When it comes to EDM production, the snare is one of the most important elements of the drum kit. It provides the backbone of the rhythm and adds impact, energy and a nice slap to your track. However, getting the perfect snare sound can be a tricky. EQing your snare can help you achieve the sound you're looking for. Here are the tips that helped me the most.
- Start with a clean slate
Before you start EQing your snare, it's important to start with a clean slate. Remove any effects or processing that may be affecting the sound of your snare. This will allow you to hear the raw sound of the snare and make more informed decisions about how to EQ it.
- Identify problem frequencies
Listen carefully to your snare and try to identify any frequencies that are causing problems. These could be frequencies that are too boomy or muddy, or frequencies that are too harsh or piercing. Once you've identified these problem frequencies, you can use EQ to reduce or eliminate them.
- Boost the snap
The snap of the snare is what gives it its character and impact. To bring out the snap, you can use a narrow EQ boost in the upper midrange. Start by boosting around 3-5 kHz, and then sweep the frequency until you find the sweet spot. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much boost in this range can make the snare sound harsh or artificial.
- Cut the boxiness
The boxiness of the snare refers to the frequencies in the lower midrange that can make it sound muddy or boomy. To reduce the boxiness, you can use a narrow EQ cut around 200-500 Hz. This will clean up the sound of the snare and make it sound more focused and punchy.
- Enhance the body
The body of the snare refers to the frequencies in the low end that give it depth and power. To enhance the body, you can use a gentle EQ boost around 100-200 Hz. This will give the snare more weight and presence in the mix.
- Use a high-pass filter
Finally, you can use a high-pass filter to remove any unwanted low-frequency rumble or noise that may be present in the snare. Start by setting the filter to around 100-150 Hz, and then adjust it until you find the sweet spot where the snare sounds clean and focused.
Dont overdo any of these steps, a little adjustment goes a long way in production.
By following these tips, you can achieve a snare sound that is punchy, focused, and full of character. Remember to use your ears and make adjustments based on what sounds best in the context of your mix. Now go do it right now.