Post
by Voodeedoo » Sun Sep 05, 2010 6:01 pm
I was struggling with the kicks for ages but after reading this and the moneyshot thread, I learned a lot about what the magic of EQing can do to a kick :D
ps: this isn't just for protools; this can work on any software. it worked perfectly on logic studio for me.
1
Once I open a session I first listen to the track to determine what is required. Since I generally begin mixing from the bottom up, I start with the kick drum.
With the track soloed, high-light a quarter note of the section and place ProTools in "Loop Playback." This way you can listen intently on just the kick without having to repeatedly start and stop the transport.
2
I usually begin with an EQ (though a noise gate may be required if there is excessive bleed from the other drums).
If you need to use a gate, make sure that you listen to various places in the song to ensure that the gate is not responding too aggressively to softer hits. If it is necessary, then back off the gate threshold (though you may be able to just replace a soft hit with a stronger one from elsewhere in the song). The soft hit could have easily been a mistake anyway.
3
Next, I go reach for an EQ to find the best "tone" for the kick drum. While it's next to impossible to offer advice on an instrument without first hearing it, I will generalize.
I like to begin by rolling-off the low end up to 40Hz. The slope of the EQ curve is dependent upon the speed of the material and how many other instruments are expected to occupy that range of frequencies.
Next, I scoop out a generous portion at 250-300Hz. This is where the drum can sound muddy. Remove too much and it will sound anemic.
The next range I access is the 3k area, where I may add a little "bump" just to give it some presence.
I move back down to the bass area and add maybe 2 to 3 db at between 40 to 60 Hz. It can vary depending upon the fundamental note of the kick drum and how it resonates. In other words, if the kick drum is tuned low already, there may be no need to add more low end at 40Hz when it's need more at 53Hz
4
Once you have the kick drum EQ'd to your liking, you can now start processing the envelope of the instrument.
I have a habit of reaching for Waves TransX plug-in. This plug-in is amazing and allows control over the envelope of the transient without acting like a compressor. You can use this to get a ridiculously massive kick happening. Sometimes I go a little overboard with it, as I will generally add a compressor to soften the blow afterwards.
5
Once the kick is feeling like it will cave in your chest at any moment, you can add a compressor. The compressor will help it sit comfortably within the mix without conflicting with the other elements.
If the kick is already bangin,' then I generally tame it by adding a compressor to soften the attack and tighten the release. Usually say, attack at 200ms and the release at the fastest possible. It can vary depending upon the tempo of the music. I rarely hit it too hard with the compressor, maybe 3db or so.
6
Now the trick is to get it to sit in the mix without dominating the other instruments. This will take some trial and error, but well worth the journey. Hey, at least the kick drum is amazing!
