Hiphop Panning

[rsunizt]

What are the general rules regarding Panning of elements for a Hip-Hop mix. Do the rules of panning for generes such as Rock etc. apply or is it different? In general I am refferring to main elements Lead vocal, Main synth sound or sample, Bass, Kick, Snare and hi-Hats.

[natpub]

I would listen to the songs you like and copy them. I don't think there are any "rules" otherwise, cuz some people bounce sounds all over the place and get super creative.


-K

[jebjerome]

The only rule I would follow is keep the bass and kick sounds in the middle or very close. Especially if this will end up on vinyl. There can be trouble with vinyl cutting if heavy bass is panned much. Bass will typically anchor the song so the middle is good for it anyway.

Otherwise, lead vox are often near the middle, but can be fun panned in different places- especially for back and forth kind of things with multiple MCs. Sometimes a hard panned backup or adlib track adds some interest. Wide stereo hooks can help differentiate and liven up a chorus.

Play around with the elements until each has a nice place to itself and the track still gels. Experiment. Use a couple different snares layered or in different spots on different hits. Put hats and tambourine in places they might not normally be. Experiment.

[djui5]

Yeah...

And also keep in mind that if it's a "club banga" you don't want to pan things too much because a lot of clubs use mono systems and if they do have stereo then you'll want most of the people to be hearing the same thing.....it would suck for one half of the club to hear half the music because the other half is panned on the other side....


Other than that just put things where they sound good....use the ole' pan in mono trick.

I normally pan the kick a tiny bit to one side and the bass lines the same amout to the other...just so they cut through a little better. Vocals always go center unless it's a double...then I pan them off to the sides for a nice stereo feel.
Ad lib's should be panned also...keep the original vocal up the middle and pan the adlibs to each side. If you only have one adlib track then try doing some panning automation. Panning automation also works nicely on some instruments...for a little bounce and movement in the track.

[rsunizt]

Cool thats kinda what I thought. Thx

[rsunizt]

Cool thats kinda what I thought. Thx