Problem Mixing Strings and hi-hats

  • Thread starter Thread starter azteccoupe
  • Start date Start date
A

azteccoupe

New member
Whenever I have sustained string arrangements in a song which also features hi-hats, the hats seem to affect the strings giving them a weird "pumping" or "pulsing" effect with each hit. This happens in virtually every song I have mixed that have any sustained string/drum arrangement. I am good at matching the instrument levels in the mix to make a well balanced arrangement so I don't think it is a level problem. Rather, there must be some fundamental EQ or mixing technique that I am missing with regards to strings and hi-hats. I am recording everything digitally with access to plug-in effects, instruments etc.
 
Are these VST strings and hats?

Maybe try panning the strings off centre just a little to seperate them from your hats.

Also use a spectrum analyser on both and see what the frequencies are and then eq the parts based on that.

Hope this helps

Dave
 
The strings are VST the hats are in sample loops. It still happens even with the strings and hats panned apart. It is as if the hats affect the entire mix, but the strings make it more audible by having a sustained tone (the effect is most heard when played back on a system with dolby. Professional music cd tracks seem to be free of the thumping effect from the hats though).
 
No, I am not running a compressor over the final mix. Here is a typical mix ...
 
Last edited:
Hi

What's the panning, reverb and EQ settings for the hi-hat and the strings ? I listened to your clip with my headphones and I didn't hear the problem but I noticed that you don't put a lot of reverb on your drum. If you add reverb to the drum, is it going away ?

/Jack Real.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top