mixing breakbeats

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Permalink Reply by Loki Laufeyiarson on April 26, 2008 at 9:09pm

EQ, compressing, bitcruching, saturation, there are a lot of effects wich can be used to try and get two breakbreats to sound similar. What probably is the easiest way is to sequence the drumbreaks yourself with the same drumkits.

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Permalink Reply by jason gray on April 28, 2008 at 10:34am

A techniques I have been experimenting with, is sending two or more tracks to separate audio channel for more extreme processing, so we have three breaks instead of two say, then I can add a chain of different effects to the channel of these routed loops, so I can bring in what I want ,when I want via this track.
I have my other loops sounding a lot more basic by comparison, and can build up around this to fatten the drums when the track evolves, By using various fades and blending effects as well as cuts to mix the processed audio in.
Their are no exact rules to what tracks you can effect though, just remember to use compression/mix gel, with the same settings after each track or via a buss you have sent all these parts too, so they sound together.
The only tricky part is, not to squash the life out of your parts and dull them too much- that is the question?

The problem I also have with breaks is if I try to add a subtle backing pad, I found my tracks go from that breaks sound to ending up more epic and more like progressive house, and this is the area I can’t get right, keeping it clean and sharp yet still adding that depth in contrast.
I think this genre is one of the hardest to get right, any tips on breakbeat/nu skool would be appreciated all!
As well as being an interesting subject.

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Permalink Reply by Loki Laufeyiarson on April 28, 2008 at 7:43pm

I don't know whether I understand you correctly, but ever tried getting more depth in your tracks and make it more interesting by adding crackles, ticks, hums, hisses and other noise in the background, maybe even using those sounds as percussionloops? That way you get a lot more happening in your track, while still keeping it dirty/gritty and not go all epic.

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Permalink Reply by jason gray on April 28, 2008 at 8:32pm

For example; Evil nine use pad sounds in the backing melodies with a lot of their breaks tracks, but their pad sounds do not swamp the rest of the track, but i can not get the right balance, this i have been trying to emulate.

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Permalink Reply by jason gray on May 6, 2008 at 9:32am

Yes i know what you mean its all on sound choice, i have been trying it more this way.
And also with only one main layered synth element in the mix, and it is working out, its like they say less is genrally more if done in the correct way, with well thought out sounds and modulation.

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Permalink Reply by jason gray on April 30, 2008 at 12:16pm

Here is one tip, that may be a bit more useful if you want that funky type breaks sound going on, for your main loops use real drum kit sounds/samples as loki mentioned, then add digital drum hit/layers around your drum pattens, so you have a sense of realism live played sounds in the for front, fattened up with the digital hits.and not forgetting applying these effects to suit as we mentioned before.

I myself love this Cross over from sounding like a band going into a more dance orientated feel,
i cant name any songs off hand , but i do like the type of breaks tracks Adam freeland plays in his dj sets, and one day i hope to get this merg perfected myself.

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Permalink Reply by jason gray on April 30, 2008 at 12:26pm

Also your synths you use will have a lot to do with this sound,some are more suited to that raw sound we here in breaks, i like imposcar.Oddity and massive, and i also read that reaktor is good for the weird sound scapes.
And dont forget a good electric guitar setup, i.e finding a good synth alternative, i dont play guitar !so that is the question/dilemha i still need to address

All things to consider.

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Permalink Reply by gulgolf on May 2, 2008 at 2:38pm

Hi Jason and Loki. I would just like to thanks a lot!! and let you know that i have been following your reply's with great curiosity. i have tried you tricks out and must admit that they really works. please don't hesitate if you have some more exiting info.

again thanks guys=)

kind regards.

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Permalink Reply by Kashif Ejaz on July 4, 2008 at 11:41am

For breakbeats you should listen to The Chemical Brothers and I want you to check their track "Saturate" from the new album. It has a kickass roll and I'm crazy about the compression they did for such a track. You must listen to it !

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Permalink Reply by gulgolf on July 5, 2008 at 12:24pm

OK Kashif i will do that. i offently forget to listen which is very importent.


so im on it.

regards.

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