

Multi-band compression allows you to compress each frequency range separately, making it easy to adjust the balance of a mix. That’s where multi-band compression comes in. It can be especially difficult to apply compression when one frequency range is significantly louder than the others. With most modern tracks, the kick and bass tend to be a focal point of the mix.

Set the attack and release time to breathe with the tempo of the track-slow attack times are best for emphasizing punch, while fast attack times can help make a mix feel tighter and more controlled. To accomplish this, use a high ratio and moderate amounts of gain reduction. Because of this, I typically use compression to enhance the groove of the song and glue tracks together for a more cohesive sound. With old-school sub-genres like boom-bap, there tends to be less of a contrast between the low and high end, which makes it easier to evenly apply compression. To avoid this, I typically take one of two approaches, depending on the style of track. Because of this, vocals can quickly start to sound over-compressed when applying more compression. With most hip hop songs, the vocal is typically very upfront and heavily compressed. Problems with the vocal tend to occur around 3-6 kHz, while issues with the cymbals are typically closer to 6-8 kHz.įinally, use an analog-modeled EQ like those from Maag-or a silky-smooth EQ plug-in like Soothe-to add brilliance using a high-shelf. First determine if the vocals or cymbals are causing the problem, then try to isolate the specific frequency. The frequency range will vary depending on the track. Next, use a de-esser to tame any sibilance in the high-end. Start by using a surgical EQ like MIXROOM to remove any unwanted resonances, typically caused by problems with the recording. To solve this issue, we suggest a three-pronged approach. However, this can cause the vocals or cymbals to sound harsh, aggressive or sibilant.
Best spotify equalizer settings for rap professional#
Often, mixes will require a significant boost above 10 kHz to achieve that professional radio polish.

It also helps instruments to cut through the mix, despite all of the low-end. With hip hop, it’s common to boost the high end to help accentuate the vocals and cymbals. You may also need to make a cut around 160 or 320 Hz to reduce muddiness.įinally, use an analog-modeled shelf EQ with a smooth bottom-end like a Pultec to boost or cut the lows, depending on what the song needs. When working with 808s, the root frequency will be the most dominant, and often needs to be tamed. Then, use a surgical EQ like BASSROOM to correct any resonances. Use a high pass filter to roll off any unneeded low-end-typically around 30 Hz or so. To accomplish this, it’s important to make sure that the kick and bass are working together in the mix. You should be able to feel the kick in your chest, without it rattling the trunk of your car. It needs to be powerful and present, but never muddy or muffled. Just drag and drop your reference tracks into the Wave Transport, click the level match button, and check the Trinity Display for detailed visual insights to help you match the tonal balance, punch, and stereo width of your reference tracks.Īrguably, the most important frequency range in any hip hop track is the low-end. REFERENCE makes it easy to quickly compare your mix to multiple tracks. You’ll use these as a reference to help guide your decisions while mastering. Start by finding three to five similar tracks that you think sound great-even if it’s just the sound of the bass in one track or the sound of the vocal in another. From the sounds of classic boom-bap and G-funk records of the 90s to the slick aesthetic of modern trap and melodic rap sub-genres, it’s important to have a goal in mind when mastering. The sound of hip hop has changed a lot over the years-especially in the last decade or so. In this blog, we’ll break down a few of our favorite tips for mastering hip hop to help you dial in the perfect sound. Plus, there’s a wide range of sub-genres, each with their own unique sound. It can be difficult to balance the exaggerated lows and highs-especially without making your mix sound muddy or harsh. Hip hop can be a particularly challenging genre to master.
