Any adjustments to Smart Controls apply to the whole track so they don’t
function independently between each separated Drummer region.Step-by-step Adjust Drummer levels with Smart Controls
1
Drummer ready
Open a project already containing a
Drummer track or navigate to Track>New
Track to add one. Our example has Kyle
selected and his default ‘SoCal’ kit sound.4
Smart Controls
Next show the Smart Controls (B) and
the panel displays an array of dials and knobs.
These correspond to the levels of each drum,
beat, percussion part or indeed effects.2
Editors panel
Double-click the Drummer track or view
the Editors panel via View>Show Editor (E).
From here, aside from Beat Presets, you can
toggle on Percussion and edit kit elements.5
Bigger kick
So with Kyle our example, we want to
boost his kick (bass) and snare parts. Play
(Spacebar) and Cycle (C) the project to loop
playback as we raise the Kick dial as desired.3
Adjust loudness
Additionally, consider using the XY pad
here. By dragging the yellow puck upwards
vertically, the Drummer’s performance will be
made louder by raising the attack.6
Louder snare
The amount you raise any or all of the
levels is subjective to your overall mix, but here
we’ll boost the snare part too to a similar level
to make it sound louder.7
Tweaking tone
Of all the other controls here, raising the
Compression and Tone dials can also help to
add extra tightness, snap and sharpness to all
the active beat strikes in the mix.8
EQ effect
Switch now to the EQ tab at the centre
top of the Smart Controls panel. Inside the
visual Equalizer (EQ) effect, click the Setting
dropdown menu in the Inspector as shown.9
Drums presets
Navigate to ‘01 Drums’ and a submenu
provides EQ presets specifically for drums.
Here you might select ‘Punchy Kick’ or
‘Brighten Hi Hat’ to apply an EQ boost.