Use mix bus compression in EDM for pumping and sidechain effects
Problem: mix lacks rhythmic pumping and dynamics
In EDM, mix bus compression is often used to create a noticeable pumping effect, which is a key characteristic of the genre. This is typically achieved through sidechain compression, where the kick drum triggers the…
Adjust attack and release to control transient shaping
Problem: transients feel too sharp or overly compressed
A fast attack catches initial transients (like a synth's punch), while a slightly slower release allows the compressor to 'breathe' naturally. This prevents the sound from feeling overly squashed. In the example, a fast…
Use a glue compressor on drum groups to glue sounds together
Problem: drum group lacks cohesion, kick buried in mix
A glue compressor (like an SSL bus compressor emulation) is used to unify the dynamics of a drum group (snare, cymbals). It creates cohesion without squashing the kick, which needs to remain punchy and dominant in EDM.…
Keep the kick separate from glue compression groups
Problem: kick loses presence in compressed drum groups
In EDM, the kick must remain the loudest and most present element. Avoid compressing it with other drums to preserve its punch and foundation role. The example shows excluding the kick from a glue compressor group to…