How to EDIT DRUMS in CUBASE 9.5 - mixdown.online

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of editing drums in Cubase 9.5, based on the techniques shared by Chris Selim in his video. You'll learn how to enhance your drum tracks, making them sound polished and professional. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, this step-by-step guide will help you improve your drum editing skills.

Step 1: Import Your Drum Tracks

• Open Cubase 9.5 and create a new project.
• Import your recorded drum tracks by dragging and dropping the audio files into the project window or using the "File" > "Import" option.
• Ensure that each drum component (kick, snare, hi-hat, etc.) is on its own track for easier editing.

Step 2: Arrange Your Tracks

• Organize your tracks in a logical order (e.g., kick on top, snare below, etc.) to keep your workspace tidy.
• Label each track clearly for easy identification.
• Adjust the track heights for better visibility of waveforms, which will help during editing.

Step 3: Quantize Drum Hits

• Select the drum track you want to edit.
• Open the "Quantize" panel by selecting the relevant audio events.
• Choose the desired quantization grid (e.g., 1/16, 1/8) based on your song's tempo.
• Click "Apply" to align the drum hits to the grid. This will tighten the rhythm and improve timing.

Step 4: Edit Individual Hits

• Zoom in on the audio waveform to clearly see individual hits.
• Use the "Cut" tool to trim any unwanted sections before or after hits.
• Adjust the gain levels of each hit using the "Volume" fader to ensure a balanced sound.

Step 5: Apply Fades and Crossfades

• Select audio events and apply fades to eliminate any clicks or pops at the beginning or end.
• To create a crossfade between two overlapping audio clips, select both clips and use the "Crossfade" option from the menu.
• This will create a smooth transition between hits, enhancing the overall sound quality.

Step 6: Use Effects for Enhancement

• Add effects such as EQ and compression to individual drum tracks to improve their tone.
• For instance:
  • Use EQ to boost low frequencies on the kick drum.
  • Apply compression to the snare for added punch.
• Experiment with different settings to find what works best for your mix.

Step 7: Create a Drum Mix

• After editing, listen to the drum mix in context with other instruments.
• Adjust the levels of each track to achieve a balanced sound.
• Use panning to create space in the mix, placing elements like the hi-hat slightly to one side.

Conclusion

Editing drums in Cubase 9.5 can greatly enhance your music production. By following these steps—importing tracks, arranging, quantizing, editing individual hits, applying fades and effects, and mixing—you'll create professional-sounding drum tracks. Remember to experiment with different effects and settings to develop your unique sound. For more advanced techniques, consider exploring additional tutorials or the Mixdown Zone for further resources. Happy editing!