Fl Studio: Leveling drum tracks in the mixer

Step-by-step

1. Open the mixer and start leveling with the main snare first.
2. Adjust the main snare fader to aim for -6 to -3 dB.
3. Set the counter snare level to sit noticeably below the main snare.
4. Adjust the hi-hat level to sit roughly at the same level as the melody.
5. Set the open hat level to be equal to or slightly below the hi-hat level.
6. Level percussion elements based on how much presence or 'ear candy' is desired.
7. Turn down the Master fader to check the balance at low volumes.

Options

• Set open hat to -15 dB for a 'sweet spot' level.
• Increase open hat volume if it only triggers on the first bar for added impact.
• Level percussion anywhere between -3 dB and -100 dB depending on importance.

Watch out for

• Do not rely solely on numerical values because every drum sample is different.

Tips

• The main snare should be the loudest element in the mix besides the 808.
• Go by ear rather than fixed values to account for sample variations.
• If a sound is too loud even when the master volume is low, it needs further adjustment.
• Pre-level sounds in your kit to make the mixer leveling stage optional or faster.

Highlights

“Right now, it's sitting perfectly in the mix, right below the main snare.”