sometimes its good to roll off the ____ to leave room for other elements in entire mix

Answer 4

top end frequencies

Question 5

When deciding where to EQ drums - take a look at ______ to see where a majority of the mix lies and then you can use EQ to ___________

Answer 5

take a look at “the initial frequency spectrum” to see where a majority to see where a majority of the mix lies and then you can use EQ to boost the more un-emphasized elements to fill out the spectrum more

Question 6

True or False:

When working with saturation or any other effects you should be more reserved with adjusting parameters in large amounts

Answer 6

False

You can exaggerate elements of an audio effect and control the amount with just the dry/wet to have a more even mix

Question 7

What is a method for making all of your drums sound like they are in the same space?

For kicks is that deal as well?

Answer 7

Sending them all to the same reverb

For kicks - TBD but in general keeping them more dry will help it stand out and punch more in the mix for EDM

Question 8

When adding audio fx make sure to ______ so you can accurately add the right amount of processing to have it at the appropriate balance with the other sounds

Answer 8

adjust parameters in relation to the mix not just soloed

a reverb might sound prominent when soloed but trick you into not thinking you need to add much and will not be heard when played with the entire mix

Question 9

When processing a drum buss with multiband compression describe the purpose of the following:

Expanding the dynamics of the low/hi frequencies
compressing the mid range frequencies

Answer 9

Keeps the punch and adds more depth to the mix on the low/hi end

compression the mid range keeps it more forward in the mix and fill the spectrum since mid range is more easily re-produced by any sound system

Question 10

Describe the method of saturation on drum busses

Answer 10

Adding a saturator as a clipper can help the drums have a louder perceived volume while reducing the peaks for a louder overall mix when mastering

*analog and digital clipper in Ableton’s saturator are common ones