Ok, I'm using all hardware synths and equipments, and I've tried recording two ways: 1) Run all audio outputs into a powered mixer, and from there into a cd burner, and 2) recorded parts 2 at a time on a fostex mr-8, and from there into a cd burner. Whenever I record the beat, after the gain has been trimmed, it still peaks higher than my lead, bass, and melody even though it isn't as loud. I know I don't want the beat in the foreground, but it really seems to wash out when the other parts are playing with it. I've mostly been using method 1, because the fostex seems to lower the quality of the sound a little bit. Any suggestions on getting the beat louder without getting any distortion on it? I've tried panning some of the other parts a little bit, and mixing the drum beat levels within my rhythym machine, but I haven't had much luck yet.

Well the kick is always going to be the highest peak in the song. If it is not loud enough, then you can try compressing the kick to give it a bit more strength and loudness. If that doesn't work, then I would suggest finding some better kick samples that are already nice and punchy.

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I use waves L1 or L2 to make my kicks punch through the mix. I'm not sure if it's an compressor. I also use n compressor on my kick.

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JustinKredible

Yes, the ultrimaxximiser is a compressor (limiter).

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1 out of every 4 people in this country are mentally disturbed. Look at your 3 closest friends. If they seem okay, then you're the one.