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Kick Drum Mixing

IN LOGIC PRO

Chain Order (Start to Finish)

  1. Gain

    Set healthy peaks around -12 dBFS.

  2. Surgical EQ

    Remove mud and harsh resonances.

  3. Compression

    Control dynamics and add consistency.

  4. Tone EQ

    Shape musical balance and clarity.

  5. Saturation

    Add harmonics and perceived density.

  6. Space

    Use subtle reverb or delay if needed.

  7. Limiting

    Catch peaks and cap final level.

EQ, Compression, and Metering

EQ Targets

  • High-pass where possible
  • Cut boxiness first
  • Boost for intent, not volume

Compression Targets

  • Ratio 3:1 to 4:1
  • Attack 10-30 ms
  • Aim 2-6 dB gain reduction

Metering Targets

  • Keep peaks below -6 dBFS
  • Watch low-end buildup
  • Prioritize Punch clarity

EQ Moves

RangeMoveWhy
25-35 HzHigh-pass filterRemove unusable sub
150-300 HzLow cutReduce mud and boxiness
400-800 HzBodyAdd weight if thin
2-5 kHzAttack boostBring out beater click
5-8 kHzClickImprove definition

Plugin Recommendations

EQ

  • Kick Drum Mixing Logic Channel EQ screenshotLogic Channel EQ
  • Kick Drum Mixing FabFilter Pro-Q 3 screenshotFabFilter Pro-Q 3

Compression

  • Logic Compressor
  • Kick Drum Mixing Waves API 2500 screenshotWaves API 2500

Saturation

  • Kick Drum Mixing Waves J37 screenshotWaves J37
  • Kick Drum Mixing Soundtoys Decapitator screenshotSoundtoys Decapitator

Limiting

  • Kick Drum Mixing Waves L2 screenshotWaves L2
  • Kick Drum Mixing UAD Precision Limiter screenshotUAD Precision Limiter

Quick Reminders

  • Shape transients before adding more low-end.
  • Level-match when bypassing compressors.
  • Control kick and bass at arrangement level too.
  • Do not clip the bus to get loudness.