As professional audio engineers and sound designers, we're always on the lookout for ways to help fellow producers and musicians achieve that polished, punchy sound in their mixes.
One of the key elements in modern music production is ensuring that your kick and snare cut through the mix with authority. Today, we’ll share some tried-and-true techniques to get your kick and snare punching through the mix using sidechain, with a focus on manual volume automation.
We’ll also touch on a handy tool, 'Duck' by Devious Machines, which can speed up the process for those on a budget.
Why Manual Volume Automation?
Manual volume automation is the gold standard for side-chaining. While it’s more time-consuming than using plugins, it offers unparalleled control and precision. And the best part - it's FREE!!!
By manually adjusting the volume of your tracks, you can avoid potential phasing issues that sometimes occur with VST plugins. This ensures your kick and snare always hit hard and remain crisp in the mix.
In the image above is an example of us cutting the bass out when the kick and snare hit. The shape and length of the automation depends on the length and body of your kick and snare.
Below is a step by step guide on how to achieve this.
Step-by-Step Guide to Manual Volume Automation
1. Identify the Elements: First, identify the elements in your mix that are competing with your kick and snare. These are usually basslines, pads, or any other low-frequency sounds that might mask your drums.
2. Set Automation Points: In your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), locate the volume automation lanes for the tracks that are clashing with your kick and snare. Set automation points at the start and end of each kick and snare hit.
3. Create Automation Curves: Create volume dips everytime your kick and snare hit. The dips should be quick and sharp, just enough to allow the kick and snare to punch through. Adjust the curve to ensure a smooth transition back to the original volume, avoiding any abrupt changes that could be noticeable.
4. Fine-Tune the Automation: Listen to the entire mix and fine-tune the automation curves. Ensure that the dips are deep enough to make a difference but not so deep that they make the other elements disappear.
5. Adjust for Dynamics: Remember that not all kicks and snares are created equal. Some hits might need more space than others. Adjust your automation points dynamically to match the intensity of each drum hit.
Speeding Up the Process
If you’re looking for a quicker solution, 'Duck' by Devious Machines is an excellent and affordable plugin that simplifies the sidechaining process. While it doesn’t offer the same level of control as manual automation, it’s a fantastic tool for those on a tight schedule or budget (it's currently €20 from their website).
Using 'Duck':
Load 'Duck': Insert 'Duck' on the track you want to sidechain (e.g., your bassline or pads).
Set the Trigger Source: Choose the track that will trigger the sidechain, typically your kick or snare.
Adjust the Envelope: 'Duck' allows you to shape the volume envelope with precision. Set the attack, hold, and release times to ensure your kick and snare have the space they need. The visual interface makes it easy to see how the volume is being affected.
Fine-Tune the Parameters: Adjust the depth and shape of the ducking effect to achieve the desired punch. 'Duck' also offers sidechain filtering options to focus the effect on specific frequency ranges.
Wrapping Up
Whether you opt for manual volume automation or a tool like 'Duck' by Devious Machines, achieving a punchy kick and snare is well within your reach. Manual automation remains the ideal method for those seeking absolute control and avoiding phasing issues, while 'Duck' provides a budget-friendly and time-efficient alternative.
At VibeSynth, we believe the best part is that these tricks are free to learn and apply, empowering you to elevate your mixes without breaking the bank. Happy mixing, and may your kick and snare always punch through the mix with precision and power!