HIP HOP/ELECTRONIC DRUM HELP NEEDED

[bob morton]

I have been producing for a few years now but for some reason (perhaps partially my fault...) I still feel like a total beginner.
Also just bought an Akai XR20 if anyone uses one also?

I have listed some questions below & added some links at the bottom of examples of work I admire which might influence some advice etc.

1. SNARES: Should I always layer? and how do I get them to cut through the mix once I have added heavy synths, and all the other elements? Does reverb help?

2. KICKS: If I want a weighty kick how much should i trim off the bottom end? and How do I mix kicks with synths/subs if I am trimming at to 60Hz etc?

3. TOMS: What are good ways to mix these with regard to EQ and compression, reverb etc?

4. BUSSING: I usually create a drum buss to gel my drums together, what's a good compression setting? (this may depend on the sounds involved). And how do I make this sit well in the mix?

5. PROCESSING: What processing techniques are good to keep in mind? (ie. EQ ranges, reverb, compression, distortion, automation, etc.)

LINKS:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl6q67wm ... re=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOzQ4Bs916I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh82vvRbVJU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clAyZyft4Bk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daRhEOkUL1o

[tripwire22]

the production bible answers all of this