How Loud Should My Drums Be? And Other Unanswerable Questions

Summary

This video offers invaluable advice on mixing music, focusing on common challenges like drum levels, dynamics, and compression. The speaker emphasizes the importance of finding balance in mixes, using loudness to improve detail perception, and using compression to shape dynamics. The advice encourages beginners to embrace experimentation and not be afraid to overdo things, as this helps build ear training and better mixes. The speaker stresses the importance of working quickly, listening with fresh ears, and developing a personal 'mixing chops' collection of techniques. Overall, it's a practical guide to mastering mixing skills through trial, error, and refinement.

Takeaways

• 😀 Drums should be mixed louder than you think, especially if you're unsure about their volume. Start with -23 LUFS on the master channel for an ideal starting point.
• 😀 The correct volume for drums depends on the overall balance of the mix, not absolute values. Trust your ears and ensure your drums are well-balanced with other elements.
• 😀 Compression is crucial in modern music production. If you're unsure how much to use, try over-compressing and then dialing it back to find the sweet spot.
• 😀 Mixing is an artistic process, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Focus on what sounds right to you rather than relying on specific numbers or standards.
• 😀 Peak meters are useful to avoid clipping, but they don't tell you about the perceived loudness of a track. Use average signal levels (like LUFS) to set proper loudness levels during mixing.
• 😀 Mix at loud levels to help your ears perceive subtler details and ensure better judgment for EQ, compression, and reverb adjustments.
• 😀 Mixing too quietly can lead to missing out on important details in your sound. Once the mix sounds good at loud levels, you can fine-tune it at lower levels for overall balance.
• 😀 Always start by balancing the volume levels across all elements of your mix. This is the foundation of a good mix.
• 😀 Don’t be afraid to revisit your settings. Mixing is an iterative process where decisions are refined as the context of the mix evolves.
• 😀 A good mixing workflow involves quickly tackling the most obvious issues (like frequency clashes or unbalanced dynamics) without overthinking each change.
• 😀 Saturation and distortion can help enhance perceived dynamics and make your mix feel fuller. Use these effects carefully—too much can clutter the mix, but a little can add warmth and character.

Q & A

Why is it important to start with a rough volume balance in the mix?

Starting with a rough volume balance is crucial because it sets the foundation for the entire mix. Without a proper balance, other adjustments, such as EQ and compression, may not work effectively. The volume balance ensures all elements are properly placed within the mix before any further processing is applied.

How can you tell if your drums are too quiet in the mix?

If you find yourself asking how loud your drums should be, it’s a sign they may be too quiet. If they were at the right level, you'd likely be satisfied with the sound and wouldn't need to question it. The best way to check is to isolate the drums and ensure they have a strong presence in the mix.

What is the recommended level for drums in the mix, and why?

Drums should initially be set to around -23 LUFS short term on the master channel, with the master fader at unity. This ensures you're working with average signal levels, not just peak levels. This level may seem quiet compared to streaming services but provides a solid starting point for the mix, and loudness can be adjusted during mastering.

Why should you mix at a louder volume than normal?

Mixing at a louder volume helps you hear more subtle details in the sound, which makes it easier to judge EQ, compression, and other parameters. Louder volumes also improve your ability to detect problems with balance and dynamics, especially with drums. However, be cautious not to damage your hearing.

What is the role of compression in music production?

Compression is used to control the dynamic range of a track, making quiet parts louder and loud parts quieter. It helps shape the sound, providing punch, groove, and glue to elements like drums and vocals. Compression is essential for achieving the desired dynamics in modern music, particularly in genres that rely on strong drum sounds.

What should you do if your mix sounds unrelentingly bad while experimenting with compression?

If your mix sounds bad when applying heavy compression, try using a different compressor. Sometimes a different compressor or a different setting (such as attack and release times) can lead to a more desirable result. Keep experimenting until you find a setting that works for the specific sound you’re aiming for.

How can you improve your drum sound using compression?

To improve the drum sound, use compression to shape the transients and make the drums punchier and more aggressive. Setting the compressor to a fast attack time can help control the initial transient, giving the drums more impact. A release stage with moderate settings can add energy and enhance the groove.

Why is saturation important in mixing, and how should it be used?

Saturation adds harmonic complexity to a mix, making elements sound warmer, thicker, or more detailed. It can also increase the perceived loudness of a track. Apply a small amount of saturation to most elements in the mix, but avoid overdoing it, as too much saturation can cloud the mix and make it sound messy.

What is the best way to approach mixing dynamics across different tracks?

Mixing dynamics across different tracks involves experimenting with compression and EQ to ensure each element sits well in the mix without overshadowing others. Use compression to shape the sound and adjust attack and release times for each element to fit together. It's also important to continuously adjust your settings based on the overall context of the track as you add more elements.

How can you avoid getting stuck in a loop of continually adjusting levels in a mix?

To avoid getting stuck in a loop, focus on setting an initial rough balance for all elements of the mix and avoid overthinking each adjustment. Once you have a basic mix, work quickly to address the most obvious issues, and don't hesitate to revisit settings as the mix evolves. The goal is to make progress and not spend excessive time on each element, allowing you to finish more mixes and learn faster.