Introduction
Hip-hop mixing is an art form that requires a unique understanding of low-end management, vocal presence, and rhythmic impact. Unlike other genres, hip-hop demands chest-rattling 808s, punchy drums, and vocals that cut through the densest beats.
This guide covers everything you need to know to achieve professional-sounding hip-hop mixes. Whether you're mixing trap, boom bap, or modern melodic hip-hop, these techniques will help you create mixes that compete with the biggest releases.
808 Mixing
The 808 is the foundation of modern hip-hop. Getting it right means the difference between a track that hits hard and one that falls flat. Here's how to nail your 808s.
Key Techniques
1. Tune Your 808s
Always ensure your 808 is in tune with the song. Use a tuner plugin to verify the fundamental frequency. Even being 10 cents off can make your 808 feel weak.
2. Add Saturation for Translation
Pure sub-bass doesn't translate on small speakers. Add harmonic saturation to create upper harmonics that are audible on phones and laptops. Use a soft clipper or tape saturation plugin.
3. Manage the Attack
Use a transient shaper to control the attack of your 808. Too much attack competes with the kick; too little makes it feel soft. Find the sweet spot where both punch through.
808 Saturation Comparison
Hear the difference saturation makes on small speakers.
Drum Mixing
Hip-hop drums need to hit hard while maintaining clarity. The relationship between kick, snare, and hi-hats defines the groove of your track.
Kick Drum Processing
The kick needs to punch through the 808 without masking it. Here's a typical chain:
- High-pass at 30 Hz to remove sub rumble
- EQ boost around 60-80 Hz for weight
- EQ cut around 300-400 Hz to reduce boxiness
- Gentle compression (3:1, medium attack) for consistency
- Transient shaper to enhance attack
Snare Processing
The snare provides the backbeat and should cut through clearly:
- High-pass at 100-150 Hz to keep it tight
- EQ boost around 200 Hz for body
- EQ boost around 3-5 kHz for crack
- Parallel compression for power
- Short reverb or room sound for depth
Drum Bus Processing
Before and after drum bus compression and saturation.
Vocal Mixing
Hip-hop vocals need to sit on top of the beat with clarity and presence. The vocal is the main event - everything else should support it.
Essential Vocal Chain
1. Surgical EQ (Subtractive)
Cut problem frequencies first. High-pass at 80-100 Hz. Notch out any resonances or room modes. Clean the low-mids around 200-300 Hz if muddy.
2. Compression (Control)
Use 2-3 compressors in series with light gain reduction each. A gentle optical compressor followed by an 1176-style for fast peaks works well. Total reduction: 6-10 dB.
3. Tonal EQ (Additive)
Add presence around 3-5 kHz for cut. Air around 10-12 kHz for sparkle. A slight boost around 1-2 kHz can add bite and aggression.
4. De-esser
Control sibilance without killing the brightness. Target 5-8 kHz range. Use multiple light de-essers rather than one heavy one for more natural results.
5. Saturation
Add subtle saturation for warmth and presence. This helps the vocal cut through without being harsh. Tape or tube saturation works great.
Vocal Chain Comparison
Raw vocal vs. fully processed vocal.
Low-End Balance
The relationship between kick and 808 is crucial. They need to work together without fighting for the same space. Here are techniques to achieve balance.
Sidechain Compression
Sidechain the 808 to the kick so it ducks slightly on each hit. This creates space for the kick's transient while maintaining a continuous low-end feel.
- Ratio: 4:1 to 6:1
- Attack: Fast (0.1-1ms)
- Release: Medium (50-100ms)
- Gain reduction: 3-6 dB
Frequency Separation
EQ the kick and 808 to occupy different frequency ranges:
- Kick punch: 60-100 Hz
- 808 fundamental: 30-60 Hz
- Cut the 808 where the kick punches
- Cut the kick where the 808 sits
Mono Your Low End
Keep everything below 80-100 Hz in mono. Stereo information in the sub frequencies causes phase issues and reduces power. Use a mid/side EQ or dedicated bass mono plugin.
Low-End Balance
Hear how sidechain creates space between kick and 808.
Get the Hip-Hop Mixing Cheat Sheet
Download our free PDF with all the key settings, frequency ranges, and techniques from this guide. Perfect for quick reference during mixing sessions.