Mix with the Masters
Sidechaining kick and 808: Clean low end, loud mixes
Jaycen Joshua demonstrates the power of sidechain compression and multi-band compression to achieve a clean and loud low-end mix, particularly when working with bass, kick, and 808 elements. By using the Oeksound Soothe plugin, he effectively controls unwanted frequencies and ensures clarity and separation between these low-end components. Joshua emphasizes the importance of identifying the main kick drum and removing unnecessary layers to avoid clutter. He duplicates the kick track, placing it just below the bass, and uses it to trigger the sidechain compression, allowing the bass to dip subtly when the kick hits. This technique not only prevents frequency masking but also gains additional headroom, making the mix louder without sacrificing quality. He also highlights the versatility of sidechain compression across genres, from subtle applications to more pronounced effects in EDM.
URM Academy
Low-end clarity through kick-bass sidechaining
Will Carson demonstrates his approach to using sidechain compression in the low-end, drawing inspiration from Jason Joshua, to craft a powerful, punchy low-end while maximizing headroom and loudness. By applying the Oeksound Soothe plugin on the bass bus and all low-end elements like 808s, Carson ensures the kick drum cuts through the mix. This technique ducks the bass whenever the kick hits, allowing the sub frequencies of the kick to dominate without overwhelming the mix, thus preventing muddiness. This method is essential for achieving a punchy, clear low-end that feels substantial without actually increasing the low-end content, optimizing headroom and overall loudness in the mix.
Mix with the Masters
Extend kick sustain for bigger impact
Jaycen Joshua demonstrates how to enhance the impact and power of a kick drum by extending its sustain. While he doesn't specify the tool used, a transient shaping tool would achieve this result quickly and efficiently. He explains that a longer sustain makes the kick sound bigger to the listener, even if the initial hit remains unchanged. This technique is particularly useful when increasing the attack or volume of the kick would negatively affect the mix. By simply lengthening the kick's duration, you can achieve a more powerful sound without increasing volume, providing a practical solution for achieving a bigger kick in your mix.
Mix with the Masters
Get 808s to cut through with parallel distortion
Jaycen Joshua demonstrates how to make 808s cut through a mix using parallel distortion with the UA Ibanez® TS808 Tube Screamer plugin. In the parallel path, he begins by rolling off unwanted high frequencies using the FabFilter Pro-Q 3, focusing on reducing everything above 129 Hz to clean up the sound. This approach allows him to add his own upper harmonics with the Tube Screamer, resulting in a more musical and pleasing presence without harshness. By emphasizing these upper harmonics, Joshua ensures that the 808s remain audible even on speakers that lack sub-bass response, achieving a balanced and impactful low-end that stands out in the mix.
Waves
More weight for 808 and kick
Leslie Brathwaite uses Waves plugins to add more weight and body to 808s and kicks in hip-hop tracks. He starts with the Waves LoAir to enhance the low-end, giving the 808 that essential "oomph" and shaping its thickness. For further tonal shaping, Brathwaite employs the Waves SSL E-Channel EQ to dial in the chest frequencies and refine the low-end. This approach helps the 808 and kick sit well in the mix without overpowering other elements. Additionally, he uses the Waves PuigTec EQ to add more thump to the kick. Brathwaite emphasizes pushing EQ parameters to extremes initially and then dialing back to find the perfect balance, ensuring the changes are perceptible and effective.
Universal Audio
Enhance an 808's low-end with a resonant high-pass filter
MixedbyAli uses the UAD Little Labs Voice Of God, a resonant high-pass filter with a narrow-Q boost around the cut-off frequency, to enhance the low-end and add fullness to 808s and basses.