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-- how many percs?

Posted by azndragon0613 on Aug-02-2006 21:31:

how many percs?

I've been wondering what's a good number of percussion instruments to use, not including the kick. I know the clap and ohihat are pretty down essentials, but I'm not too sure when to stop with percussion. I've got hats, rides, cymbals, bongos...all kinds of stuff...but in the end it sounds too mushy. Panning works, but I need to get an idea of how complicated percussion should get. Feedback welcome. Thanx!

Posted by DJSentinel on Aug-02-2006 21:44:

A basic rule to go by is don't replicate parts. Only add parts if they are going to enhance the beat and add counter rhythms. Otherwise its just redundant.

Posted by Speactra on Aug-02-2006 22:50:

There is no rule for how many sounds you can use in a mix.. try filter and eq the percs and also lower the volume on some, so they cant barely be hearen, but obvioulsy they are there...

Posted by PutBoy on Aug-02-2006 23:04:

8

No less, no more.

Posted by staticblue on Aug-02-2006 23:39:

All the good trance tracks use exactly 11 percussion elements. One less and it's too empty, one more and it sounds too busy !

Posted by PutBoy on Aug-02-2006 23:45:

quote:
Originally posted by staticblue
All the good trance tracks use exactly 11 percussion elements. One less and it's too empty, one more and it sounds too busy !

Nononono! I assure you, it's 8.

Posted by Subtle on Aug-03-2006 00:01:

Dee Dee - Forever, uses 1 kick, 1 closed hat, 1 clap and 1 open hat channel. and, i like the tune.

well basically, its not how many channels or one shots you use, but how u use them and when.. and how dynamic they are.. i use around 10-20 layers of percussion, all depending on whats necessary, and how u arrange them.

Posted by DeZmA on Aug-03-2006 00:57:

Tbh this is the same like asking how many notes should a melody count.
It's up to your own, that's the great thing in music you're free to do what you want. Use as many as you like and if it sounds too full, check which ones are only there because..

Posted by Magnus on Aug-03-2006 01:12:

I don't believe there is any rule. Start out with the basics and see how it sounds in the mix. Add or subtract as necessary until you like what you hear.

Posted by Mr.Mystery on Aug-03-2006 01:56:

If you ask me, as much as possible. Hell, I'd build a track out of percussions alone if I could pull it off...

Posted by mysticalninja on Aug-03-2006 02:52:

Depends on the freqs the particular percs use, a hardstyle clap with lots of mid might not fit as well with bongos that take up mids, but a highpass eq'd trance clap would fit with the bongos fine.