Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Follow me @streaky_com for daily mixing and mastering tips 🎛️
How to fix a flat kick without reaching for EQ.
When a kick sounds flat, the usual move is boosting the top end to bring out some snap. It works, but it makes the kick dirtier, because the EQ drags all the noise up along with the attack.
Here's the better move. Use a multiband expander instead. On FabFilter Pro-MB, set up the same band you'd use for the EQ boost, but flip it into expansion mode with a 4:1 ratio and a fast attack and release. Now it snaps the transient forward hard, and because expansion only opens up when the hit comes through, no noise comes with it.
Same snap as the EQ, none of the dirt.
#mixing #kickdrum #drummixing #fabfilter #mixingtips
Follow me @streaky_com for daily mixing and mastering tips 🎛️
How to fix a flat kick without reaching for EQ.
When a kick sounds flat, the usual move is boosting the top end to bring out some snap. It works, but it makes the kick dirtier, because the EQ drags all the noise up along with the attack.
Here's the better move. Use a multiband expander instead. On FabFilter Pro-MB, set up the same band you'd use for the EQ boost, but flip it into expansion mode with a 4:1 ratio and a fast attack and release. Now it snaps the transient forward hard, and because expansion only opens up when the hit comes through, no noise comes with it.
Same snap as the EQ, none of the dirt.
#mixing #kickdrum #drummixing #fabfilter #mixingtips
