MIXING DRUMS with STOCK PLUGINS

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on mixing drums using stock plugins in Cubase. By following these steps, you can enhance your drum tracks without relying on third-party plugins, ensuring your mix sounds professional and polished.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Drum Tracks

• Begin by importing your drum audio files into Cubase.
• Organize your tracks for better workflow:
  • Kick
  • Snare
  • Hi-hats
  • Toms
  • Overheads
• Label each track clearly to avoid confusion during the mixing process.

Step 2: Balancing Levels

• Adjust the volume levels of each drum track to find a good balance.
• Start with the kick drum as your foundation:
  • Set the kick to a prominent level that drives the mix.
• Gradually bring in other elements:
  • Snare
  • Hi-hats
  • Toms
  • Overheads
• Use the fader to ensure no track overwhelms the others.

Step 3: Applying EQ to Each Track

• Use Cubase’s built-in EQ to shape the sound of each drum:
  • Kick: Boost around 60-100Hz for punch, cut around 300-500Hz to reduce muddiness.
  • Snare: Boost around 200Hz for body, cut at 400Hz to remove boxiness, enhance around 5kHz for snap.
  • Hi-hats: Cut low frequencies below 200Hz to clean up the mix.
• Make subtle adjustments to maintain natural sound.

Step 4: Adding Compression

• Apply compression to control dynamics and add punch:
  • Kick Drum: Use a ratio of 4:1 with a fast attack and release.
  • Snare Drum: Similar settings as kick, but adjust the threshold to taste.
• Monitor the sound while adjusting parameters to ensure the drums remain lively.

Step 5: Panning for Space

• Use panning to create a wider stereo image:
  • Kick: Center
  • Snare: Center
  • Hi-hats: Slightly to the right
  • Toms: Spread across the stereo field
  • Overheads: Wide left and right
• Listen to how the panning affects the overall balance of the mix.

Step 6: Adding Reverb

• Apply reverb to create depth:
  • Use a short reverb time for snare to retain punch.
  • For overheads, use a longer reverb to enhance space.
• Adjust the wet/dry mix to prevent the drums from sounding washed out.

Step 7: Final Adjustments

• Revisit each track and make final tweaks:
  • Adjust levels, EQ, and compression as needed.
  • Listen to the mix in different environments (headphones, monitors) for consistency.
• Use reference tracks to compare and ensure your mix stands up to professional standards.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively mix drums using stock plugins in Cubase. Remember to keep your workflow organized, make subtle adjustments, and always trust your ears. Consider downloading the Mixing Live Drums Cheat Sheet for additional tips, and explore the resources available on the Mixdown Online website to further enhance your mixing skills.