Cymbal Clarity

[matt0722]

I tracked a hardcore band and the mix came out great but with hardcore bands they like to play the hi-hats quickly and I'm finding that they have kind of blended together in the mix and sound almost like a constant "shhhhhhhhhh" instead of like a "shusha shusha shusha". So I am looking for a way to help soften this up and get back to that good clean sound and give the cymbal hits some definition and minimize ringing. I have used the de-esser as well as some EQ. Let me know what you come up with. Thanks.

[BobbyDazzler]

De-ess will make it worse because it is compressing the top end, therefore making it more of a constant level.

[jrtme]

Did you Mic the High Hat?

[Rubicon]

Transient shapers like the ones from SPL or izotope should bring back a little definition to the hats.

Rubicon

[Carl Lie]

For transient shaping there is also Eiosis E-transienter. You could try a gate/expander.

All depends on if you have a separate track for the hat.


C

[Stig Eliassen]

Originally Posted by BobbyDazzler

De-ess will make it worse because it is compressing the top end, therefore making it more of a constant level.

Massey's De:Esser has a "re-ess" function. Never tried it - just throwing it out there.

[matt0722]

Yes I did mic the hats.

[nst7]

Also use a high pass filter to take out some of the low end "chunk".

[Kris75]

Ahhhh, the dreaded Hi Hat basher! God bless their souls.

The BEST 2 options are to re record the part after the drummer learns that when you open the hats they get louder, you don't actually need to hit them 10 times as hard.

Or

Masseys DRT and Superior Drummer 2.

If neither of those are an option you could always key a gate to the hats.

Create an audio track. Draw in the midi notes the reflect The hat performance EXACTLY.

Choose a percussive sound in structure then key the gate on the hat track.