STTA Tooltip - Toms in a dense mix

Hi Everyone, 

So here is another quick and simple tooltip. Sometimes depending on the situation (style of the song, tempo, Arrangement), I use either a gate on toms or automate it manually (other elements too). In general, you can say: The more dense a mix is the more it becomes difficult to keep clarity throughout the mix. 

So gating elements, e.g. toms are especially useful in a mix where a lot of stuff happens. The general idea is to shorten the toms in a way that you get the attack and a short sustain from the toms but without the resonating tail that often creates unwanted low mids buildup. 

I have attached an archive to the post where you can check out what kind of effect a gate does to the toms. In isolation, it sounds like crap. Very obvious and unnatural. But the point is: Mixing is context and it is always. Just because something sounds bad or good in isolation does not mean it works in a mix. 

And this is though it is very basic saying a general important approach when mixing extreme metal or this kind of low-tuned Djenty stuff. 

Of course, you can also just volume automate these things, or in other words: There is no gate needed. When it comes to my mixing approach: I work extremely surgical with everything since this kind of stuff (Let´s call it Doomcore) needs surgical precision when you mix so many components. Otherwise, you simply can´t get the sound and impact what this music needs.

Of course, don´t forget to process the toms also a bit before the gate. So carve out some lower mids, add some snap to them and make them brighter (matter of taste and context again). Also: Get some Toms that sound good right from the start. 

Also, this tooltip is not meant to apply always and for every mix and situation. There are so many ways to treat toms, this is just one of many.

Hope that was useful. 

Horns up, 

Alexander

PS: The example is taken from the upcoming track "Ultra Violence"