Literally just had to come back and comment after giving this a try…this video is the real deal. I was not getting the results I wanted out of my snare, but as soon as I dialed it in as suggested I could hear the immense difference in body and punch. You really do have to crank these spots a bit more then you’d think. Just mix in context like he says and this method will get you that modern snare tone. Don’t skimp out on the low end 😅
Just remember folks that if you're using something else then the old Waves SSL-channel plugin, the frequencies are different. This plugin shows frequencies inaccurately. 2.5kHz is actually 3.2kHz, 900Hz is actually 730Hz, 200Hz is actually 170Hz. I like to use the old SSL Channel from time to time exactly because it shows frequencies inaccurately. Makes me use just my ears. Just a heads up!
@@gonpachio On Fabfilter Pro-Q 3 with a 6db/oct high shelf I get a very close match to the SSL plugin's 8kHz with a 6dB boost when the frequency value is set to 3.4kHz. But if you want the same sound, you'll have to use a LPF with it because the SSL plugin cramps the top end. Btw, I think my time with Waves has come to an end following their recent announcement. So no more occational usage for the SSL Channel or anything else they make.
couldnt have said better! its important to use your ears and these frequencies should only be seen as area somewhere around that! understanding the assignment and use your ears is the best way
@@Eurodrummer666 You'll find the answer to your question above. Someone else already asked about it. The question seems to be deleted, but my answer is still there.
I love these kinds of tutorials because I feel like so many producers come to this video for mixing snares for hip hop and here’s a video for mixing country and rock snares. Totally different and these mixing tricks are null for it
I usually do a shelf boost at 6k a 220hz boost and a 2k boost. For the cut I sweep around. Pretty close to what you do. I just looked at your cheat sheet and it is very close to what I do. It is great for beginners to intermediate engineers. Great advice!
I feel like most of the time when I am mixing something, if these approximate moves fail to improve the mix to what I want, I pretty much just give up on the source and retrack.
I recently came across your videos and they have helped me a lot, I am just starting out in this business, thank you very much, greetings from Chile 😃🤘
Dude that snare sound is night and day!!! Going to apply this to some tracks today had a couple grooves that I can hear need exactly this 👍🏼 very concise and to the point too man.. thank you for this great content!
Notice how the frequency potis are more or less set somewhere around 12o'clock. This explains why the SSL channel is the go to plugin for mixing drums for many of us.
Excellent advice, there are so many who regurgitate information from other mixers and its like whisper down the alley lol. While this may not be perfectly applicable in all situations, it is most helpful in each mix journey. Keep up the good vids and good vibes.
Sounds like exact drum part from drum center of Portsmouth's intro. Lol. Like exactly. Also thanks for the tip. My snare always lacks body and depth. Always seems to be the weakest of the kit when tracking. Latley been adding a sample to beef it up. Band works great. I know some folks hate samples but they sound pro and are kind of a must these days in my opinion. Thanks for the tips.
Get the drummer to use a decent snare drum. As a drummer it breaks my heart to see sound engineers completely change the character of the snare sound to suit what they think is the "right" sound. The right sound is how the drummer tuned their snare. At the same time though, the drummer should have a fresh head on and should have bothered to tune the head (drum really) well before starting recording.
for certain snares you might also want to boost or cut the resonant frequencies (the ones that have a clear pitch) depending on the mix, might sound good for the style you're going for
Agreed on this one. Some of our mixes we do sometimes we don't need that hiss at the end or the high chippy clear pitches you mention we typically cut them sucker off on purpose. Today's speakers even with flat settings still have high range so done want to be too pitchy
Out of the hundreds of videos and endless advice I must say your magic frequencies for mixing series it actually works every time. All of your contact is priceless and very educational,and I can’t thank you enough. Off topic are you from Canada?
yay! this is all exactly what i do too with the exception of the 600-900 cut. i haven't messed much with that range on snares in the past. i am going to keep that in mind going forward! i do feel like some character i liked in that snare has been deadened in a way i don't love, but i suppose is makes more room for vocals and guitars and stuff without getting rid of the punch-in-the-gut quality
600-900 is a where the sound of the wood lives.... I do a lot of drum sound design for edm and that's a good place to focus if you want to make the drum sound more "live" or acoustic. It can sound honky right there too so you have to be careful.
Amazing info, and thanks for the cheat sheet! Also that splashy hi hat snare roll groove is impressively hard to play. Props to whoever played on that track
Very valuable piece of knowledge! It worked like a charm for my band´s mix (i´m the drummer and the "mixing engineer"). I also noticed that reducing some low end and boosting just above it helps when a snare has been tuned way too low (I used wrong tuning before the session and didn´t want to sample replace). Hope my experience helps someone out there.
I loved the boosts, but I thought the cut made it sound a little flat. I definitely liked it before the cut. That's just preference, I guess. I would only cut if there's a ringing sound that I don't like. I love a nice snare, without a note ringing out. Great video!
☛ My Mixing Cheatsheet has the go-to starting points for snare and every other track in your mix. Grab it for free here: hardcoremusicstudio.com/mixcheatsheet
This whole series is great. Question: If you have the snare bottom and top on separate tracks, would yoou eq them separately or blend them to taste to an aux channel and then eq the blend?
You didn't mention the high pass you were using which looked to be around 60-70k. One of my favorite cuts to make is at 1k. I find it gives a more pointed sound to the low and high of the snare. Gives it a slight smack sound.
Great video man, thanks for sharing this stuff. I'm so glad you mentioned always make these changes in thr context of the mix (i.e. not in solo) - this was the hardest thing for me to get used to when I started mixing but since relinquishing my reliance on the solo button my mixes have gotten better.
Thanks dood, that cutting of 600 to 900 is gonna be useful. I was trying to figure out yesterday how to deal with the ring on the snare of a purl reference kit as I'm playing Coldplay in this mix which is obviously not metal
all very interesting... but I'm now wondering if all these adjustments are needed because the mic is the wrong one for the job. I know it is impossible to capture the perfect sound right away but minimum sculpting should be preferable. I don't mean to be polemical, this is just a thought I'm sharing.
What gate are u using for drums? Any favorites? Your channel is awesome. Will u please also do a video on overhead panning and mixing in with the rest of the kit. Phasing etc
do you normally apply both EQ boosts & cuts, before feeding the compressor? i figured cutting precedes compression, so it doesn't work as hard, then boost after compression.
Hola dsd Argentina!!!!!! Quisiera saber si puedo equalizar el tambor de esta manera desde la Behringer Xair 18 o debo conseguir otros programas? Muchísimas gracias
I recently found out on my snare I tuned a bit too low that adding a bit of 300 hz helped it to be heard in a mix. I also had to thin notch down some low frequencies at about 190 and 220 hz after doing a 200 hz large boost. This way my snare sounded fat without being "obese".
Jordan, you are so awesome 🤗 why do use the Waves SSL strip when you have the original SSL Duende Strip which sounds amazing!!!!??? The EQ is so much nastier...
Step 1: start with a snare that sounds good
So many shitty recordings out there waiting to blame the producer for not being able to polish the turd
Doh!
the raw recordings already sound so good, man.. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I thought the same
Not even bro they're clipping in the wrong way
Much appreciated. I graduated in engineering music producer graduate and I find your information greatly appreciated
Literally just had to come back and comment after giving this a try…this video is the real deal. I was not getting the results I wanted out of my snare, but as soon as I dialed it in as suggested I could hear the immense difference in body and punch. You really do have to crank these spots a bit more then you’d think. Just mix in context like he says and this method will get you that modern snare tone. Don’t skimp out on the low end 😅
Great great content. And of course the snare itself is very well tracked, and the drummer is playing very well. Can't fix that in post!
Just remember folks that if you're using something else then the old Waves SSL-channel plugin, the frequencies are different. This plugin shows frequencies inaccurately. 2.5kHz is actually 3.2kHz, 900Hz is actually 730Hz, 200Hz is actually 170Hz.
I like to use the old SSL Channel from time to time exactly because it shows frequencies inaccurately. Makes me use just my ears. Just a heads up!
@@gonpachio On Fabfilter Pro-Q 3 with a 6db/oct high shelf I get a very close match to the SSL plugin's 8kHz with a 6dB boost when the frequency value is set to 3.4kHz. But if you want the same sound, you'll have to use a LPF with it because the SSL plugin cramps the top end.
Btw, I think my time with Waves has come to an end following their recent announcement. So no more occational usage for the SSL Channel or anything else they make.
@@tomasniemisto4858 What did they announce?
couldnt have said better! its important to use your ears and these frequencies should only be seen as area somewhere around that! understanding the assignment and use your ears is the best way
What is Waves SSL´s 8000 hz? Is it higher or lower?
@@Eurodrummer666 You'll find the answer to your question above. Someone else already asked about it. The question seems to be deleted, but my answer is still there.
I love these kinds of tutorials because I feel like so many producers come to this video for mixing snares for hip hop and here’s a video for mixing country and rock snares. Totally different and these mixing tricks are null for it
I usually do a shelf boost at 6k a 220hz boost and a 2k boost. For the cut I sweep around. Pretty close to what you do.
I just looked at your cheat sheet and it is very close to what I do. It is great for beginners to intermediate engineers. Great advice!
I feel like most of the time when I am mixing something, if these approximate moves fail to improve the mix to what I want, I pretty much just give up on the source and retrack.
I recently came across your videos and they have helped me a lot, I am just starting out in this business, thank you very much, greetings from Chile 😃🤘
I know this is an old video, but your presenting style, coupled with your insights are a great resource! Subscribed!
Dude that snare sound is night and day!!! Going to apply this to some tracks today had a couple grooves that I can hear need exactly this 👍🏼 very concise and to the point too man.. thank you for this great content!
Your magic frequencies video have changed everything the ssl was so intimidating, thank you so much....please do some videos on hi hats on the ssl
I’m glad I stumbled across your channel you definitely provide a unique and simplified workflow thank you 🙏
Notice how the frequency potis are more or less set somewhere around 12o'clock. This explains why the SSL channel is the go to plugin for mixing drums for many of us.
Excellent advice, there are so many who regurgitate information from other mixers and its like whisper down the alley lol. While this may not be perfectly applicable in all situations, it is most helpful in each mix journey. Keep up the good vids and good vibes.
Great vid! also TOM IS BACK IN BLINK 182
Okay, this legit made my day. Probably, nostalgia overload. 😂
😄 it had to be said!!
Lol
Blink 182 sucks.
Who's back with who? 🤣
This was really helpful and instantly made my snares sound better on 3 different songs. Thanks.
Sounds like exact drum part from drum center of Portsmouth's intro. Lol. Like exactly. Also thanks for the tip. My snare always lacks body and depth. Always seems to be the weakest of the kit when tracking. Latley been adding a sample to beef it up. Band works great. I know some folks hate samples but they sound pro and are kind of a must these days in my opinion. Thanks for the tips.
Get the drummer to use a decent snare drum. As a drummer it breaks my heart to see sound engineers completely change the character of the snare sound to suit what they think is the "right" sound. The right sound is how the drummer tuned their snare. At the same time though, the drummer should have a fresh head on and should have bothered to tune the head (drum really) well before starting recording.
cheat sheet is what i was looking for the ages. simple explanation what to do. thanks a lot.
This magic frequency series is great! I hope to see one on toms. The bass video definitely leveled up my mix.
for certain snares you might also want to boost or cut the resonant frequencies (the ones that have a clear pitch) depending on the mix, might sound good for the style you're going for
Agreed on this one. Some of our mixes we do sometimes we don't need that hiss at the end or the high chippy clear pitches you mention we typically cut them sucker off on purpose. Today's speakers even with flat settings still have high range so done want to be too pitchy
Out of the hundreds of videos and endless advice I must say your magic frequencies for mixing series it actually works every time. All of your contact is priceless and very educational,and I can’t thank you enough.
Off topic are you from Canada?
Thank you man for all the advices through all your videos! You are give this community so much bro!!
thank you , very clear advises , subscribed today , i jump on the comp EP to ear your sight on this
Reinventing the wheel: that's something I've been guilty of when it comes about mixing... Thank you so much for your content, as always, top notch!
Big boost on top end and a fairly boost on low end gets you 80% of your snare sound.
Thanks for the tip!
This is absolutely great mixing snare tutorial. 👏
This is fantastic advice thanks so much. Subscribed and racking up the views.
yay! this is all exactly what i do too with the exception of the 600-900 cut. i haven't messed much with that range on snares in the past. i am going to keep that in mind going forward! i do feel like some character i liked in that snare has been deadened in a way i don't love, but i suppose is makes more room for vocals and guitars and stuff without getting rid of the punch-in-the-gut quality
Straight to the point. Great video! :)
This is helpful video at least for someone like me who's not a drummer. Helps to narrow it down and gives a solid starting point. Keep em coming!
600-900 is a where the sound of the wood lives.... I do a lot of drum sound design for edm and that's a good place to focus if you want to make the drum sound more "live" or acoustic. It can sound honky right there too so you have to be careful.
those are absolutely unwanted frequencies for rock and metal
Dang, even on my iPhone speaker, I could hear the difference.
Great video, definitely subscribing!
Amazing info, and thanks for the cheat sheet! Also that splashy hi hat snare roll groove is impressively hard to play. Props to whoever played on that track
Great work.. Thank you for sharing such great material for free!
you have a video on treating room mics?
Very valuable piece of knowledge! It worked like a charm for my band´s mix (i´m the drummer and the "mixing engineer"). I also noticed that reducing some low end and boosting just above it helps when a snare has been tuned way too low (I used wrong tuning before the session and didn´t want to sample replace). Hope my experience helps someone out there.
I loved the boosts, but I thought the cut made it sound a little flat. I definitely liked it before the cut. That's just preference, I guess. I would only cut if there's a ringing sound that I don't like. I love a nice snare, without a note ringing out. Great video!
love your tutorials ....thank yuososo much from colombia
actually worked, thanks.
☛ My Mixing Cheatsheet has the go-to starting points for snare and every other track in your mix. Grab it for free here: hardcoremusicstudio.com/mixcheatsheet
An awesome video....great work!
Thank you for sharing your mixCheatSheet.
God bless you.
This videos are wonderful (as is the cheat sheet) - thank you & keep up the great work!
damnd man ... just tried and it works straight away . great tip , thnx
I like your teaching style... thank you for this content!
frequency #3 was an eye-opener for me
also the idea of post eq compression. Thanks!
This video is very helpful, thank you. I'll go try it out now!
first thing i recomend to do is to check phase between drum set instruments, it always helps!!!!
I usually like to boost the 180 freq. It's not too harsh but just enough to add some low end and fatten the sound of the snare.
Thank you for sharing all this incredibly impactful knowledge. You are my mixing mentor!
I'm looking at the mix cheat sheet right now (THANK YOU!) and I'm wondering... is there EVER a time for SLOW release on compression?
Hi! Could you please add magic frequencies for bottom snare! Thanks!!!
thanks so much... it's really useful for me :)
Are theses the same drum tracks on the intro to Drum Center of Portsmouth videos?
Спасибо вам и вашему каналу. ваше видео больше всего помог мне по эквализации SSL .👍👍👍
Thanks. Excellent video.
Thanks for doing these videos!!
ever try 820 boosted i find that can give some great stuff to add on the low and high
Great! Exactly hat I was searching for - thanks for the insight! 👌
This whole series is great. Question: If you have the snare bottom and top on separate tracks, would yoou eq them separately or blend them to taste to an aux channel and then eq the blend?
Nice and very good one , video, tutorial. . . Thumbs Up Jordan 👍💪✌
You didn't mention the high pass you were using which looked to be around 60-70k. One of my favorite cuts to make is at 1k. I find it gives a more pointed sound to the low and high of the snare. Gives it a slight smack sound.
he may not have mentioned it because it's more of a given.
Interesting, I usually like to boost at 1/1.5K to have the midrange of the snare. I guess it depends on the snare itself
Definitely gonna try this dude! Thanks 🤘🍻
Thank you! This was very helpful and I'll be using this advice in my next remastering session :D
your snare track sounds awesome. I cannot make mine sound like that. It's driving me crazy.
Great video man, thanks for sharing this stuff. I'm so glad you mentioned always make these changes in thr context of the mix (i.e. not in solo) - this was the hardest thing for me to get used to when I started mixing but since relinquishing my reliance on the solo button my mixes have gotten better.
Thanks dood, that cutting of 600 to 900 is gonna be useful. I was trying to figure out yesterday how to deal with the ring on the snare of a purl reference kit as I'm playing Coldplay in this mix which is obviously not metal
Try cutting specifically 830hz, Seems to be a good starting point
Thanks for this Jordan !
this is free gold thanks man
THANK YOU!
Great video, thanks!
all very interesting... but I'm now wondering if all these adjustments are needed because the mic is the wrong one for the job. I know it is impossible to capture the perfect sound right away but minimum sculpting should be preferable. I don't mean to be polemical, this is just a thought I'm sharing.
you're thinking in the right direction, however I can guarantee you're never going to find a mic that makes a snare sound like this off the bat!
Damn! i was one of those trying to reinvent the wheel HAHA! Thanks Jordan!
Looks like the high boost around 8k is a shelf? Just wondering since the bell button is not on. Thanks man! Sounds awesome!
Yes, it is!
Exactly - playing with the bell on 8k sometimes reduces some of that cymbal bleed ;)
Thanks, very useful video
Amazing, thank you man
What gate are u using for drums? Any favorites? Your channel is awesome. Will u please also do a video on overhead panning and mixing in with the rest of the kit. Phasing etc
Dang that was a great video! Now I gotta try it out!
do you normally apply both EQ boosts & cuts, before feeding the compressor? i figured cutting precedes compression, so it doesn't work as hard, then boost after compression.
Thanks a ton !!!❤
Hola dsd Argentina!!!!!! Quisiera saber si puedo equalizar el tambor de esta manera desde la Behringer Xair 18 o debo conseguir otros programas?
Muchísimas gracias
Do you ever change the slope?
Does this work for every single microphone and preamp you might use on a snare?
Thank you! :-)
I recently found out on my snare I tuned a bit too low that adding a bit of 300 hz helped it to be heard in a mix. I also had to thin notch down some low frequencies at about 190 and 220 hz after doing a 200 hz large boost. This way my snare sounded fat without being "obese".
Killer content bro!
Jordan, you are so awesome 🤗
why do use the Waves SSL strip when you have the original SSL Duende Strip which sounds amazing!!!!???
The EQ is so much nastier...
This is great!
Isn’t that the intro to DCOP channel? (Drum center of Portsmouth)
ur content is perfect
Is that the intro of "Drum Center of Portsmouth"??
Very useful. thank you very much. You've solved my problem 🙂
thanks a lot. Mixing snare is always a headache for me. Anymore :)
Great stuff Jordan -- thanks!
Superb video, thanks!
Okay I have to know, is that drum track the Drum Center of Portsmouth channel's intro, or does it just sound like it?
Hola! Qué conviene hacer primero. Ecualizar o comprimir?
Thx can’t get away from basic eq since I’m doing Motown
love your tutorials now my drums will pass the car test
Great Vídeo. Very informative and helpful. You should do the same for Bass drum, Toms and Cymbals! :) Cheers.