3 Golden Rules for Low End Hip Hop Mixing | Lu Diaz (Jay Z, Beyoncé)

Multi-platinum producer/mixer Lu Diaz (Jay Z, Kodak Black, Pitbull) gives 3 tips for blending 808s and kicks to get a clean, punchy low end in your tracks. Get more hip hop production tips: www.waves.com/hip-hop
1:16 Tip #1: Enhancing 808 Harmonics & Tone
4:29 Tip #2: Multiple EQs for the Kick
6:58 Tip #3: Sidechaining Kick & 808
Plugins used by Lu Diaz in this video:
Vitamin Sonic Enhancer: www.waves.com/vitamin
PuigTec EQs: www.waves.com/puigtec
F6 Floating-Band Dynamic EQ: www.waves.com/f6
SSL E-Channel: www.waves.com/ssl-e
API 550: www.waves.com/api550
Music: "Feel It Babe" by Realzz. Produced by The Track Burnaz.
Get the latest updates from Lu Diaz:
Website: thebestmixengineer.com/
KZbin: / ludiazmusic Instagram: / iamludiaz Twitter: / iamludiaz
Facebook: / iamludiaz

[@ProdbyALGC]

"Bass is life"

[@lucw5968]

epic

[@risenbeats4132]

yeah for me also and you can assure it by checking my beats ;)

[@volt5167]

FAX

[@ZUNNI333]

Fuck a medication, pass me the 808 sample pack

[@avzarathustra6164]

@@AudioPervert1 Definitely not a passing fad. Bass was already thick and important in genres before, e.g. classic rock. 808s are just another iteration of innovation in bass. And it's not like they're that new; they've been around for over 20 years.

[@faux36]

the sauce that everyone needs to pay attention to is the sidechain. he sidechained the kick to the dynamic EQ of the 808. not the actual 808

[@beefknuckles]

Wow I gotta say I've been a bedroom producer on and off for 15 years (just for fun) but never thought of doing that. Such an awesome tip

[@jmula1963]

lol why did he boost 60hz on the sub’s pultech EQ and then set his kick sidechain to lower the sub at 60hz...

[@faux36]

@@jmula1963 so that when the kick its, the frequency of the sub lowers without lowering the entire sub, just that particular frequency. so it carves out a space for the kick to cut through the mix with out taking away from the impact of the sub.

[@Tunez650]

He boost the sub to 60hz because the kick hits perfect around 50hz.

[@faux36]

Tunez650 🎯

[@MixedByS]

This guy is dropping all the sauces now

[@mbf6160]

Yes and its greatly appreciated

[@risenbeats4132]

yeah bro like the sauce i dropped at my youtube channel ;)

[@powerhouse1981]

I watched this a year ago and thought I got everything that was spoken. Coming back to it, with far more experience and having used all these plugins I now really get it. Don't rush through these tips, get deep into it.

[@golddee2040]

agreed. revisiting this video after many months. I actually haven't done the eq stacking or use the puig but have them. Will try them out on my current track to see how it affects it. But I absolutely love Vitamin. Such a great plugin.

[@Ojini]

Exactly!

[@luhcollins]

Timeless comment ! Watched this a year ago and it continues to ring true

[@kxngrxme]

I was literally about to write the EXACT same comment!!!

[@bando6035]

Great comment‼️

[@birdmusic1206]

So good he can share the secrets without feeling threatened.

[@TheStudeo74]

Then one finds out he doesn’t only use pluggs but real 550b and other analog stuff...

[@baltaza]

@@TheStudeo74 that ain't the trick friend, your ears are the problem here

[@TheStudeo74]

@@baltaza Yep... my ears are messed up... "deny" isn't part of my issues.

[@baltaza]

@@TheStudeo74 That's why you are going to become greater

[@noworries12]

like great guitar players: they show you their gear, but you will never will sound exactly like them...

[@morganheberling]

THIS IS THE VALUE OF KZbin! GAINING KNOWLEDGE FROM THE GREATS YOU WOULD OTHERWISE NEVER HAVE ACCESS TO... THANK YOU!

[@pariahgaming365]

I was an assistant engineer for Luo a long time ago in Miami and he’s such a cool, genuine guy! He’s also a freaking beast and every bit much a legend!

[@47buddhists97]

His choice of words is much more effective than most tutorials. Others either stick to analogies and noises to explain what they’re altering... or try to come off *_sooo_* *_”experienced”_* that you don’t know wtf they’re sayin lol.

[@47buddhists97]

AFNacapella yes, thank you 🙌🏽

[@pestmeister2114]

Lu Diaz needs a masterclass!

[@YJbeats]

Pest Meister yupp

[@Lakersandbrowns]

Pest Meister foreure

[@MANTUS.OFFICIAL]

agreed!

[@surfcunt8720]

facts

[@bf2err]

Agree.

[@ricchburglar]

Whenever I see a studio I feel the motivation to make music again.

[@futurebeats898]

Ill mix your music. 1st free!

[@yeshuasweapon4384]

Tru fam

[@futurebeats898]

@Bluestripsaiden i dont collab per say but i work for and with my client

[@carhartcarl1116]

Lu you're an absolute legend, How that kick punches through the mix with all the low end is absolutely amazing

[@kainbaker3356]

not once did he say “thats a vibe” 🙌🏼

[@hadookin47]

Lol

[@AngelSoul]

An absolute blessing to have these masters giving us some of their time. 👌 Greatly appreciated.

[@ALLGOOD_MUSIC]

Thanks so much for the knowledge Lu. And thanks to the the people at Waves who put these videos together. You guys do a great job!

[@mrdollard3859]

that tip in boosting the high end of the kick is actually amazing. never would have thought of doing it and it makes such a difference in cutting through the mix

[@charleshampton1540]

Lu Diaz is the best. Explains things perfectly and allows you to hear the difference it makes when put into a mix. He has got to be my favorite engineer.

[@KaitavSapreMusic]

Gem of a tutorial! This guy is a genius. Thank you!

[@xXValomatXx]

yeah, great tutorial. Especially the part, where he enhances frequencies, that are not even in the sound @ 5.55 ;)

[@LahceneBelbachir]

@@xXValomatXx Yeah he put the boost way too far, but you can see it's still affecting the sound.

[@Storyvilleemcee]

@@xXValomatXx trust the ears, not the analyzer.

[@ezrashanti]

@@xXValomatXx I think he's showing the boost on band 2, not 5.

in love with any Lu Diaz video tutorial. He is the king!

[@SPIN4CHEATER]

Wanted to say the same. I love his vids

[@helloworldstudios412]

I really like the way Waves Audio arranges their videos to give the best clarity to the viewer. By highlighting the 3 main subjects or lessons, it makes it easier to comprehend and retain the information.

[@felipesilva2004]

Hands down the best low end tutorial I've ever seen! (and I'm not a hip hop producer... I'm a house producer)

[@leonli2582]

How are there dislikes? This man deserves a medal explaining all this, and I dont even deserve to say that.

[@djRoyalTee]

Prolly from the anti-rap crowd...

[@kenthejanitor3456]

Theres honestly not that much compared to the Likes

[@4523167098]

Dislike bots

[@deannagel5854]

@@ftj4441 bro wtf are you even talking about? lmao

[@3rdeye931]

When he said “bass is life” I felt that

[@8068]

Lu nice job! Hands-down one of the BEST tutorials I have seen on You Tube in years. All the best in 2020.

[@SethBarProductions]

Super helpful video! I love listening to Lu Diaz teach! Wish there were more of these!

[@RipperTheEntertainer]

I'm about to be 40. This guy just made me feel proud!

[@veinteduece6625]

42 here... Don't quit!

[@katentu]

@@veinteduece6625 43...

[@bdp5529]

14

[@Synth2000]

46 here! will never ever quit

[@flavioescotto5404]

Just turned 40! Life’s pretty sweet

[@michaelblackbeats8217]

Mr. Diaz is a boss, thank you for these tutorials, very informative!

[@thecomprehensionhub4612]

This is so valuable to an upcoming producer. A quality equalizing is just as important as quality melody/lyrics

[@ER_aka_RAM]

Bass Capital! Lu’s a legend… Thanx for collaborating on this episode 🤙🏽

[@lotr-ral-3332]

A little saturation never hurts. Awesome equ-ing gem's!! Thanks so much!!!

[@ethanvincent56]

lu diaz always gives some of the best tips

[@balobeats8115]

From the heart thankyou for these videos @Waves Audio and Lu Diaz

[@ThespyfromCairo]

A real pleasure listening to his words AND the sound he delivers! Brilliant indeed!

[@Nini_369]

Wow!!! 'Just wow" thank you so much" " . I tried these tips as the video played and wow, crispy clean kicks and 808's starting today ' 🙏🙏🙏 ''' I always clicked the presets for "Parametric EQ" but once I really understood the frequencys it was A giant game changer ,,, I'm so happy I can't explain it!!!!!!

[@zislec]

I wish I was this passionate while mixing my shit 😅😩 This man dropping gems 💎

[@corytraistaru9569]

Wow. This is exactly what I needed. Articulate and concise, with a whole lotta bass. Well done.

[@rolandclark918]

Best tutorial ever, he got straight to the point, explanation of why is good, and examples are awsome

[@2.nonchalant894]

Niggas would pay for the *SAUCE* that this man just gave us.

[@MaddDrEw]

His method is mainly from years of his ears listening. Focus on ear training and you won't need videos anymore.

[@MaddDrEw]

There's also a lot of different ways of achieving what he did.

[@MaddDrEw]

He made a very boxy. Kick. I would've gone with a more aggressive approach and driven just a bit more, almost to a clipping/distortion point. Or I would've gone digital distortion and gone with some bitcrushing. I don't like the boxy kick he picked.

[@MaddDrEw]

Or being the guy I am, going with a synthesized bass sound (think EDM, but better) a sub channel, and a kick channel.

[@NAof01]

Madd Dr. Ew stfu

[@amptechno9079]

The mid-range grit in the sub really makes it drive through the mix.

[@cliftoncameron5632]

Lu and Waves. Thank you for the gift in these jewels.

[@keithdunwoody1302]

One thing to talk about it but quite another to put these tips into practice. Experience teaches! Lu shows his pro skills. Thanks Lu, thanks Waves!

[@4EverEvolving1]

Very well explained. Thank you for the knowledge!

[@Juxtapose76]

Thanks Lu, really well done from your stand point of view. I really enjoy your work..Gb

[@tsukiimusic7336]

I love this guy. So fun and entertaining to watch!

[@vicvango1]

Excellent tutorial. Everything explained well & simply by a master mixer - info worth it's weight in gold!

[@blacktraptv447]

best teacher for mixing tips!!! THANKS

[@asaiya705]

Man thanks so much for anouther video with Mr. Diaz I really respect his words and how he delivers his knowledge

[@DOKOTV]

Best person who gives out top-notch education in the shortest and simplest way. Thank you sir.

[@gonzalodominguez229]

makes a huge difference... even listening through my mobile phone. Thanks! This is how tutorials are done

[@sunray1984]

I love this man! Best tips for mixing!

[@0xggbrnr]

This man is a scientist and a wizard at the same time. I hate to shed light on his age, but he really is a testament to the wisdom that comes from experience. This man deserves the utmost respect from those coming up. His perspective humbles the student.

[@Emustall]

That was a great learning moment! Thanks Lu Diaz!

[@jonathanbolger6173]

How in christ can he see that screen. Dude must have 20/20

[@MixingGBP]

Yeah, I added a 32" in front and a 55" on the far wall and I'm still complaining it's not enough.

[@JimmyBlimps]

Probably has decent vision but mainly I think has that spent that many hours inside Protools and those plugins he doesn't need to be able to read anything to know what it is and exactly how it behaves.

[@---4385]

pretty sure he can pull it forward. But it looks better for the camera to have it back there.

[@orion681]

This is part of a series. In another video about mixing vox, you see the monitor is on an articulating mount and he has it pulled closer.

[@Delston05]

Super useful sidechaining tip on that one dynamic eq band.

[@dissdad8744]

That tip is at least a decade old!

[@davisk4438]

I didn’t understand this, would you mind giving me a quick explanation?

[@nevdo_music]

@@davisk4438 using a comment of another guy to explain to you so you will see this reply: "He sidechained the kick to the dynamic EQ of the 808, not to the actual 808", the timing of the explanation is 7:29

[@roninenlightened6350]

@@davisk4438 Its called sidechain ducking. This video doesn't explain it in detail. But it is a very old technique where kick drums are carved into the signal of bass channel using a compressor or an inverted gate so the overlapping energies both the kick and bass tracks don't collide and clip. But in this context, a single band of a dynamic EQ was used which is like a mishmash of a EQ and a compressor in a single package like the TDR Nova.

[@LitBoxTv]

One of the best tutorials on 808/kik mixing.

[@smithc8355]

AMAZING Lu Diaz is a Legend! You´re a Masterpiece State of Art all over. Thank you for being this great professional beautiful person you are

[@mintyswirljoy]

In reality, this advice is for every type of mainstream sound. Aint jus' Hip-hop!

[@hv2623]

Well, everything leans hip hop nowadays so...

[@swaymanace]

Can a person who doesn't know to produce learn an master mastering an mixing engineering music

[@hv2623]

@@swaymanace Yes, but you're going to have to know a little producing, a little music theory, music performance, and other music related things in order to be really good at mastering. So you're going to have 1,000 questions. Luckily there's a bunch of online communities that will answer all your questions. Start learning and practicing, learning and practicing, learning and practicing.... At least that's what I think! 😂 I haven't made it yet.

[@rnfr]

Tony Vera true. In the modern realm of low fi, people want to hear everything on tiny speakers instead of taking a record home on their hifi stereo that they had pride in. It’s unfortunate, but also has its perks. Hopefully some day younger generations will want a banging system in their homes again.

[@rnfr]

sway manace absolutely. Do what you’re good at. AKA get in where you fit in. No one can do everything. But soak up all the knowledge you can and you never know. Just that you asked that question says something.

[@Seeattle]

He makes it so easy to understand :)

[@mcdan2696]

Great information! Combinations of different EQ's creates a very dynamic sound... Thank you

[@seasonsbeats5567]

A master at work, Will be watching this more then once that’s for sure.

[@precisionsoundworksstudio]

Great vid. Thank you for posting!

[@brianvega9169]

The man is a 808 himself🎛😭 very good video.

[@6stringbeats397]

I have literally watched this about 100 times already lol. Love this info

[@dcxbatman8005]

you're the man lu!!! thanks waves!!!

[@antonioborges2576]

Thanks for the info always great videos

[@Thes4LT]

I'm not personally a fan of sidechaining 808s to the kick because, if they are conflicting in the first place, then you already have a tonal problem that needs solved and adjusting the dynamics is only going to hide the problem. Sidechaining bass is a band-aid for most producers and it doesn't solve the underlying muddiness/bass conflicts. Obviously Lu Diaz knows what he's doing and he pays close attention to both tone and dynamics; however, most people don't have as much experience as he does, and so I think forcing one's self to fix tone first is very important. Additionally, if you don't have your sub and kick tuned perfectly to each other, sidechaining is going to create a noticeable ugly pumping effect. On top of that, if the kick sample doesn't have a lot of sub in it, it's going to be easy for the listener to hear the pressure drop in the headphones when that bass ducks out of the way. This is why it's better imo to use EQ to sit the kick with the bass. Usually to accomplish that I find the transient of my kick (around 100 - 160 hz,) keep a mental note of that, and then go over to my bass and add a small dip to that frequency, being extra careful to not use too narrow of a Q (too narrow in the low end = ringing.) Then on the kick, if the low end is clashing with my 808, I do a harsher bass rolloff on the kick. Usually rolling off below 40 hz works fine, but sometimes you might want more or less depending on the sound and the 808. Then, if the kick isn't punching through the mix, I usually take an EQ to it and add some distortion. Boosting the transient region (100-160,) and the low mids (200 - 350) usually aids the ear pressure/texture of the kick if it's too weak, and paying attention to the 600 hz - 1200 hz region well aid it if the body feels lacking. And just like in the video, if you want a more audible click or more dustiness from your kick, boost in the highs.

[@rlarudoox]

thanks for your advice

[@subliminalist7539]

While I definitely agree with getting the EQ/toning right first, sidechaining is still an excellent, multi-purpose tool that takes a moderate knowledge of compression/gating to do effectively. It can be hard to judge bass even on high end systems - combining toning and sidechain compression is a relatively safe route to getting a heavy-hitting kick to slap through a chunky 808. You know it's working right when you don't hear it but when you bypass it your kick gets a little lost, loses some punch, and the subtle rhythmic breathing is gone. But yeah pumping is where this can break the mix, so the timing and threshold need to make sense. I wouldn't say you need the 808 and kick perfectly tuned for this - but the right kick sample and tonal balance is key. One of the biggest advantages of sidechaining is being a simple way to make louder masters while maintaining punch and the integrity of the kick and bass on their own. In the end, it's all about what makes the most sense to you in a time-efficient method. Nice write-up :)

[@digitalproducer3500]

But if you look closely, he isn't just ducking (compressing) the 808, he is also EQ'ing (like you're saying) at the same time through the side-chained eq-comp plug-in. I don't disagree with you that if a bass line or 808 is simply ducked (compressed) too aggressively you can lose some of that energy, but if you look at his levels, he is basically eq'ing it more than he is compressing it. Plus, the one advantage of this method is that when the kick is not triggering the side-chain (whatever you have set up) the 808 will play totally naturally and not be permanently notched. Just my thoughts and I appreciate your post.

[@BookooZenny]

This is a very useful comment with several useful responses lol is this still youtube wtf

[@coleeason6007]

Slick wit that you should have a channel if you could you post a link sir if not preciate the knowledge you dropped as well

[@Synth2000]

I did learn, and that was a very good, passionate and useful explanation, no holding back... Thank you boss! Forever grateful

[@TheSocialjerry]

Needed my 808 n kick to sit properly, so I tried these exact settings in ableton ... loving the results ... one of the best advise ever of mixing kick n 808

[@kaafaa5944]

u need tuned your 808 with melody, if the fundamental is D, ur 808 too

[@RealzzOfficial]

My Guy!! 🏆🏆 LuDiaz The Goat 🐐 Thank You!🙏🏼

[@Zanobeats]

fact

[@Gnurklesquimp]

3:22 If you want more of an oldschool sound with the low end power of modern sounds I really recommend downgrading the top layer with something like Izotope Vinyl, can help a lot when they otherwise sound too clean. I love just taking a sound and putting it into patcher, applying different effects like detune to different frequency ranges, Harmor also has some really awesome detune options like drawing in the amount of detune across the harmonics.

[@audioelitist3677]

This is impressive knowledge and understanding of the way audio works, as well as how it interacts with human perception. Very impressive.

[@SkySplitterInk]

Awesome, definitely on point. Thanks Lu.

[@oeunouch]

This man is a HIP HOP GOD!! Who would have thought!!

[@listenfidi]

Bass is life 🔥

[@andyrechenberg]

Dynamic II ... so classic! 🔊🔊🔊 Thanks for the insight. 🙏🏼

[@sagarjainojozi]

this gold! more of this please waves!

[@danielarco8566]

Thanks, Mr.Diaz! It's great. I like your mix approach for vocal also.

[@TheBlashMusic]

How to mix low end like a pro: 1. Duck the sub whenever the kick hits (Either sidechain the sub/808 to the kick or volume automate the sub/808 to get out of the way of the kick.) 2. Balance the sub and kick as well as you can 3. Compress the kick and sub together (either on the mix buss/master or group the kick and sub together)

[@jamelehampton4255]

Sidechaining the 808/Kick would give it the same effect as Volume automation wouldn't it?

[@anindustryplant7449]

@@jamelehampton4255 I read in another comment that it’s basically the same effect yeah

[@omarbarrios3420]

@@jamelehampton4255 dont use a compressor though

[@KS-gu9zl]

On of the best tutorials I have seen

[@rnfr]

True Master. You can feel the years of work and knowledge.

[@ronniepaulinc]

His brother just opened a recording studio in Ky. Lu is a Miami must know and we used him to mix all our tracks. Circle House Studios!

[@Jacinto_Chevy_Cadillac]

Much for this guy!

[@AndrewScott1337]

That side chain EQ trick is sick, gonna for sure add that one to my bag of tricks

[@elchedda1314]

Dude be dropping sauce and to think I've been scrolling past these videos for months..

[@psysword]

Wowo just changed my Master for the better!

[@fuzzupuzzu]

great lil vid.... i always wanted the vitamin plugin

[@buildingblocks8287]

master at work. Dynamic EQ is the number one weapon to clean up your lowend. gorgeous toneshaping with the eqs on top... this guy will make all of our speakers exploder :-)))

[@penjackson]

Invaluable advice!! Thanks Lu!

[@lucasrobertomusic8922]

Legit Lu Diaz seems like the coolest mentor. Much respect!

[@PapiCee]

I’m from Miami so I know Lu low end is on point, it’ll be a dream to work with him one day 🙏

[@BriansThing]

I've shared this video with some of my students! Great tips!

[@lowrezable]

Thank you so much !!! Lu Diaz rules !!!

[@PaynePresents]

Love music tutorials not made by 20 year old stoners in their room

[@djBlindFaith]

Payne the track sounds like that though 🤣🤣🤣 Auto tune needs to piss off... well, all this hard tuned trash anyway... 🖖

[@sergio4265]

This guy is a engineer, he doesn't have anything to do with the song he just makes it sound more clear.

[@Wolfie99]

@@djBlindFaith Amen to the Autotune comment. Overdone? Much?? lol!

[@Wolfie99]

Hahahah...Indeed. When you read the credits in the description you know that he has some time served value and wise words to bring to the party. Always worth listening to a seasoned pro.

[@rpdigital17]

@Justin Saephan I watched lately audio "masterclass" where instructor had master output clipping all the time. No taste and he teaches young people!

[@vallenteen]

Mr. Diaz, I want to personally thank you! God bless you!

[@AspireUniqueTV]

This has been one of my many weaknesses. Thanks for the tips. All love.

[@BandoLyrix]

Im just here singing .....YOU GON FEEL IT BAAABE....!!!

[@QstArMedia]

Great Advice, Much Appreciated! Thanks & Nuff Respect Lu Diaz! Peace✌🏿

[@SolarHeavy]

Great tips, manually sidechaining your low end and kick can also be great for creating very controlled dips and cuts to give a certain feel in the final concept. I utilize this often!

[@sickbeatsproductions6664]

One of my favorite engineers. I love the mixes he did for ace hood.

[@BXMASSIVE]

LU Diaz Should Have a Master Class I'd purchase in a heart beat

[@JonnyBriers]

Who knew Kyle Gass knew so much about hip hop

[@taunoctua245]

Sax-a-boom

[@stevetragg]

ahahahahaha the pick works in mysterious ways!

[@diwashsharma4545]

@@stevetragg Give this man the comment of the year award

[@TechnoNates]

lmao I had the same thought when I saw the thumbnail