Denver Recording Studio

Here’s a quick way to get more snap, punch or crack out of your snare drum recording!Why settle for a static snare when you can get dynamic? I like to use a technique called multing. For instance, start by creating 2 duplicates of your snare drum track. Leaving the original snare drum effects alone, create a time delay insert on both of the duplicated snare drum tracks - I typically delay them at different lengths.  

If you want more body to your snare, perhaps try using a pitch shift down and adding an EQ boost in the 400hz-800hz range on one of the duplicates. If you want more snap in the snare, on the other duplicated snare track, add a compressor with a med/fast attack with a med/slow release and a 6:1 ratio so that the initial crack of the snare comes through but then the compressor holds the signal a bit longer than usual. If done correctly the snare will sound as if it jumps out a bit at you but then retreats. Now, EQ the “snap snare” up a bit in the 700hz-1200hz range and maybe add a little distortion. Now pan to taste and add your reverb sends with the reverb panning opposite the tracks panning - e.g. if the track is panned 50 to the left, pan the reverb hard right. This will make them sound bigger and give them a spacial positioning in the mix.

If this doesn’t satisfy your snare needs, for hip-hop, rock and other pop-related tracks, it is common to add a new snare all together with Drumagog! I like to add snap or click snares and pan them 50 left and 50 right right to make the listener feel more enveloped by the snare.

Once you have some stylistice differences in your snare, experiment more by adding and subtracting snares to the chorus, verse and bridge parts. Many times the chorus is a more open sound while the verse snares are tighter and snappier. I hope these are some good ideas to get you started and thinking about what your own track needs to stand out from the rest. Good luck,

— Mike with the Mic

CCM Recording Studios. Denver, CO.

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