Mixing Drums with Jeff Sandstrom
Explore the process of integrating a well-mixed drum kit into the full band mix. The focus is on maintaining the drums’ prominence. It’s important to ensure they work harmoniously with other instruments. Jeff Sandstrom discusses techniques to enhance the drum’s presence and energy in the overall mix. He covers adjusting individual drum levels, as well as using parallel compression, referred to as the “smash group.”
Key Points:
- After achieving a satisfactory drum sound, the next step is to blend it with other instrument groups, such as guitars, bass, and keyboards.
- The primary goal is to keep the drums upfront and driving the rhythm, especially in uptempo songs.
- Challenges include ensuring the drums don't get lost amidst the complexity of the full band.
- The "drum smash group" is a parallel compression technique. It emphasizes the drums' driving force, particularly the kick and snare.
- Individual drum levels may be adjusted first to balance the kick and snare with the rest of the band.
- The tutorial demonstrates how adding more kick drum helps it cut through the mix. It does so without interfering with the bass guitar.
- Increasing the snare drum volume is crucial. It helps it sit right behind the vocal, providing clarity and drive.
- The smash group is used dynamically within the song. It varies between verses and choruses to provide the necessary energy and drive.
- The process involves a delicate balance of individual drum input levels. It also considers the overall effect of the smash group.
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