There are many different ways of approaching a live multitrack drum mix. Many prefer working track-by-track shaping the tone and impact of kicks, snare and toms using several plug-ins as they progress through their sessions. Others prefer starting at the other end of the mix by applying broad brush processing to shape the overall tone and impact of their drums at the sub-mix. Many audio engineers know this particular technique as top-down mixing. It's a cool technique, one you shouldn't shy away from as it can ultimately save you lots of time in a busy mix.

If you would like to know more about top down mixing then check out these articles from Logic Pro Expert Editor Eli Krantzberg…

How To Use Top Down Mixing For Drum Sub-Mixes

Setting up a sub-mix for top-down processing is super simple. Route out via a bus the individual tracks to the input of a stereo auxiliary track. 

Example:

• Set all the outputs on individual drum tracks to bus 3&4

• Set the input of a new stereo auxiliary track to bus 3&4

Once routed, balance the individual track faders making sure you do not clip the aux by sending too much level from the tracks. When you have a static mix, you like the sound of, you can start top-down mixing simply by applying plug-ins to the sub-mix track's inserts.

The following dynamics plug-ins we suggest lend themselves nicely to top-down mixing a static drum mix. Some of these tools boast parallel processing, which can be useful for backing off the overall amount of processing applied as at times it can be easy to overcook it a bit. Others include some smart and easy to use dynamic multi-band tech which, if used tastefully, can help to bring a real sense of focus and depth to the sound of your drum top-down mixes.

Generic Plug-ins That Can Make Top-down Drum Mixing As Simple As Painting By Numbers

If the plug-ins we’ve suggested so far look a bit intimidating, then consider these plug-ins as they could suit your style better. The following generic plug-ins provide simple controls, which are described in ways that give us a sense of what kind of processing is taking place. As an example, a control in Waves Parallel Particles, named Thick, is an excellent control to adjust if you find your drum sub-mixes lack body. Magic, found in Infected Mushroom’s Pusher is a useful control to dial in if you feel your drums need a touch of extra dynamic oomph.

The following plug-ins provide simple and creative controls useful for those new to the concept of top-down mixing.

In short, top-down mixing takes a less is more approach. It demands a mindset where we try to use as little processing as necessary to get our instruments sounding good in a mix, rather than using as much as possible. The plug-ins we have suggested in this article are all very good tools to use for top-down drum mixing, though any combination of stock plug-ins in your DAW will also serve you well.

Is top-down your approach when you mix your drums? If so, what are your go-to plug-ins?