Tuning kicks when layering

[bigdaveo11]

when you guys layer your kicks (or snares or w/e) do you usually tune each individual sample so the same note or how do you go about doing this? if at all. I normally tune my kicks to the key of the song to help them gel better with the bass...any thoughts on this as well are appreciated.

ALSO trying to determine the most efficient way to re-tune kicks in Logic. I figured I could load them individually into a sampler and map them across the keyboard then plug in a midi note at a certain pitch and bounce this to audio but this doesn't seem very "efficient" if you will.

thank you!

[e-motion]

I don't do it. I think it trashes the sample too much, I end up prefering the untunned version. I try choosing samples that combine well.

[ehbes]

no, like emotion, i just pick samples that compliment each other

[Eat Bass]

only certain songs really call for a tuned kick like maybe a 4 to the floor song so the bass drum compliments the song in the same key. but for dubstep and the like i don't find it necessary to tune drums. sometimes it can be cool to tune toms or any percussive blips you have to the song key though.

[akyu]

If your using Ableton use the Frequency Shifter instead of repitching.

It will maintain the character of the kick better

But I don't repitch my kicks ever. I just find/make kicks that already hit at the frequency I want.

[jaimelee]

With kicks, personally it's most probable that the key they are in produces the best outcome for that individual hit.

[drift]

i tune all my drum / perc hits even when layering them.


whatever works for you or sounds good though tbh

[bigdaveo11]

good point^ thanks guys. So it was already mentioned the best way to re-tune them in ableton using the freq shifter instead of repitching, any other suggestions for a Logic user? I currently use the ESX24 and I am just getting into KONTAKT as well.

So lets say I retune a few kick samples and layer them together. I would then bounce that kick drum as a whole, then being able to retune that layered kick to my bassline. In regards to the bassline, do you usually then re-tune your kick to the key of the song or how do you go about matching the bassline and the kick together? possibly retuning so they are at a consonant harmonic interval or???

Sorry i continually confuse myself and I know it is better to go by ear just seeing what others have to say. really appreciate the responses/opinions.

[jaimelee]

Not trying to seem like a complete idiot here but if they are in a basic same key at root, would you not lose out on some power if the sub and kick melds together? ( This being before EQ and Compression work of course )

Having it slightly out or tuned to a matching area might be beneficial in that respect, but who am I to say.
All about opinion and if it works together anyway.

[dubesteppe]

i usually pitch my kicks down a couple semitones so it hits lower

[press]

alot has been covered here so not much to add, but i just wanna put my two cents in and say that imo layering percussion especially kicks is hardly needed on every tune, in fact i havent layered a kick in a long time. there are soooo many good drum samples out there that dont need layering that it seems a waste of time to try to get a rad kick out of two or more layers. I usually look for a transient shaper before another kick on top. usually get that attack clackin and it cuts though nice.

as for tuning on the rare occasion i do tune my kick or snare it does usually end up being that thing that gels it all together.

In logic try the pitch shifter ii plug. put the mix all the way up click the drum box and move a semitone or two and usually your good.

[3rdeye]

whatever works for you or sounds good though tbh

[_v_]

whatever works for you or sounds good though tbh

this.

[bigdaveo11]

sounds good, thanks again guys!

[Jas0n]

Ever tried building a kick from the ground up? You can make it sound however you want. Not sure what options Logic offers for that kind of thing but in FL, the Sytrus synth is great for making unique, custom, specific percussion. It's just sine waves and envelopes man.

[bigdaveo11]

yup ive watched some tutorials on creating kicks, havent experimented too much but I should try that out instead of just browsing samples/layering samples. Kind of off topic of the thread but ive been experimenting with looping the tails of 808s and other samples to use as a bassline, some interesting results. Anyway...Thx!

[lloydy]

I never tune my kicks.The only elements of my drums i might tune are hats,snares and crashes.

[lloydy]

wrong thread woops

[JTMMusicuk]

im never normally arsed about tuning my kick unless im layering two kicks together then i make sure theyre tuned to the same note as each other

[DrSpliff]

Duplicating a kick and then transposing can work very well, doesn't have to be a perfect 12 semitones up or down either, depending on the drum sample each semitone will sound a bit different. Some will fit well, some won't.