[PDF] expanding the snare drum sounds les multiples sons de la caisse

Are snare drums sharp?

Snare drums are one of the most commanding sounds in modern mixes, but also prone to become sharp with careless processing. It takes lots of practice to get a snare mix right. In this article, I’ll share some tips I use to bring snare drums to life, and help them cut through the mix in a pleasing way.

Should a snare be compressed?

Too much compression will push the snare at the back of the mix, reduce punch, and make it sound smooth. If the snare needs tonal compression or you’re working on jazz or classical genre where the musicians want an organic feel then use a medium to slow attack and release settings. For dynamic control, you’ll need a fast to medium attack.

Can a cymbal snare make a mix sound messy?

Acoustic snares with lots of cymbal bleed can certainly make a mix sound messy. Here, a noise gate or an expander will attenuate the signals that hang below the set threshold, making it an ideal tool to get rid of bleed. Be careful not to set the threshold too high though, as this will chop off an important part of the snare.

Do acoustic snares make a good mix?

Pop and contemporary styles of music, on the other hand, are less concerned with “real world” acoustics, and typically prefer each sound to be isolated for maximum sonic control. This is particularly true for the snare. Acoustic snares with lots of cymbal bleed can certainly make a mix sound messy.