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I was listening to this in my car today and was wowed by the drums. One thing that stood out was the riff that's like 2x louder than the rest of the drum parts. I am guessing that the riff was recorded separately and set to a higher level to make it stand out.

But if this is the case then how do you bump the riff without red-lining the mix? Do you have to lower all the other parts a few steps just so the drum riff can stand out without clipping?

Also do you think the riff was recorded with a different mic or setup or maybe more eq because the riff just sounds so much punchier and in your face...I think I am in love with it.

http://www.box.net/shared/l6ngb03vp6

Comments

anonymous Wed, 03/11/2009 - 21:57

Volume isn't just the fader being turned higher. If a mix is limited heavily, when other instruments stop or get softer for a second, all of the other elements will increase in volume to fill the space.

But yes, in the mix, before mastering, you would mix the new drums where you want them without clipping, then drop the other instruments down.

If you heavily compress a drum bus with a medium attack, you can raise the apparent volume considerably because no notes fall out. Also increasing mid range EQ can add to apparent volume without actually increasing it much.