> Step by step

2. Drum kit components

1

ToneSpot CM is well-equipped for drum processing. Start by loading the Snare.wav track with an instance of ToneSpot CM. Select preset Bright Punch Snare from the Drum folder, set metering to gain reduction and the output level to AGC. The preset thickens and brightens the snare, and as we increase the Input the compression adds a nice fatness.

2

Our second snare-specific preset is Double Comp Snare. As the name suggests, this is a compression-heavy preset, and certainly works blended in using the Dry Mix. However, it also sounds good driven hard. On the Snare.wav track try gradually increasing the Input level. When you get about 10dB and beyond, the snare develops a really nice snap.

3

The final snare preset is Fat Smash Snare. This is a much darker setting, and straightaway you can hear the EQ in the preset thickening up the sound. This is ideal for adding weight to a weedy snare but on our Snare.wav track it’s clearly a bit too much. Nevertheless, try using the Dry Mix for a more suitable outcome.

4

For kick drum select the Kick.wav audio and load up preset Fat Rock Kick. Set the metering to gain reduction and activate the output AGC. This preset adds thickness to the kick sound. Now try increasing the input level. You’ll hear more compression but also a bit more attack. We’ve found our desired sound with the input set to 13dB.

5

The next kick preset, Heavy Click Kick, is very different. This adds a much more obvious attack but also thins out the kick quite a bit. Once again we find our sweet spot by increasing the input (14dB), and by using the Dry Mix we can blend in some of the original kick to taste.