Drum Break Layering Techniques 101

I've tried and failed to cover this topic many times in previous recordings and video ideas so i'm really happy to finally get this one out there. 👊

Break Layering is just complex and i've always stuggle to make something that is concise and dosen't involve me swapping kick samples in and out for 10 minutes!

Even though there is a bit of science like tuning your drums fundemental frequency, it's still probably 90% trial and error. I highly doubt Paradox is looking at an analyser when he fattens up his kicks but they still sound amazing.

I have a few quote's from Paradox in my notes which fit perfectly in here:

Paradox Layering Breaks

• "Yes but I generally back up breaks if they are needed by Roland hits etc.."

• "Sometimes placing kicks from other breaks can get sharp trails that make the overall break your doing sound less authentic [to me anyway], so you have to use your ears and decide on appealing release or a straight forward sharp end to the backup kick." 

• "Kicks from Kool and the Gang breaks, The Vibrettes, Hot Pants etc.. they all can be used and pitched to sound beefy."

• "I usually rely on backing up certain breaks as today's market needs breaks that cut thru just as much as the crusty breaks on one sound level that I love. I have favourite kicks that can be used at many different pitches that beef up breaks that need a kick up the arse. I use them at different volume levels to add alittle misplaced funk, so some might be louder than others and this could be in the most straight forward drum loops."

Drum & Break Layering Fundamentals

The most important things to focus on when layering breaks or one shots are:

• Sample Selection

• Tuning

• Decay

• Phase (Hit alignment, track delay trick)

• Level

Processing:

• Saturation, compression and reverb on the drum bus to help glue sounds together.

• High-Pass and low-pass filtering breaks to help them fit together in the mix.

• Mono reverbs can sound fantastic on layered snares.

The only way to get more confident with a topic like this is to get out and practise it. I've added my 'Drum Layering Toolkit' to this post for anyone who's missed it.

Big ups everyone, into the slow build up to the end of the year we go. 🎄

George ✌️