Mix character
Trap (Atlanta, since the 2000s) revolves around the 808 and the vocal. Tempo 130–160 BPM with a half-time feel (clap or snare on beat 3), very fast hi-hats with 1/32 rolls and triplets, dark melodies (piano, bells, strings, flutes, synths). The long 808 is the bass and the strongest element of the low end; the rap or Auto-Tuned sung vocal is very present and compressed.
Typical balance
| Element | Level relative to the mix |
|---|---|
| 808 | −4/−6 LU (dominant) |
| Vocal | −5/−7 LU |
| Kick | −7/−9 LU |
| Clap/snare | −9/−11 LU |
| Hi-hat | −11/−14 LU |
| Melody | −9/−12 LU |
| Ad-libs | −10/−13 LU |
EQ
- 808: fundamental 40–70 Hz, mono; saturation for harmonics at 100–400 Hz (audibility on phones); HP 25 Hz; tuned to the key.
- Kick: short and punchy, 50–80 Hz and click 3–5 kHz; it doesn't sound over the 808's tail, or it is sidechained.
- Clap/snare: body 200 Hz, crack 2–5 kHz.
- Hi-hat: HP 300–600 Hz, control 6–10 kHz.
- Melody: HP 150–300 Hz (room for the 808), cut 2–4 kHz for the vocal.
- Vocal: HP 80–120 Hz, presence 3–5 kHz, air; firm de-esser.
Dynamics
- 808: saturation, compression or clipper for a consistent level between notes (within 2–3 dB); sidechain from the kick 2–6 dB.
- Drum bus: clipper 1–3 dB.
- Vocal: serial compression 8–12 dB, consistent level; ad-libs more compressed.
Space
- Strong center: 808, kick, clap, vocal.
- Hi-hats slightly off-center, wide melodies, ad-libs at the sides with delay and reverb.
- Delay throws on the final words; short reverb or plate on the lead vocal.
Layering
- 808 + kick with the transient aligned to the 808's attack (or an 808 with a built-in click).
- Vocal: lead + tight doubles in the choruses + ad-libs processed differently.
Reference loudness
Master −8/−6 LUFS, true peak −1 dBTP (−2 for the loudest masters), crest factor 5–8 dB.
Reference tracks
Migos "Bad and Boujee", Future "Mask Off", Travis Scott "SICKO MODE", 21 Savage "a lot", Future & Metro Boomin "Like That".
Common mistakes
- An untuned 808, or one with notes at different levels.
- Kick and 808 overlapping without sidechain: a confused low end.
- Stereo 808: it loses power in mono and in clubs.
- Melodies full of low end that clash with the 808.
Starting settings
| Parameter | Value | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 808 | −4/−6 LU, mono, notes within 2–3 dB | Dominant, even low end. |
| 808 sidechain | 2–6 dB from the kick | Audible kick. |
| Vocal | 8–12 dB, firm de-esser | Forward and consistent. |
| Melodies | HP 150–300 Hz | Free low end. |
| Master loudness | −8/−6 LUFS | Commercial level. |
| True peak | −1/−2 dBTP | Headroom for encoding. |
Frequencies to watch
| Range | What to do |
|---|---|
| 40–70 Hz | 808 fundamental, mono and tuned. |
| 100–400 Hz | Harmonics of the saturated 808: audibility on phones. |
| 150–300 Hz | Melody HP: room for the 808. |
| 3–5 kHz | Vocal presence and kick click. |
| 6–10 kHz | Hi-hats: bright but not harsh. |
Example chain
| Step | Tool | Settings | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| 808 | Tuned sample → saturation → clipper → sidechain | 2–6 dB | Even bass. |
| Drums | EQ → bus → clipper | 1–3 dB | Dense transients. |
| Melodies | EQ → reverb → bus | HP 150–300 Hz | Atmosphere. |
| Vocal | Auto-Tune → EQ → serial compression → de-esser → delay/plate | 8–12 dB | Vocal as the lead. |
| Master | Clipper → limiter | −8/−6 LUFS | Level. |
How to check the result
- Sub and Bass bands dominant in the mix, Side/Mid at −25 dB or lower.
- Master crest factor 5–8 dB.
- Upper-bass band (120–250 Hz) no higher than the Bass band: 808 harmonics without mud.
- High-mid band: the vocal stands out over melodies and hats.
- Correlation +0.4/+0.9.