Emilie Meyer
The topic of how hi-hats should be panned is a matter of much discussion and varies depending on the genre of music being produced. Some people argue for a stereo spread with the hi-hat on the right, which matches the orientation of a drummer's performance at a concert, also known as the 'audience perspective'. However, others prefer to pan the kit the opposite way around, which is known as the 'player's perspective'. There is also the option to randomly pan the hi-hats, with some producers choosing to alternate the closed hats between left and right. Ultimately, there is no 'industry standard' and the decision of how to pan hi-hats depends on the individual producer's preference and the composition of the song.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Panning hi-hats left or right
There is no industry standard for panning hi-hats, and producers and engineers have different preferences for panning them left, right, or centre. Some people argue for a stereo spread with the hi-hat on the right, as this matches the orientation of a drum kit from the audience's perspective at a concert. However, others prefer to pan the kit the opposite way around, as this provides a more immersive listening experience from the player's perspective.
Some producers prefer to keep their drums in mono, or fairly narrow in the mix, which can help other instruments sound wider by comparison. In addition, the physical setup of a drum kit can vary depending on whether the drummer is left or right-handed, so there can be no golden rule about which side the hi-hat needs to be.
In dance music, hi-hats are usually kept in mono, with stereo effects added through delays or reverbs. In contrast, hard panning hi-hats completely left or right is common in hip-hop, especially in songs produced by 808 Mafia, such as Future's "Grammys". This technique can also be used creatively in other genres, such as techno and trap, to add movement and width to the stereo field.
When panning hi-hats, it's important to consider the composition of the song and the placement of other instruments in the mix. For example, panning the hi-hats slightly to the left or right can help to create space and impact for other elements in the centre. Additionally, techniques such as autopanning, layering with white noise, and adding effects like chorus or flanger can be used to make the hi-hats more interesting and creative.
The Perfect Sear: Pan Temperature Control
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Panning hi-hats in dance music
There are various approaches to panning hi-hats in dance music production. Some producers prefer to keep the hi-hats in mono, ensuring a consistent sound across different audio systems, while others experiment with creative panning techniques to add movement and width to the stereo field.
Mono Hi-Hats
In dance music, particularly techno, it is common to keep the main open hi-hats in mono or slightly off-centre. This approach ensures that the hi-hats are not lost or affected by phase issues when played in mono club systems. Keeping the hi-hats central can also create space for other elements in the stereo field.
Hard Panning
Hard panning the hi-hats completely left or right is a creative choice that can add width to the mix. This technique is observed in many hip-hop productions, especially by 808 Mafia. However, some producers avoid hard panning drums as it can sound unnatural.
Auto-Panning
Techno producers often use auto-panning to add movement and interest to the hi-hats. This involves automating the pan knob to move between left and right channels, creating a stereo effect. Multiple instances of auto-panning at different speeds can be combined to add complexity and dynamics to the hi-hat pattern.
Panning for Stereo Width
Panning hi-hats slightly left or right can create a wider stereo image, especially when combined with other panned elements in the drum kit. This approach considers the anatomical setup of a drum kit, where the instruments are spread out in an arch. By panning the hi-hats and other drums accordingly, producers can create a spatial stereo field that sounds almost 3D.
Audience Perspective vs Player's Perspective
There is no industry standard for the direction of hi-hat panning. Some argue for the "audience perspective," placing the hi-hat on the right to match the orientation of a drummer's performance on stage. Others prefer the player's perspective, panning the hi-hat to the left as perceived by the performer, providing a more immersive listening experience.
Drip Pan: Electric Ladder Tray Essentials
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Hard panning hi-hats
However, some people feel that hard panning drums can sound unnatural. This technique can also cause a drastic change in the timbre of the hat. Additionally, hard-panned instruments can make club mixes sound lopsided. As such, it is important to balance hard-panned hi-hats with similar instruments (e.g. a shaker) panned to the other side.
For dance/trance music, it is common to pan the closed hi-hat to one side and the open hi-hat to the other, usually only about 20-30%. This gives some nice spread and movement to the percussion. Some people also like to use multiple instances of an auto-panner for their hi-hats, with each hit alternating between left and right, and a slow-moving unsynced panner that moves them around the stereo field.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to hard pan hi-hats comes down to personal preference and the specific song.
Rectangular Foil Pans: Standard Sizes
You may want to see also
Hi-hat panning for techno
There are a variety of approaches to panning hi-hats in techno music production. Some producers choose to keep the hi-hats in mono, ensuring a consistent sound across different audio setups, while others experiment with various panning techniques to create movement and width in their mixes.
One common technique is to pan hi-hats slightly to the left or right, often depending on the drummer's or the audience's perspective. This can help create a sense of stereo width while still keeping the hats relatively centred. Some producers also use auto-panners to move the hi-hats around the stereo field, adding life and dynamics to the mix.
Another approach is to use multiple instances of an auto-panner with different settings. For example, panning each hit of 16th-note hats between left and right, while also applying a slow, unsynced panner to create movement. A third instance of an auto-panner with no panning can be used to further manipulate the dynamics.
Additionally, some producers experiment with polyrhythms and stereo effects on hi-hats in techno production. This can involve using stereo delays or reverbs to create width, or panning the hats in different directions to give the illusion of movement.
It's worth noting that there is no industry standard for panning drum kits, and the approach may vary depending on the specific composition and the producer's creative choices.
Crock Pot Conundrum: Mastering the Art of Slow-Cooked Hot Dogs
You may want to see also
The drummer's perspective
As a drummer, there are many ways to approach panning hi-hats. It's important to remember that there is no industry standard, and the approach can vary depending on the specific song and the drummer's preferences.
One common approach is to pan the hi-hat to the left, which is often referred to as the "drummer's perspective" or "player's perspective." This puts the listener in the drummer's shoes and provides a more immersive experience. Additionally, if a fan tries to play along with the record on their own drum kit, an audience-perspective panning will seem the wrong way around. This approach is especially popular in hip-hop, with producers like 808 Mafia often panning the hi-hats completely to the left or right.
Another approach is to pan the hi-hat to the right, which is known as the "audience perspective." This matches the orientation of watching a drummer's performance at a concert. However, some engineers and producers prefer to pan the kit the opposite way, as in an unamplified concert scenario, all parts of the kit will effectively sound like they are coming from the same location.
In dance music, it is common to keep the hi-hats in mono, as this can add symmetry to the mix. However, this doesn't mean you can't be creative with stereo delays or reverbs.
Ultimately, the decision on how to pan hi-hats depends on the specific song and the drummer's preference. Some drummers like to keep the hi-hats in the center, especially if there is already a lot going on in the mix. Others prefer to pan them slightly to the left or right, creating a stereo field that makes other instruments sound more impactful.
As a drummer, it's important to experiment with different panning techniques and find what works best for the specific song and your playing style.
The Right Amount of Oil for Your Pan
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Panning hi-hats can help to create a sense of movement and add width to a mix. It can also be a creative choice, allowing producers to experiment with different sounds and effects.
There is no industry standard for panning hi-hats in a stereo mix. Some people argue for a stereo spread with the hi-hat on the right, matching the orientation of a drummer's performance at a concert (the "audience perspective"). Others prefer to pan the kit the opposite way around, from the player's perspective. Ultimately, the decision may depend on the specific composition of the song and the desired effect.
There are several techniques for panning hi-hats, including hard panning (completely left or right), narrow autopan, random panning, and alternating between left and right. Multiple instances of an auto-panner can also be used to add movement and dynamics to the stereo field.
