Drum sounds have a feature that is not always apparent..
When it’s right, it very much contributes to the overall harmonic feel of your track.
Likewise, if ignored your mix can sound “off” and you’re left frustrated as you can’t pinpoint the problem.
Can you guess what I’m talking about?
Pitching drums.
Yes, drums have pitch, too.
You should make sure the pitch doesn’t clash with what’s going on in the rest of your tune.
Personally I am especially conscious with snares and things like bongo drums and other “ringing” percussion.
How do I know if something is not in tune?
Purely by ear and instinct. If something doesn’t bother me, I don’t worry about it.
Do not destroy the integrity of your sounds with excessive pitching though.
You can take the life out of your drum sounds if you go in too much.
Sometimes it’s fine to go crazy but keep this mind and be subtle if the situation calls for it.
The best thing to do is to build things from the ground up in a way that avoids any problems.
You can read more about it in the last week’s tip here.
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Just remember that any drum sound can be tuned to the right note, or to a note being in harmony with the right key in range of +/- 2 semitones.
No need to go bonkers on the pitch. Ever.
Yup spot on. As soon as you touch the pitch dial it will start to mess with the integrity of your sounds. Heavy pitching should be considered as an effect, not a mixing tool.