Drum Mixing Basics: Align, Clean, Gate, and Glue Your Kit Like a Pro

Learn how to prepare live drums for a professional mix. I walk you through my complete drum prep workflow using plugins like AutoAlign 2, ReStem, BSA Silencer, Drum Leveller, Acon Drum Remix, SSL X-Series, and more.

Getting great drum mixes starts long before EQ and compression. In this video, I’ll show you my full drum preparation workflow - how I align, clean, gate, and glue a multitrack drum recording to set up a pro-level mix.

I’ll cover each step in detail, from phase correction to creating a realistic room sound, explaining what each plugin does and how it fits into the bigger picture of the mix.

What you’ll learn:
How to use AutoAlign 2 to fix phase issues between mics
How to clean up bleed using ReStem and BSA Silencer
How Drum Leveller improves consistency across hits
How to separate cymbals and shells with Acon Drum Remix
How to build a fake room with UADx Sound City Studios
How to finish your drum bus with SSL X-Saturator, X-Limiter, and BSA Drum Bus

If you want tighter, punchier, and more controlled drums before you even start mixing, this workflow will get you there.

🎧 Mixed and produced at Mammoth Sound Studio
📍 Dolby Atmos & Apple Digital Masters-certified studio
🔗 Learn more: https://www.pickupgoliath.com