How to Mix Drums
(BEGINNERS GUIDE)
One of the biggest mistakes PEOPLE make when mixing is reaching for plugins too early
It’s too easy to reach for Compression, EQ and Saturation when starting a mix but all of a sudden you’re swimming in plugins and effects and somehow everything just feels a bit flat.
That’s when people reach for presets and AI tools which promise to cure all! But they don’t actually work, I see it time and time again with my clients.
It’s the balance between instruments that tells me what the mix needs. That’s why I start by building a solid fader balance first. This guide walks you through a simple method for starting a mix that trains your ears and helps you build a strong foundation.
If you're learning how to mix your own music, this is the place to begin. If you'd rather have an experienced engineer help you finish your track, you can also explore my services here
“The balance of the instruments tells me what the mix needs"
Step 1: Start With The Drums
Go to the loudest part of your song, usually the last chorus.
Bring up the kick drum until it peaks at unity gain or around –12 on your master fader. Then mute it.
Working at the loudest section means you won't run out of headroom later in the mix.
Step 2: Set the snare drum
Do the same with the snare, bring it up to the same peak level.
Then unmute the kick and listen to both together.
Do they feel like they have the same impact?
Step 3: Bring in the hi-hat or cymbal
Raise the hi-hat until the top end sits well with your snare.
You might want the snare's top end to dominate, or you might prefer the hi-hat to sit forward.
Gently explore that relationship until it feels good.
Step 4: Overhead and room mics
If you have overhead mics, bring them up until they glue the drums together and give them a sense of being in a real space.
Pay close attention to the clarity of the the close mics. You’ll want to make sure these poke through nicely.
Try it louder, try it quieter. Go with what feels natural.
Do the same with any room mics.
You’re trying to add cohesion and depth, back them off when they start to cloud the clarity of the close mics.
Step 5: Second kick mic and snare bottom
If you have a second kick mic or a snare bottom mic, bring each one up until it adds to the overall picture.
Then ask: do they feel better louder or quieter? Let your ears answer, there's no right setting.
Step 6: Toms and percussion
Bring in any toms or percussion.
Focus on their midrange and bring them up until they feel spatially close to your kick and snare, like they live in the same room.
SUMMARY & NEXT STEPS
With everything up, you have an overall picture of the kit. It's completely normal if you have problems like this;
Boomy, muddy low end
Harsh or brittle-sounding cymbals
Some elements too loud, others too quiet
The kit feels a little weak or lacking punch
Why no EQ or compression yet? Because balance tells you what you actually need. Engineers who reach for plugins first end up solving imaginary problems and missing the real ones. Once you've nailed the balance, you'll know exactly where to start processing, and why.
PHASE PHASE PHASE
The next step is checking phase - if this is a live recorded drum kit or even a virtual instrument or sample library - this step is vital!!!
If your mix feels close but something still isn’t clicking, sometimes you just need a fresh perspective.
Either remotely or from my studio we can get your song across the line.
Ready to get started?
Fill out the form and tell me about your project!