Mixing Drums Using Producer Kits in Logic Pro

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore how to mix drums using Producer Kits in Logic Pro. This guide will take you through the essential steps to achieve a professional sound, including setting up your tracks, using buses, and applying compression and EQ techniques. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your mixing skills, this tutorial will provide you with actionable insights to enhance your drum mixes.

Step 1: Adding a Drummer Track

• Open Logic Pro and create a new project.
• Go to the menu bar and select Track > New Tracks.
• Choose Drummer from the options and select a drummer that fits your genre.
• Click Create to add the drummer track to your project.

Step 2: Loading Producer Kits

• With your drummer track selected, navigate to the Library on the left side.
• Browse through the available Producer Kits.
• Click on a kit to load it into your project. This will provide you with various drum sounds suited for your mix.

Step 3: Explaining Track Stacks

• Select multiple tracks (e.g., kick, snare, toms) that you want to group together.
• Right-click on one of the selected tracks and choose Create Track Stack.
• Choose Folder Stack or Summing Stack depending on whether you want to route them to a bus or keep them separate.
• This will help you manage your tracks more efficiently.

Step 4: Bussing Multiple Mics Together

• Create a new auxiliary track by going to Track > New Tracks and selecting Aux.
• Name the aux track (e.g., "Drum Bus").
• On each of your microphone tracks, route the output to the aux track using the output section in the mixer.
• This allows you to control the overall drum sound from one track.

Step 5: Mixing Kicks

• Solo the kick track to focus on it.
• Use an EQ plugin to enhance the low frequencies around 60-100 Hz for punch.
• Apply compression to control dynamics, setting a moderate attack and a fast release.

Step 6: Mixing Snares

• Solo the snare track for detailed mixing.
• Use EQ to cut frequencies that may muddy the sound, typically around 200-400 Hz.
• Boost frequencies around 1-3 kHz for clarity and presence.
• Apply compression to add sustain and impact.

Step 7: Mixing Overheads

• Solo the overhead tracks and listen to how they capture the cymbals and overall kit.
• Use EQ to roll off low frequencies below 200 Hz.
• Adjust levels to ensure the overheads complement the kick and snare well.

Step 8: Mixing Hi-Hats

• Solo the hi-hat track and adjust its level to blend well with the rest of the kit.
• Use EQ to reduce harshness around 3-5 kHz if necessary.
• Consider adding a slight stereo width for more space in the mix.

Step 9: Panning Drums

• Pan your drum tracks to create a natural stereo image:
  • Kick: Center
  • Snare: Center
  • Hi-hat: Slightly to the right
  • Toms: Alternating left and right
  • Overheads: Wider spread for depth

Step 10: Balancing the Whole Kit

• Play the entire kit and adjust the volume levels of each track to achieve a balanced mix.
• Use faders to ensure that no individual sound overwhelms the others.

Step 11: Mixing Room Mics

• If you have room microphones, solo them to assess their impact on the overall sound.
• Use EQ to add warmth or clarity as needed.
• Blend the room mics subtly into the mix to enhance the spatial quality.

Step 12: Drum Bus Compression

• Insert a compressor on the drum bus auxiliary track.
• Set a low ratio (around 2:1), with moderate attack and release settings.
• Adjust the threshold to achieve a desired level of compression, enhancing overall drum coherency.

Conclusion

Mixing drums in Logic Pro using Producer Kits involves a series of steps that enhance clarity, punch, and presence in your tracks. By grouping tracks, applying EQ and compression, and balancing levels, you can create a professional drum mix that stands out. Remember to experiment with different settings and trust your ears as you refine your sound. For further learning, consider exploring more advanced techniques or check out the complete Drummer tutorial linked in the video description.