Magic Compressor Settings for KICK & SNARE

Summary

This instructional video offers a detailed guide on setting compression for kick and snare in a rock drum mix. The presenter uses a track to demonstrate the process, focusing on the importance of slow attack and fast release settings to emphasize the initial hit's transient for a modern, punchy sound. He recommends the SSL Channel plugin for its simplicity and sound quality, and provides a visual aid by processing a waveform to illustrate compression effects. The tutorial also covers drum bus compression for additional punch and introduces parallel compression for an aggressive, explosive drum sound. A free mixing cheat sheet with go-to settings is available for download, ensuring viewers can apply these techniques effortlessly.

Takeaways

• 🎚️ The video is focused on teaching how to set compression for kick and snare in a rock drum mix.
• 🔗 The speaker provides a free mixing cheat sheet with go-to compression settings for various tracks, including kick and snare, and EQ starting points, available at mixcheat.com.
• 📍 For close mic compression on the drum kit, use a slow attack and fast release setting to emphasize the transient of the hit and achieve a punchy sound.
• 🔊 The SSL Channel plugin is the speaker's go-to for drum tracks due to its simplicity and sound quality.
• 👂 A 3:1 to 4:1 compression ratio is typically used for drums to achieve the desired effect.
• 📊 The importance of a slow attack is demonstrated visually through waveforms, showing how it allows the initial transient to pass before compression kicks in.
• 🔁 A fast release is crucial to avoid squashing the sound and to ensure the compressor can return to normal before the next hit.
• 🔄 The video demonstrates how to achieve similar compression settings using different plugins, including a stock Avid compressor.
• 🔄 The speaker explains the use of a drum bus compressor with a 2:1 ratio for a subtle punch and snap to the overall drum sound.
• 🔄 Parallel compression is introduced as a technique to create an aggressive, punchy sound, using a 10:1 ratio on a separate drum bus called 'crush'.
• 🔧 The final step involves blending the compressed 'crush' bus with the regular drum bus to achieve the desired modern rock drum sound.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is how to set up compression settings for kick and snare in a drum mix.

What is the purpose of using a slow attack in drum compression?

A slow attack allows the initial transient of the drum hit to pass through the compressor before it starts reducing the level, which emphasizes the transient and gives the drum a sharper attack and punch.

What role does the fast release setting play in drum compression?

A fast release ensures that the compressor fully lets go before the next drum hit, preventing the compressor from being in the middle of returning the signal to the original level and affecting the full strength of the next hit.

What is the recommended compression ratio for drum tracks according to the video?

The video suggests using a 3:1 or 4:1 ratio for drum tracks, which is generally suitable for achieving a punchy drum sound.

What is the purpose of the 'crush' bus in the video's drum mixing approach?

The 'crush' bus is used for parallel compression to add an aggressive, pumpy front-end attack to the drum sound, enhancing its character and making it more explosive.

How does the video demonstrate the effect of compression on drum sounds?

The video demonstrates the effect of compression by showing waveforms before and after compression, as well as by playing audio examples with and without compression applied.

What is the SSL Channel plugin mentioned in the video?

The SSL Channel plugin is a compressor plugin used in the video for its simplicity and sound quality, particularly for drum tracks.

How does makeup gain in a compressor work?

Makeup gain in a compressor automatically turns the signal back up to compensate for the amount of volume reduction that has occurred due to compression, ensuring the overall level of the sound is maintained.

What is the significance of the sustain and ring in drum compression?

The sustain and ring are important because they contribute to the tone and character of the drum sound in a mix, especially as more compression is applied.

What is the recommended approach for setting up compression on the drum bus according to the video?

The video recommends using a 2:1 ratio with a slow attack and fast release on the drum bus for a more controlled and natural sound, with just a couple of dB of gain reduction.

How can the compression settings discussed in the video be applied to electronic drum sounds?

The same compression settings can be used for electronic drum sounds or EDM to enhance punch, attack, and make the sound pop and explode out of the speakers.

Where can viewers find the free mixing cheat sheet mentioned in the video?

Viewers can download the free mixing cheat sheet from mixcheat.com or through a link provided in the video description.