OBJECTIVE
Enhance dynamics for compressed drum tracks

BACKGROUND
Compression can help give a bigger drum sound, but reduces dynamics. Mixing an uncompressed version of the drums in with the compressed sound can help restore punch.

STEP 1

Assign a Send from the drum''s audio track to a bus (e.g., Bus 1–2).

STEP 2

Select Track > New and specify a stereo Aux Input track (assuming the drums are stereo).

STEP 3

Assign the Aux Input''s input path selector to Bus 1–2.

STEP 4

Insert the desired compressor in one of the Aux Input track''s inserts.

STEP 5

Click on the drum Audio Track''s Send to Bus 1–2. The Send window opens; click on Pre so the bus level isn''t influenced by the drum track''s level.

STEP 6

Adjust the Send fader and Aux return fader for the desired balance of compressed drum sound with the dry drum sound from the audio track.

TIPS
In Step 6: Sometimes it works better to set the compressed drum level first, then bring up the dry drum track to add dynamics.