|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,831
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,831 |
Snap Goes the Snare
Floyd Jane asked me about my mixing technique on the song "Summer Chaser".
I am using a technique that is new to me. It was one of those "Ah Ha" moments.
With the style of music I’m writing and recording these days, it has only now dawned on me that the snare is the anchor to everything else.
Although my method is anything but precise this method has brought me better results than anything I’ve tried up until now (July 2017)
What I’m doing now to get the snare and kick to pop:
Working with a full drum kit in BIAB, the first thing I must do is trust that it was recorded properly and that I can work with it. It is.
On a “Kit” track I start with an eq plugin where I roll off some of the deep lows (around 40 to 50 hz - always to feel within the song)
Then a touch of compression. I have a CA something-or-other plugin with two knobs – simple.
Then I add the wonderful Izotope Neutron; hit analyze and let it go! Then I work with the transient shaper’s presets to emphasize the snare any way that will work and adjust the slider if needed.
Then I send the “Kit” to a “KitnBass” track with the bass guitar. (I use the eq masking feature on Neutron to set the bass guitar to dynamically interact with the frequencies of the Kit track below100-200 Hz. Setting the bass to expand and the kick to reduce 1 to 2 db each.)
Then I apply Izotope’s eq from Ozone 7 on the "KitnBass" bus track and use the mid side option (this is the new part for me). For the kick and snare, with the mid option selected I change whatever frequencies it takes to emphasizes the snap of the snare (I start with reducing at 200Hz and play from there) also in the mid option eq I subtract some of the higher frequencies.
In the side eq option I use a high pass filter and roll off the bottom until it sounds tight in the middle of the stereo field. This tightens up the snare and kick focus. And because the whole kit is one track I raise the high frequencies to sweeten the cymbals (in the side channel.)
Finally, I use a send on the “kit” track to a bus with a plate verb. And add an eq after the verb then tweak to once again emphasis the snap of the snare.
Next, in the context of the song I will send all the guitars and pianos and just about everything else to a “music” bus then add an eq with the mid-side option selected and do the opposite (in general) taking away some of the mid frequencies in the mid option and adding some mid fq (body)and some highs to the side option. ( I will also add a hall type verb with 0 pre-delay to the “music” bus through a send and eq that verb.)
Then, because my room (I mean my Studio) under-represents the low end, I over-compensate the lows and have to mix, re-mix and re-mix... Lol!
All feedback and enlightenment welcome.
Last edited by gruverider; 07/31/17 08:18 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,495
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,495 |
Lawrence,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this. Just a couple of days ago I was thinking about how my drum sound is one of the weaknesses in my productions. What you've put down here will help me no end. I'm looking forward to giving your ideas a test run!
All the best,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,883
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,883 |
Lawrence,
Thanks for the in-depth explanation. Those drums on "Summer Chase" sound great... I've not used side-chain eq before - will need to explore that...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414 |
I agree with Noel - some very good food for thought here! I'm going to have to try some of these when I have a moment.
I personally like putting a bit of compression on my snares to give it a nice "snap," if you would. I also have taken a liking to layering additional kicks underneath my snares to add a bit of oomf.
Cheers,
Deryk
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 221
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 221 |
Mid side processing sounds like a great way to deal with a whole drum kit where you can't get 'under the hood'. I've noticed that more plugs are coming out with this option. M/S compression could be worth a try too.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,086
Posts800,012
Members40,031
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean