return to tranceaddict TranceAddict Forums Archive > DJing / Production / Promotion > Production Studio

 
how many percs?
View this Thread in Original format
azndragon0613
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!
DJSentinel
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.
Speactra
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...
PutBoy
8

No less, no more.
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 !
PutBoy
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.
Subtle
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.
DeZmA
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..
Magnus
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.
Mr.Mystery
If you ask me, as much as possible. Hell, I'd build a track out of percussions alone if I could pull it off...

mysticalninja
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.
CLICK TO RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
 
Privacy Statement