When it comes to mixing drums, the age-old question remains: what do you put on a drum bus? The answer, much like the perfect mix, is a nuanced and highly subjective one. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of drum bus processing, exploring the various techniques, plugins, and secrets that top engineers use to craft punchy, polished, and professional-sounding drums.
The Importance of the Drum Bus
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of drum bus processing, it’s essential to understand why the drum bus is such a crucial element in the mixing process. The drum bus, in simple terms, is a submix of all the drum tracks, allowing you to process and control the overall sound of the drums as a cohesive unit. This single bus serves as a central hub, where you can make adjustments to the tone, dynamics, and balance of the drums, without affecting the individual tracks.
By grouping the drum tracks together, you can:
- Create a more focused and cohesive sound
- Save valuable processing power and CPU resources
- Make sweeping changes to the drum sound without affecting the rest of the mix
The GO-TO Drum Bus Plugins
When it comes to drum bus processing, there are a handful of plugins that have become industry staples. These plugins are often used in combination with one another to create a unique sound that complements the music.
Compressors
Compressors are arguably the most critical component of drum bus processing. They help control the dynamic range of the drums, allowing you to even out the levels and create a more consistent sound. Some popular compressor plugins for the drum bus include:
- Fairchild 670: A classic compressor emulating the legendary hardware unit
- LA-2A: Another iconic compressor plugin, known for its smooth and warm tone
- FabFilter Pro-C2: A highly versatile and customizable compressor plugin
EQs
Equalizers are used to shape the tone of the drums, highlighting or attenuating specific frequencies to create a balanced sound. When it comes to the drum bus, EQs are often used to:
Accentuate the Kick
Add weight and body to the kick drum by boosting frequencies between 60-80 Hz.
Tame the Cymbals
Reduce harshness and sizzle by cutting frequencies above 5 kHz.
Enhance the Snare
Add punch and attack to the snare by boosting frequencies between 100-200 Hz.
Some popular EQ plugins for the drum bus include:
- FabFilter Pro-Q3: A highly precise and customizable EQ plugin
- Neve 1073 EQ: A classic EQ plugin emulating the legendary Neve console
- Pultec EQ: Another iconic EQ plugin, known for its smooth and musical tone
Drum Bus Processing Techniques
Now that we’ve covered the essential plugins, let’s dive into some advanced drum bus processing techniques used by top engineers.
Parallel Processing
Parallel processing involves creating a duplicate of the original drum bus, processing it heavily, and then blending it back in with the original. This technique allows you to add depth, weight, and character to the drums without affecting the original sound.
NY Compression
NY compression, popularized by legendary engineer Chris Lord-Alge, involves using a compressor with a slow attack and fast release to create a “squashed” sound. This technique adds punch and energy to the drums, making them sound more aggressive and in-your-face.
Multi-Band Compression
Multi-band compression involves dividing the frequency spectrum into multiple bands, allowing you to compress each band individually. This technique provides precise control over the dynamics of the drums, allowing you to target specific frequency ranges and create a more balanced sound.
Drum Bus Chain Philosophy
The order in which you chain your plugins can have a significant impact on the final sound of the drums. Here’s a general philosophy to follow:
Compressor > EQ > Saturation
- Compressor: Control the dynamic range and even out the levels.
- EQ: Shape the tone and balance of the drums.
- Saturation: Add warmth, character, and depth to the drums.
However, this is not a hard and fast rule. Experimentation is key, and the best drum bus chain will always depend on the specific music and desired sound.
Real-World Examples
Let’s take a look at how some top engineers approach drum bus processing in their own mixes.
Chris Lord-Alge
CLA is known for his aggressive and punchy drum sounds. In his mixes, he often uses a combination of parallel compression, NY compression, and multi-band compression to create a powerful and driving sound.
Andrew Scheps
Andrew Scheps, known for his work with Red Hot Chili Peppers and Weezer, often uses a more subtle approach to drum bus processing. He focuses on enhancing the natural tone of the drums, using gentle compression and EQ to create a balanced and polished sound.
Conclusion
The drum bus is a complex and nuanced beast, requiring a deep understanding of tone, dynamics, and balance. By mastering the art of drum bus processing, you can take your mixes to the next level, crafting drums that sound powerful, polished, and professional. Remember, the key to a great drum bus is experimentation, patience, and a willingness to push the boundaries of what’s possible. So, go ahead, get creative, and unleash your inner drum guru!
What is a drum bus and how does it affect my mix?
A drum bus is a group of tracks that contain all the drum elements in your mix, such as the kick, snare, toms, and overheads. It’s a key element in achieving a balanced and cohesive sound in your music. When combined, these tracks can make or break the energy and dynamics of your song. A well-crafted drum bus can elevate your entire mix, while a poorly mixed drum bus can make your song fall flat.
By grouping these tracks together, you can gain more control over the overall drum sound, making adjustments to the tone, level, and spatiality of the entire drum kit. This allows you to create a more cohesive and balanced sound that translates well across different playback systems. A good drum bus can also help to create a sense of space and depth in your mix, making the drums sound more expansive and engaging.
How do I set up a drum bus in my DAW?
To set up a drum bus in your DAW, start by creating a new auxiliary track and labeling it as your drum bus. Then, route the outputs of all your individual drum tracks to this new bus track. You can do this by creating a new send on each drum track and assigning it to the drum bus. Make sure to set the send to “post-fader” so that the level of the send is affected by the fader level of the individual drum track.
Once you’ve set up the routing, you can start processing the drum bus with EQ, compression, and other effects to shape the overall sound of your drums. You can also use the drum bus to create parallel processing chains, where you duplicate the drum sound and process it differently to create a unique tone. By setting up a drum bus, you’ll have more control over your drum sound and be able to make adjustments quickly and easily.
What are some common drum bus processing techniques?
There are several common drum bus processing techniques that can help you achieve a polished and professional sound. One popular technique is to use a gentle compressor to even out the dynamics of the drum bus, bringing up the level of the quieter hits and controlling the peaks. You can also use EQ to boost or cut specific frequencies in the drum sound, such as adding weight to the kick or brightness to the snare.
Another technique is to use parallel processing to create a unique tone. This involves duplicating the drum bus and processing it differently to create a distinct sound. You can then blend this parallel bus with the original drum sound to create a more interesting and complex tone. Additionally, you can use stereo widener plugins to enhance the spatiality of the drum sound, making it sound more expansive and engaging.
How do I choose the right compressor for my drum bus?
Choosing the right compressor for your drum bus depends on the specific sound you’re trying to achieve and the tone of your drums. If you want a more aggressive and punchy sound, you may want to use a compressor with a faster attack and release time. If you want a smoother and more even sound, you may want to use a compressor with a slower attack and release time.
Some popular compressors for drum buses include the LA-2A, 1176, and FabFilter Pro-C2. These compressors offer a range of tonal options and can be used to create a variety of different drum sounds. It’s also important to experiment with different compression ratios and thresholds to find the right balance for your drum bus. By finding the right compressor and settings, you can create a more polished and professional drum sound.
Can I use a drum bus on other instruments besides drums?
While the term “drum bus” implies that it’s only for drums, the concept can be applied to other groups of instruments as well. You can create a bus for your bass tracks, guitar tracks, or even your entire mix. This allows you to process and shape the sound of multiple tracks together, creating a more cohesive and balanced sound.
By applying the same principles of drum bus processing to other instruments, you can create a more unified and polished sound across your entire mix. This can be especially useful when working with layered sounds or multiple tracks that need to blend together. By grouping these tracks together and processing them as a unit, you can create a more cohesive and professional sound.
How do I balance my drum bus with the rest of the mix?
Balancing your drum bus with the rest of the mix is crucial to creating a well-balanced and professional sound. One key thing to keep in mind is the level of the drum bus compared to the rest of the mix. You want the drums to sit well with the other instruments, neither overpowering them nor getting lost in the mix.
To balance your drum bus, start by adjusting the level of the bus to find the right balance with the rest of the mix. You can also use EQ to carve out space in the mix for the drums, making sure they’re not clashing with other instruments. Additionally, you can use compression and other dynamics processing to control the level of the drums and create a more even sound.
Can I use a drum bus in a live mixing scenario?
Yes, you can definitely use a drum bus in a live mixing scenario. In fact, a drum bus can be especially useful in live sound applications where you need to make quick adjustments and have limited time to tweak individual tracks. By processing the drum bus as a unit, you can make broad adjustments to the drum sound and create a more polished and professional sound.
To use a drum bus in a live mixing scenario, you’ll need to create a subgroup on your mixing console that includes all the drum tracks. You can then process this subgroup with EQ, compression, and other effects to shape the overall drum sound. This can be especially useful when you need to make quick adjustments to the drum sound during a performance. By using a drum bus, you can create a more cohesive and polished sound, even in the fast-paced world of live mixing.