Mixing Live Drums

Whether you’re mixing rock, blues, country or any other style of music, this easy lesson is guaranteed to provide tips and tricks for getting your drum mix sounding pro. This video is perfect for producers and mixing engineers of any level, from beginner to pro. We will be working in Presonus Studio One 4, and using plugins from Softube, including the revolutionary Softube Console 1 mixing plugin control surface. Even if you’re not using Studio One or Softube Console 1, you can follow along with these simple steps in any DAW and using any plugins of your choice.

Drums Signify the Heartbeat of a Track

Drums are the heartbeat of almost every style of music in the world. Because of the advent of software instruments, many engineers don’t often get the opportunity to practice mixing a live drum kit. Because of this, it can be very intimidating and confusing to work on mixing a full kit. We often record drum kits with a lot of microphones – spot mics on the top and bottom of the snare drum, mics for each tom, mics on the kick drum, overheads, room mics… there’s usually a lot going on.

If you’re unfamiliar with working with so many mics for a single element of a song, it can get overwhelming fast. But in this simple mixing tutorial video, we take you through the process of getting a great drum sound in a simple step-by-step way that is guaranteed to make mixing drums a breeze. The most important thing to keep in mind through the whole process is the role of each part of the drum set and its corresponding microphone. In the video, we go through each element and discuss what it’s doing, why, and how to get it to sound its best. It can be easy to over-mix drums and apply too many effects to each element. While this can sound good with each mic soloed, when you bring them all together you can encounter problems with balance and overall tone. Following along with our simple video tutorial will help prevent this common problem.

Fundamentals

Alex from Consordini will walk you through an easy workflow that will get your drums sounding full, rich and natural every time. If you’re not working with Studio One or Softube Console 1, that’s OK – these steps can be followed in any major DAW, including Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Cubase, Nuendo, Reaper, Garage Band, Audacity, FL Studio, or Ableton. You can use plugins from any manufacturer, including Waves, Slate Digital, McDSP, or anything else. The important thing is understanding the fundamentals of how to use EQ, compression, gating, and other basic audio tools to get your drums sounding great. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or expert engineer or producer, this mixing lesson is guaranteed to get your drum mixes sounding more polished, consistent and professional.

Wireless Mini Microphone for iPhone, Android - 2 Pack Lavalier Microphone for Video Recording, 2 In 1 Noise Reduction Lapel Mic for Ipad, Clip-on Mini Mic with USB-C for Content Creators Podcast

Wireless Mini Microphone for iPhone, Android - 2 Pack Lavalier Microphone for Video Recording, 2 In 1 Noise Reduction Lapel Mic for Ipad, Clip-on Mini Mic with USB-C for Content Creators Podcast

Studio-Quality Sound: Experience broadcast-ready audio with the ZOPPLM mini microphone. This high-sensitivity microphone delivers recording studio vocal clarity,...

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

MAYBESTA Wireless Mini Microphone for iPhone, Android Phone - 2 Pack Lavalier Lapel Mic for Audio Video Recording - Clip on Content Creator Microphones for YouTube Tiktok Podcast Vlogging

MAYBESTA Wireless Mini Microphone for iPhone, Android Phone - 2 Pack Lavalier Lapel Mic for Audio Video Recording - Clip on Content Creator Microphones for YouTube Tiktok Podcast Vlogging

Wider Compatibility: No matter what kind of phone device you have, the wireless mini mic is compatible with...

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

Pyle Portable VHF Wireless Microphone System - Professional Battery Operated Handheld Dynamic Unidirectional Cordless Microphone Transmitter Set W/Adapter Receiver, for PA Karaoke DJ Party, Black

Pyle Portable VHF Wireless Microphone System - Professional Battery Operated Handheld Dynamic Unidirectional Cordless Microphone Transmitter Set W/Adapter Receiver, for PA Karaoke DJ Party, Black

VHF NARROW BAND: These cordless microphones for singing feature VHF audio transmission for unsurpassed performance w/ high signal...

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

PQRQP 3 in 1 Wireless Lavalier Microphone for iPhone Android & Camera, Mini Clip-On Mic for Video Recording TikTok YouTube Interview, Noise Cancelling, 328ft Range, 18H Battery, Instrument

PQRQP 3 in 1 Wireless Lavalier Microphone for iPhone Android & Camera, Mini Clip-On Mic for Video Recording TikTok YouTube Interview, Noise Cancelling, 328ft Range, 18H Battery, Instrument

Crystal-Clear Audio: The wireless microphone delivers high-quality audio, easily create on-the-go content with PQRQP's noise-cancelling technology. Record confidently...

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

You May Also Like