Nova Zhang
Death metal is an extreme form of music that requires extreme plugin settings to capture its unique sounds. The kick drum is an integral part of the genre, and achieving the right sound can be tricky. The desired result is a heavy, clicky sound, and this can be achieved through a variety of methods, including specific microphones and their placement, as well as EQ and compression techniques.
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What You'll Learn
- Mic placement: Point the mic at the beater to pick up the click
- Use a high-shelf band: Reduce 3-14khz frequencies to avoid harshness
- Compression: Aim for 10db at a 4:1 ratio with a slow attack and fast release
- EQ: Cut the mids and boost the low end for a heavier sound
- Kick drum tuning: Tune the drum low and use a hard beater
Mic placement: Point the mic at the beater to pick up the click
When it comes to achieving the desired death metal kick sound, mic placement plays a crucial role. To capture the sought-after "click," pointing the mic directly at the beater is essential. This technique allows for a more pronounced capture of the click, providing the foundational element for the distinct death metal kick.
For optimal results, consider the following insights. Firstly, the type of beater used can influence the sound. A hard beater, when combined with a kick drum tuned low, can enhance the desired effect. Additionally, the use of a click pad on the drum head, coupled with wooden or plastic beaters, contributes to a more pronounced click.
Secondly, the placement of the mic relative to the kick drum itself is of utmost importance. A recommended approach is to position the mic in the center of the kick drum, allowing half of the mic to extend beyond the front of the kick head, while the other half remains inside. This setup enables a more direct capture of the click, enhancing the overall sound.
It is worth noting that different microphones may require specific placements to achieve the best results. For instance, with a D112 mic, you may need to adjust the EQ settings to achieve the desired sound. This may involve reducing frequencies in the 200-500Hz range and boosting the high shelf between 5-6k.
Lastly, experimentation is key. Don't be afraid to adjust EQ settings, play with mic distances, and explore different combinations of beaters and drum heads to find the sweet spot for your unique death metal kick sound. Remember, while the "click" is essential, it's the overall sound and feel that matter, so let your creative instincts guide you in crafting the perfect death metal kick.
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Use a high-shelf band: Reduce 3-14khz frequencies to avoid harshness
When it comes to achieving the perfect death metal kick drum sound, one important consideration is the use of a high-shelf band to reduce frequencies between 3kHz and 14kHz. This technique may seem counter-intuitive, but it is crucial to prevent harshness and avoid overwhelming the mix.
In the context of EQing, a high-shelf band is used to adjust frequencies above a certain threshold, known as the "set frequency". For example, in death metal, you might choose to set this threshold at 3kHz or 10kHz. By reducing the frequencies in this range, you can tame harsh high-end sounds and create a smoother, more polished mix. This is particularly important when mixing death metal drums, as the kick drum tends to have a lot of energy around 60 Hz, which can clash with other instruments if not carefully controlled.
When reducing high-end frequencies, it's important to make subtle adjustments to avoid overdoing it. A few decibels reduction in the 3kHz to 14kHz range can go a long way in softening the harshness of the kick drum without losing the desired brightness and presence in the mix. Additionally, it's crucial to consider the overall frequency response of the album to maintain consistency across all tracks.
To achieve the desired death metal kick drum sound, a combination of techniques is often employed. This includes using specific microphones like the Audix D6, which can capture the high-end click when placed inside the kick drum. Another technique is to use a click pad on the drum head along with wooden or plastic beaters to enhance the click sound. Processing the kick sound after tracking can also help to fine-tune the desired effect.
In summary, reducing 3-14kHz frequencies using a high-shelf band is an essential technique in mixing death metal kick drums. This reduction helps to tame harshness and prevent the high-end from overwhelming the mix. By making subtle adjustments and considering the overall frequency response of the album, engineers can create a cohesive and powerful death metal sound.
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Compression: Aim for 10db at a 4:1 ratio with a slow attack and fast release
When it comes to the kick drum in death metal, there are several techniques and considerations to keep in mind to achieve the desired aggressive and powerful sound. One crucial aspect is compression, which plays a significant role in shaping the kick's dynamics and impact.
To achieve a punchy and pronounced kick sound in death metal, aim for around 10dB of compression at a 4:1 ratio. This setting strikes a balance between retaining the dynamic range and adding intensity to the kick drum. By using a slow attack and a fast release, you can preserve the initial impact of the kick while quickly reducing the gain, ensuring the kick stands out in the mix without muddying the overall sound.
A slow attack setting allows the initial transient of the kick drum to come through unaffected, resulting in a sharp and immediate impact. This is crucial for creating the aggressive feel characteristic of death metal. Conversely, a fast release setting quickly reduces the gain after the initial attack, preventing the kick from dominating the mix and allowing other elements to breathe.
It's important to note that these settings are a starting point and can be adjusted to taste. Depending on the specific mix and the characteristics of the kick drum, you may need to fine-tune the compressor's settings. Additionally, the use of samples and EQ techniques, as mentioned in other sources, also plays a significant role in achieving the desired death metal kick sound.
By combining compression with careful sample selection and EQ adjustments, engineers can create a powerful and distinct kick drum sound that suits the aggressive nature of death metal. These techniques help shape the dynamics, tone, and overall impact of the kick within the mix, contributing to the intense and energetic feel that defines the genre.
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EQ: Cut the mids and boost the low end for a heavier sound
To achieve the desired death metal kick sound, it is crucial to focus on the EQ settings and make adjustments to enhance the overall impact. One essential technique is to cut the mids and boost the low end, resulting in a heavier and more powerful sound characteristic of death metal.
When it comes to cutting the mids, a moderate to wide band can be used to scoop out a significant portion of the mid-range frequencies. This technique is key to achieving that signature over-processed death metal kick sound. By reducing the mids, you create space for the other elements of the drum kit, such as the snare and cymbals, to shine through without being overpowered by the kick drum.
Boosting the low end, on the other hand, adds depth and weight to the kick sound. This can be done using a low shelving band to increase the prominence of the sub-frequencies. However, it is important to strike a balance, as too much boosting can result in an overly boomy or muddy sound. Fine-tuning the low end ensures that the kick retains its clarity and definition while still delivering that sought-after heavy punch.
Additionally, it is worth noting that while cutting the mids and boosting the lows are crucial steps, EQ alone might not be sufficient to achieve the full death metal kick sound. Compression also plays a vital role in shaping the character of the kick drum. Aim for around 10dB of compression at a 4:1 ratio, using a slow attack and a fast release to preserve the transients and make the kick drum pop out in the mix.
Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment and make adjustments based on your specific needs. The beauty of audio engineering lies in the ability to tailor the sound to your unique artistic vision. Remember that there are no one-size-fits-all settings, and the specific EQ and compression settings will depend on the characteristics of your kick drum and the overall mix.
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Kick drum tuning: Tune the drum low and use a hard beater
To achieve the desired death metal kick drum sound, one crucial aspect is the tuning of the drum itself, specifically tuning it low. This means reducing the tension on the drum head, which results in a lower pitch. By tuning the drum low, you can achieve a deeper and more powerful sound that is characteristic of the heavy and aggressive nature of death metal.
When tuning the kick drum low, it is important to use a hard beater to strike the drum head. A hard beater, typically made of wood or plastic, produces a sharper and more pronounced attack with a strong initial impact. This contributes to the desired "'clicky' sound that is often sought after in metal kick drums. The combination of a low-tuned drum and a hard beater creates a unique tone with a blend of low-end punch and high-end click.
To further enhance the sound, consider using a microphone positioned inside the kick drum to capture the high-end click. Experiment with different types of microphones, such as the Audix D6, to find the one that best suits your needs. Additionally, play with the microphone placement by adjusting its position relative to the beater and the drum head. This will allow you to find the sweet spot that captures the desired sound.
Another important factor is the use of samples. While it is common to use samples to replace or layer over the natural kick drum sound in modern metal, it is not always necessary. Samples can provide timbre consistency and make equalization easier, especially when dealing with inconsistent drumming. However, using a sample may take away from the creative recording process. Ultimately, the decision to use samples depends on artistic preferences and the specific requirements of the song.
Finally, when it comes to equalization (EQ), don't be afraid to experiment and make bold adjustments. Boosting a narrow EQ band can help enhance the click sound, and you can use a low shelving band to bring out the sub-frequencies if the click becomes too prominent. Reducing the mids can also contribute to that over-processed death metal kick sound. Play with different settings and trust your ears to find the right balance that fits within the mix while maintaining the aggressive and extreme nature of death metal.
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Frequently asked questions
Use a clear kick head and a plastic or wood beater. You can also buy little things to put on the head on the point of contact that will accentuate the click sound from the beater.
Audix D6 works nicely, as do PZM mics like Shure beta91 and Sennheiser e901.
There are no magic numbers, but generally, you want to reduce the mids and boost the highs. Aim for about 10dB of compression, at a 4:1 ratio, using a slow attack and a fast release.
Channel strip plugins like SSL emulations work well for rock/metal. For compression, a FET-style compressor is a good choice.
Try using a hard beater head, such as wood or plastic, and consider adding something like a quarter or a silver dollar under your kick pad to accentuate the click.
