This tip deals with using EQ to add some interest, and the illusion of realism, to acoustic drum samples. The boring sameness of repetitive samples is well-covered territory, with drums being the primary offender. Since drums produce timbral changes based on how hard they are struck, we can automate an EQ plug-in to simulate that change. For example, on a snare hitting at beats two and 4, set the EQ to boost
slightly in the highs (around 7kHz) on beat two and back off a little on beat four. This will create a sense of movement. For snare fills at the end of a phrase, set the EQ to track the rate of change in volume levels of the snare, such that as the fill rises in intensity and volume, the EQ adds highs accordingly. For hi-hat patterns, try automating an EQ to track levels, adding highs (or other frequencies of your choice) subtly. For example, in a 6/8 pattern, there would likely be an increase in level most noticeably at beat one and four in the phrase. Having the highs on the EQ plug increase accordingly will create the illusion of the timbral change that comes with changes in playing levels. The same thinking can be applied to kick drums. A simultaneous boost at 3-4kHz for attack along with a slight boost at 80-120Hz may yield some interesting results. As always, experiment freely.
