When it comes to equalizing your drums, don't mess around. The drums represent the heart of your mix & should be treated with respect. Below are some invaluable secrets from ModernBeats for EQ'n drums for Hip Hop:
Frequency Selection - If your serious about obtaining a clean
and punchy sound for your drums, then you'll quickly learn you must be selective
in the frequencies you should to boost and cut for each drum track. Most important
to remember - Avoid accumulation of the same frequencies. Particularly, avoid
over boosting low end frequencies. This will only muddy up your drums, as well
as, mask other important tracks in the mix. Ensure your drum frequencies are
even across the board!
Clean it Up - To achieve an overall punchier & cleaner
mix, try cutting low end frequencies between 250 - 500hz on drum tracks such
as kicks & toms. Cutting frequencies in this range will actually sharpen
up drum tracks that sound too bold, harsh, & up-front. For punch, try adding
250 - 350hz into your snare & clap tracks. This will give more snap &
body to the rhythm, as well as, balance out where your cut previously on your
kick & tom tracks.
Adding Clarity - Cutting out the low frequencies from 100-200hz
on cymbal & hi-hat tracks will add clarity while also allowing the other
drum tracks that contain natural lows in those same ranges to come through in
the mix. Also, boosting highs from 9khz - 12khz will add brilliance to cymbal
tracks & boosting around 8khz will add crackle to your snare & clap
tracks. If your not satisfied with the depth & feel on your kick tracks,
then add a 4db boost at 40hz using a narrow Q of around 20. This will give the
kick tracks the punch you're looking for. But ...don't forget...high pass your
sub kick tracks from 34hz & below, canceling out unwanted low end rumble.
ModernBeats - Modern Toolz 4 Hip Hop Production
Related: Hip Hop Rap Music Production
