Cody Casey
Panning hi-hats is an important consideration when mixing drums and can be done in a variety of ways to achieve different effects. The pan position of a hi-hat will depend on the style of music and the desired sound. For example, in dance music, hi-hats are typically in mono, whereas in techno, hard or extreme panning can be used to create a sense of movement. When panning hi-hats, it is important to consider the balance with other elements in the mix to ensure that the hats are not lost, especially when collapsed in mono. Techniques such as autopan, stereo delays, and reverbs can be used to enhance the effect. Additionally, visualising a drum kit can help with panning decisions, with the hi-hat typically being placed to the left.
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What You'll Learn
Panning hi-hats for techno production
Panning hi-hats in techno production can be approached in various ways, depending on the desired effect and the overall mix of the track. Here are some techniques and considerations for panning hi-hats in techno:
Mono vs Stereo Panning
While dance music tracks often have hi-hats in mono, it is not uncommon to use stereo panning techniques to create width and movement in techno productions. This can be achieved by using stereo effects, delays, or reverbs, without hard panning the hi-hats to the left or right.
Hard Panning
Hard or extreme panning can be effective in techno, creating a sense of width and dynamics. However, some producers hesitate to hard pan elements without having an equal or opposite element on the other side to maintain symmetry and balance in the mix. This technique can be used experimentally, especially in headphone techno, to create contrasting elements and increase the perceived width.
Autopanning
Autopanning can be used to add movement to the hi-hats, with subtle adjustments to the left or right. This can be done manually or with automation, slowly alternating sides throughout the track. Autopanning can also be combined with other panning techniques for more complex movement in the stereo field.
Multiple Hi-Hat Layers
When dealing with multiple layers of hi-hats, such as open and closed hats, producers can experiment with different panning positions to create a sense of completion. For example, panning one hat slightly to the right and the other to the left can add width and create a unique sound. Additionally, using a combination of panning and stereo effects, such as reverb, can further enhance the overall stereo image.
Panning for Movement
Panning hi-hats can be used to create the illusion of movement, especially when combined with other rhythmic elements. Random panning or alternating between left and right channels can add interest and energy to the track. This technique can be used sparingly to create surprise or build-up to a big moment in the song.
Panning in the Mix
Consider the panning of other instruments and sounds in the mix to ensure the hi-hats have their own space. Panning hi-hats can help clear up room for other elements, but be mindful that excessive panning may make it difficult for listeners to hear the hi-hats, especially on phone speakers or in club settings.
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Using stereo effects instead of hard panning
When it comes to panning hi-hats, there are a variety of techniques you can use to create different effects and feels in your music. While hard panning is a common technique, you can also explore the use of stereo effects to achieve a similar or even enhanced result. Here are some tips and tricks for using stereo effects instead of hard panning:
Firstly, understand the concept of stereo imaging. Stereo imaging is the perceived spatial location of sound sources within a track, creating the illusion of a "room" in which your track is playing. By manipulating the stereo image, you can make the room sound larger or smaller, and place each instrument within it depending on the panning position, frequency response, and overall level.
Now, let's discuss some specific techniques you can use:
- Duplication and Delay: One technique is to duplicate a track and apply a delay effect to one of the duplicates. This creates a psychoacoustic effect known as the Haas Effect or the precedence effect. By doing this, the listener perceives two different signals, making the track sound wider.
- Chorus Effect: Another option is to add a chorus effect to both tracks, which combines delay and pitch shifting. This makes it sound like multiple instruments are playing at once, creating a wide stereo image. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much chorus can make your mix sound muddy or underwater.
- Stereo Width Enhancement: You can use stereo enhancement plug-ins to increase the width of selected frequencies. This can help create a more immersive soundscape for your listeners.
- Balance and Separation: Pay attention to the balance and separation of your instruments. For example, if you have multiple hi-hats, you can pan them to different positions in the stereo field. Try panning one slightly to the right and another slightly to the left, creating a sense of movement and width.
- Reverb and Panning: Experiment with reverb panning to create a wide stereo image. You can use different types of reverb on the left and right channels to create the illusion of percussion playing on one side while still being audible on the other.
- Symmetry and Opposition: Consider symmetry and opposition when panning. While you can be liberal with stereo effects, hard panning everything to one side without an equal or opposite element can sound unbalanced. Try to create a sense of symmetry, especially in dance music, where most elements are kept down the middle.
- Double-tracking: When you have the opportunity, double-tracking a performance can provide great separation and a wide stereo image. This involves recording a second, identical performance and layering it on top of the original, often panned hard left and right.
Remember, the key is to create a full, rich, and immersive stereo image that makes your listener feel surrounded by the music. Play around with these techniques and find what works best for your particular track and style.
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Using the Haas effect
The Haas Effect, also known as the Precedence Effect, is a psychoacoustic phenomenon named after Doctor Helmut Haas. Haas discovered that the human ear cannot easily distinguish between two separate sounds if they are heard less than 40ms apart. Instead, the two sounds are perceived as a single sound with added depth and space.
The Haas Effect is used as an alternative to panning to create a stereo image. It works better on sounds with higher frequencies, such as hi-hat loops, and should be used sparingly and with a specific purpose.
To set up the Haas Effect in Ableton Live, you can use the stock Delay effect. De-link the Left and Right channels and set them to an offset of less than 40ms. Turn the Dry/Wet all the way up and the feedback all the way down. You can experiment with the amount of delay until you achieve the desired sound.
Another creative way to use the Haas Effect is on layered percussion sounds. For example, you can use a longer delay on an initial clap sound and then draw it back towards the centre by using a shorter delay for the snare.
While the Haas Effect can create an interesting soundstage, it should be used carefully. If overused, it can create a dissonance between the ears, making it uncomfortable to listen to.
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Panning to create movement
Panning is a great way to create movement and add width to your mix. When panning hi-hats, you can experiment with different positions to create the desired effect. Some producers prefer to keep the hi-hats in mono, especially in dance music, while others like to pan them to the left or right to create a wider soundstage.
One technique is to pan the closed hi-hat to one side and the open hi-hat to the other, usually not extremely hard-panned but somewhere between 20% and 70% to the side. This creates a nice sense of movement and balance in the percussion. You can also add a splash of reverb and keep the output centred to maintain cohesion. Additionally, you can use autopan or stereo effects to add movement without hard panning.
It's important to consider the balance of your mix when panning hi-hats. Make sure to picture a real drum kit and pan the single instruments accordingly. You can also use other high-frequency rhythmic content, such as shakers or synths, to balance the panning. For example, if you pan a hi-hat to the left, you can pan a shaker to the right to create a nice stereo spread.
When panning, be cautious not to overdo it, as excessive panning can cause issues when the mix is collapsed to mono. It's also important to consider the style of music and the overall sound you're aiming for. For example, if you want to create the vibe of a drummer playing a live kit, you would pan the hi-hats to the left, as they are typically opposite the ride cymbal in a traditional drum kit setup.
By experimenting with different panning positions and techniques, you can create movement and add depth to your mix, ensuring that the hi-hats complement the other elements in the song.
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Panning for balance
Panning hi-hats is a great way to create balance and movement in your mix, giving the illusion of a real drum kit. Here are some tips for panning hi-hats for balance:
Firstly, it's important to consider the stereo image and the position of other instruments in the mix. For example, if you have a shaker, you might want to pan it to one side and add a closed hi-hat to the opposite side for balance. This technique can also be applied to other high-frequency rhythmic content, such as synths. By panning these elements in opposite directions, you create a nice spread and movement in your percussion.
When panning hi-hats, you can experiment with different techniques. Some producers recommend panning the dry signal of the percussion to one side and leaving the reverb signal centred or slightly opposite, creating width and maintaining balance. Others suggest creating a duplicate track and panning one track left and the other right for a stereo effect. However, be cautious with extreme panning as it can cause issues when collapsed in mono and may make certain elements disappear.
Additionally, consider the style of music you are producing. For techno, you might want to keep most elements down the middle and use stereo effects rather than hard panning. For dance/trance, you can try panning the closed hi-hat on one side and the open hi-hat on the other, creating balance and a dynamic sound.
Lastly, pay attention to the mix balance. When hard-panning a hi-hat to one side, remember to place a sound that counters or supports it on the opposite side. This could be another percussion element or a synth part, depending on the style of your track. By carefully considering the placement of each element, you can create a balanced and engaging mix.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several approaches to panning hi-hats. Some sources suggest panning them slightly to the left or right, while others recommend hard panning them to the extremes. It's important to consider the balance of the mix and not pan too much, as it can cause the hats to disappear in mono. Additionally, you can try using stereo effects, autopan, or random panning to create movement.
One approach is to pan a closed hat to one side and an open hat to the other, with the output kept in the centre to keep things sounding cohesive. You can also experiment with different amounts of reverb on each hat to create a unique sound.
Be cautious when using the Haas effect, as it can create anti-correlation between channels. It's also important to consider the balance of the mix and not pan too extremely, as it can cause the hats to be lost in the mono mix.
