How To Mix & Process Kicks (Mixing tutorial)

In this mixing tutorial, you will learn how to mix and process a trance kick, but the same basic procedure applies to kicks in other genres as well. The kick is arguably the most important element in your mix, so it's crucial that you get it to sit right in the mix. The kick needs to be fat and tight, and it needs to be able to punch through the mix without any problems. In this fl studio 20 tutorial, I will show you how to process a kick with the usual plugins such as EQ, Compression, transient shaper, and so on. Mixing and mastering doesn't have to be difficult and many of the same mixing techniques are used for various elements in a mix. The mixing skills you'll learn in this tutorial will work for most kicks in most genres, and will help your music stand out from the rest.
I recommend mixing the kick first, and then mix everything else in your mix around the kick. That way the mixing process will become easier, since the kick will usually be the loudest and most powerful element in your mix. You want your kick to be able to punch through the mix and provide plenty of power and punch. If you want a fat and punchy kick that is sitting perfectly in your mix, then this mixing tutorial is ideal for you.

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00:00 - Introduction
00:42 - Kicks from sample packs
01:31 - kick and bass
01:35 - The importance of mono in the low end
02:04 - Compression: Compressing the kick
03:01 - How to EQ a kick
06:15 - How to remove resonant frequencies
07:54 - How to find the key of a kick
08:40 - How to tighten up a kick and the low end in general
09:35 - Transient shaper

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📧 Other inquiries?

[aaront]

No joke, your tutorials have been a staple in my learning. This has taught me exactly what I needed. Even though I have heard all this info, you have the ability to explain it perfect and I can follow the thought process. Thank you so much, I really appreciate you!

[wafflestoast]

You sound like the “how it’s made” guy from that show.

[michaelfarfan]

Youtube recommended me your video after not watching any mixing videos for about two or so months. This video was one of the most straight-forward tutorials I've seen on mixing kicks. This was very helpful. Thanks for the work you do.

[cadbeatz]

Never never thought of boosting the high end, on a kick. I usually cut 'em out, but that depends on the track ofc. Great advice FireWalk, thx.

[ricobonimusic]

Your tutorials are always so nice to watch and listen to. Cheers!✌

[mertbuyukhan]

Your mixing videos really helps me, ı hope you will send new videos. thx for this videos...

[Retrovergo]

Watched all of your videos! one of the greatest music youtubers i've seen

[Heartbeatzofficial]

One tip: Make sure the release and threshold of the compressor are set so that the compressor fully retracts before every new hit. That avoids the first kick being louder than the other ones.

[AndyM]

That tip about the kick vs sub bass could NOT be more true. This piece of advice alone will change the way you look at making tracks. Great tip FireWalk! Quality video.

[soletrait]

Your tutorials are very useful, after watching each one, my next track sounds better than the previous, thank you!

[brogrammer]

By far the best producer tutorial channel I've found. Feel so lucky to have found this, definitely will become a patreon supporter

[zeqalidemaj]

You are the best teacher in the Youtube!!!! Its pretty clear that you know what you are talking about and how to speak to beginners!!! Thanks so much, i have learned alot!

[bakari]

Thank you simplifying it cus it can seen more complicated then it really is

[HemantDuttaHD]

"Nice and round low end" I need to clean my brain out XD

[bitfreedom]

This was on of the best tutorials Ive ever watched. Instant subscribe

[dystopian]

Finally, a super useful video about this topic! Of course you have to do more tutorials like this

[yrcandymusic]

Please make a tutorial on how to avoid muddy mixes!!

[rapidfiremuzik_official]

Dude always has easy Tutz to follow and very informative - salute from New Zealand!

[musicbykronix]

This is a great explanation on processing kick drums

[Dubski]

Excelent tutorial as always! These tips are simply and bluntly presented....
This is what the most-important and that's why I think that this channel is so special ❤