Snare Layering - The DSP Project

One of the secrets to getting a powerful snare is to layer multiple snares together. Here I will show you one technique, however this is not the only way, I have met people with varying opinions on the best approach. Layering doesn't just have to be for creating loud heavy snares though. Its a great way to make something unique and your own from generic sample packs.
I forgot to mention to be aware of the pitch of each snare as they can clash and try layering in other sounds (non snares) for something truly different.

I had to put a limiter on the audio of the tutorial as it was quite loud when I got to the master bus fx so what your hearing is not the 100% original signal but close.

As usual I will be working in Ableton Live but this can be done in any DAW

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http://thedspproject.com/layering-snares

Category:

Howto & Style

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• layering snares
• tutorial
• how to
• ableton
• live
• music
• production
• audio
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• drum
• electronic
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• instructions

[flabsatron]

is there a reason you leave the default volume on the instrument at -12db?

[TheDSPproject]

@flabsatron YES! there is a reason -12 is the default. Keep your levels down and your monitors turned up, you will get a better sound if you always have a little head room up your sleeve. I have also found some plugins sound better if you dont hit them too hot (signal going in is too loud)

[flabsatron]

@TheDSPproject lets say i put a delay in my effects chain in the sampler. with the gain set to -12db will the effects processing be limited by the low input signal?

Also should i be busing in ableton as well and use the return volume knob to control my headroom or use a utility to boost the gain in an effects chain (that is only if a plugin suffers from low input gain)

im stuck on wether busing is "more correct" than chaining effects. keeping in mind all the mixdown work as well

[TheDSPproject]

@flabsatron Yes it will be limited in loudness but not in any sonic way (unless you want to overload/abuse on purpose). Instead of turning it up, turn everything else down. Working in digital you have a low noise floor so there is no harm only gain in keeping some spare headroom.

Regarding busing if you can get enough juice using the send knob that is simplest other wise no harm in putting a utility at the start of the return track.

TBC...

[TheDSPproject]

@flabsatron The advantage of busing is one plugin can service a whole track. So if I have a reverb in the return track I can dial in as much as I need on each track with the send knob. Not only does this save CPU on a bunch of reverb instances but it helps create a space as it sounds like all parts in the same room. Odd reverb spaces generally sound weird even on unnatural sounds like synth).

I hope that answers ur question.

Dont worry too much about "more correct" if it sounds good it is good.

[squeeblark]

your dope niga

[TheDSPproject]

@squeeblark Thats what my Mum always told me.

[TheDSPproject]

@Bunechunk Thank you, thats very kind.

[Bunechunk]

You're a genuinely cool dude. I came across your vids a long way back when you put up the interview with Gigantor, big ups to you sir on all accounts of everything you do!

[TheMacroRevolution]

@TheDSPproject :D