5 REGGAE PRODUCTION TIPS I Wish I Knew When I Started

[@addammadd]

So I produce approximately 15% reggae vs the rest of what I do but your channel has had the most profound impact on my engineering overall. Basically, you’ve inspired me to become actually knowledgeable on what I’m doing vs just playing with knobs till it sounds “good”. But you know why you, along with Kush, have got me going on this? You’re humble, you’re not trying to hype your bullshit and you’re not trying to sell me shit. Bro thank you so much for your work and your inspiration.

[@DMKahn]

Thanks so much brother, I seriously appreciate your comment. It’s comments like these that really make this whole thing worthwhile. I love doing it for the fun and enjoyment of reggae music, and to spread positivity, but I also love the technical aspects of sculpting sounds and getting everything to work together. A big thank you for the support!

[@billB101]

As a reggae/dance music producer myself whose worked with quite a few Jamaican artists then I would suggest reading the book Bass culture by Lloyd Bradley for reference. Read the book, reference the tracks mentioned ( there are thousands of therm from scar to lovers rock to dance hall ) and pretty much all of them are on youtube too for listening purposes. Also learn what a One Drop rhythm is and how to use effects like spring reverb, phaser and techniques like sending delays back into delays. Reggae isn't always about super clean sounding polished mixes either, a lot of the classics where made in pretty low-fi studios on limited gear. To inject a bit of authenticity, roughen up some of the sounds. Lastly reggae is all about the underlying pulse and feel of the music, you can have the most authenticate sounding reggae track going but if the pulse isn't there then you might as well scrap it. Again, reference the classic tracks.

[@DMKahn]

Everything you said is great advice! I agree with all of those points!

[@professorswaggamuffin7572]

Damn I should check that book out. Im writing it down. I also suggest the book "DUB soundscapes & shattered songs in Jamaican Reggae." Its very thorough and very good.

[@nicolaslaisne1451]

Hi! Totally agree with you. It all depends on what period of Jamaican music you are interested in. I remember an interview with Lester Sterling saying that during the recordings in the early '60s, Jamaican studios were very basic. The whole band was recording in a room around a microphone!! And all this in two takes maximum!! So obviously, sometimes it wasn't perfect but the intention and the will was there. That's what created the magic on some tracks. Imperfections are important. If you listen to the album "Blackboard Jungle" and go back in time, 1973!!! Yes, the sound is not perfect, but many now agree that it is a masterpiece and that it marked a turning point in Jamaican music

[@mercerfamilyadventures4613]

I've been producing bass heavy music for 21 years now. And constantly ask around, research practice, and get tips from Khan. never stop learning. Tubby has set the bar high af! :)

[@DMKahn]

Thanks Wayne, I appreciate the ❤️. Tubby is miles ahead!!

[@eddyromeo6462]

Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful piece of information with the world. Remain forever blessed. 👏🙏🍇🕊❤️

[@benja303]

1. Learn what authentic reggae is Practice A1 sound selection Practice Your instruments Know your frequencies Understand compression

[@jambutty2218]

Been a reggae fan since my childhood. Fortunately growing up within pirate radio distance from South Manchester. The UK’s third or second largest West Indian community. Your first track you played sounded good to me. Your recent track was the same style of what was called lover’s rock here in the UK. Thanks so much for this knowledge. 🇪🇹 🇬🇧

[@MA-kx4sx]

The type of teachers I love.

[@demetriussour5771]

Finally, great creative content about reggae production

[@DMKahn]

Thanks for stopping by Demetrius -D👑K

[@nobbystyles4807]

awesome work here.... nice to see someone offering reggae perspective of mixing. the best tip that really helped me was make the EQ your best friend, put one on every channel, theyre free you can have as many as you like, once youve done something good then stop and put another eq on that same channel and work on that, keep going until you fuck it up then just delete the eq where you went wrong and youll be back to where you were good. if you eq properly you dont really need compression.

[@WestFinga]

Thanks to promote Rubaddrum :) Really appreciate Large Up Kahn

[@DMKahn]

You deserve the promotion, insanely great drum sounds! Cheers

[@The_Catalyzt]

Dude I'm learning that same lesson about high frequencies and that oh so magic midrange.

[@curtischarles5299]

this is one of the reasons why i prefer most of my advise from a reggae producer than lets say a rock producer because the genres are so different. Some of the principles from other genres dont apply to reggae. sadly there aren't a lot of good authentic reggae tutorials around. keep up the good work khan

[@DMKahn]

Big thanks Curtis!! I appreciate the ❤️

[@RGE_Music]

The fundamentals are very different

[@tezzastutes]

I think I will give reggae another go. I did one track and then never followed it up. The best drumming app I found was Reggae Drummer on the iPad. It's actually really good and it will export the midi so you can load it into your favourite drum VST (I like MDrummer from Melda Production). RD has the most attention to detail. They put out separate apps for different genres and the software has functions dedicated to the genre. I love the way fills are implemented with FX coming in and out. The ghost notes are also right on the money.

[@ignaciodelamaza5234]

I love how dedicated and thorough your videos are! really enjoyed how you gave multiple examples of every concept. Thank you so much!

[@DMKahn]

Thanks Ignacio, much appreciated!!

[@nouvellehauteurinc.2102]

Great Video man! Thanks for the awesome insights.

[@YUNGFARANG]

Bro that first track slaps 🔥

[@JahHero]

I kind of like the old version lol it has a more intense punchy sound but the remix is great blessed love

[@DMKahn]

Thank you man! I kind of agree, it sounds a little more vintage. I recently did a remix that’s coming out in March or so that’ll be available on vinyl and digital outlets. It’s a remix kind of a mixture of the two for sure

[@audiodotlucas]

Big up DM Kahn from the UK, great sound

[@jaykumbi]

Where have you been my whole life!! Thank you kindly for sharing bruv! Bless and love to your soul! 🙏🙏🙏

[@dworuch1]

you finally made me understand compression.. thanks buddy

[@emviousMUSIC]

dk if ya mess with unsigned artist but I have a sound id love your opinion on and possibly create more of together.. its my first ever acoustic recording by meself and i tried the reggae route since i feel most in tune with the type of sound.. sent ya an email with the track

[@kavumatonny7441]

You've helped me so much to improve my reggae production skills. It's now years of learning from you. Thanks alot

[@campbell8988]

Perfect lesson on specific genre

[@Ulibert]

CANT BELIEVE YOUR FIRST SONG PRODUCED SOUNDS GOOD ALREADY HAHAHA

[@alexupham]

Absolutely!! I’d be ecstatic with that first track!

[@JohnJesus]

Good job Kahn, I attest to all you said!

[@chinkwengelwanda4313]

Am glad you also watch DM Khan. I recently discovered your channel and I have been watching DM Khan. So far, yours and his are my main KZbin channels for reggae production.

[@DMKahn]

Thanks J Jesus!! And yes Chinkwenge, J Jesus’ channel is super legit too!!

[@ThirdWorldBeatz]

Bless up great video!!

[@mateusnunes8617]

Hey man, you a big inspiration thanks a lot for sharing the knowledge, greetings from Brasil!!! ✌

[@cjendary9451]

Just started to make reggae 2 days ago it's really fun so far

[@redonk87]

I do the same peak thing with the eq..when I figured that out is when my mixed started sounding really good

[@shandani7215]

That's a hit reggae song you played. Cheers.

[@dimebomb]

Amazing dude!

[@EzyoMusic]

Not that I'm a reggae producer, but having too much high-end is definitely something I fall into. Had it with the album I produced last year.

[@zdogg8]

You are a good KZbinr, you cut to the chase, are interesting and likable and give pertinent examples one after the other. FIve stars.

[@DMKahn]

Thank you zdogg!! Respect

[@adanbeatz1147]

amazing - i always want to make tibetan reggae music，that‘s my dream

[@professorswaggamuffin7572]

Im super curious as to what that sounds like or what you hope it will sound like.

[@jasonrymer7973]

Thanks for sharing, enjoyed your tips and perspectives.

[@jamesboldcomedy6914]

great educational video with super tips

[@villy8778]

Learned a lot with you Sir Thanks

[@DMKahn]

Thank you for stopping by!

[@ShreadsEBS]

Great video! Thanks for sharing

[@leroyosbourne3808]

Thank you for sharing. This is extremely valuable. Loved the comparison of songs over time LOL

[@Nevillecharlesultd]

Absolutely brilliant I sincerely need your help and guidance.

[@FoundationStepper]

Ya man, great reggae content I missed on KZbin. Big up

[@DMKahn]

Respect! Thanks for checking out the channel. Let me know if you have any ideas for future video

[@FoundationStepper]

DM Kahn okay, I’ll try ;)

[@airaielion]

Bro, thank you! This video is the answer! One Love! much Love!

[@andresmontero1654]

Dude, I´m guitarist and I love what you do! Keep making videos, Cheers from CRica.!

[@tidaltheory]

Thanks for making these videos and spreading the love of reggae

[@michaelgiordano3757]

awesome video and song. Thank you man

[@DMKahn]

You’re most welcome man!

[@kingbabilla]

amazing evolution! thanks for sharing!

[@CitizenWarwick]

Nice one brother.i learned something! 🙏❤️

[@danyelsim]

great vid, bro!

[@Charas.Lounge]

Great work 🎵🎶

[@michaelOMalley-y1l]

Dry helpful,Thankyou.

[@AlecArmbruster]

Your remix is a world more professional sounding. Great song, great composition and now mixing to match! :)

[@DMKahn]

Thank you Alec! I appreciate the comment very much. It just goes to show how much we learn over time as we continue to practice!

[@tafariteshome7979]

Good tips! Your first mix still sounds good and your passion and love for reggae is undeniably obvious:) I've also been inspired in creating and mixing reggae music over 10 years and one thing I noticed is that we both learned that less bass is more:)) LOL! I also learned alot from Graham and Waren! Great and talented guys! Love your lastest song and vibes Bredda! Thanks for sharing 🙏

[@MrFromthefuture]

super nice video ! blessed love

[@RGE_Music]

Fantastic work man!! Amazing tutorial!

[@sandmansam]

Thanks bro, I’ve always wondered how attack and release work haha

[@thomlev5217]

Hello could you make a tutorial of how to make reggae bassline on a midi keyboard?

[@benja303]

1. Study authentic old reggae music to understand what the sound is Drum and bass is the back bone and it’s heavy and dry. Just adding the chaka bang does not make your song a reggae song 2. Make nuff reggae tracks Make nuff tracks 3. Practice your instrument 4. Choose right sounds. Start with A1 sounds EZ keys Ez drum Steve slate drum Rubba drum 5. Know your frequencies 6. Compression

[@benja303]

Engineer musician sound man creative

[@eturf]

Khan a swear u are a genius 👏

[@DMKahn]

You too kind, thank you brother 🙏

[@cpt.seemo2003]

Thx so much four your inspiring work. I can't get enough of your tutorials. 🙏☮️

[@DMKahn]

star guest thanks! Glad to have you here! Cheers from 🇨🇦

[@rashollamanhollaman8101]

Good production tips

[@Stick3x]

You were destined to be great from the first tune. Blessed.

[@DMKahn]

Many thanks

[@mrrafsk]

What do you think about the DrumDrop reggae drums.. I'm really enjoying the snares

[@DMKahn]

I’ve heard good things but haven’t used them myself

[@pedroc2468]

best channel i found 2021

[@DMKahn]

Many thanks brother

[@BrunoCasilliBerardi]

hey man, so glad to discover your channel I am a musician in Brazil and I am recording the first songs of a reggae project, there so few good videos about reggae tec and prod.

[@Abuaaliyah1]

on the song around 3:00 i really like the original mix it reminds me of old beres hammond even if its technically not the ideal mix

[@DMKahn]

Yeah, I was definitely onto something with that trebley mix. It doesn’t sound bad, it’s just a bit unnaturally bright

[@Abuaaliyah1]

@@DMKahn big time and your mixing has clearly come a long way. This might sound silly but that’s the sound I’m going for, if you can make a video on how you did it that’d be dope

[@maryannmensorado9478]

Glad you worked with jacob from rootikal and kanaka mon of kapu. And I am so blessed I found you dub masta! Tell dem!!

[@DMKahn]

🙏🙏🙏thanks for your support!!

[@michaelknight141]

Wow, that was surprisingly informative. I‘m not really producing reggae (even though I love it) but it helped me a lot anyway. My problem with EQ and compression is, that I often (for example when watching tutorials) barley hear a difference. Some YT plugin reviews they talk about the „colour“ of an EQ or Compressor and I hear absolutely no difference (Only when it’s very overdone). Usually its used subtle and the difference is so small, I wonder if it even matters. So much fuzz about things you can barely hear. Anyways, thubs up and subscribed 👍🏻

[@DMKahn]

Right on man. Yeah there’s a lot of glitz and glamour about plugins. I can tell you though, lots of tiny moves is what gets you to the finish line! Thanks for stopping by and I’m glad you enjoyed the video !

[@marlon_fm]

Wonderful tips. I`m learning my way through riddims and these tips were pretty good. Unfortunately the third one is complicated for people with no money, like me. But the rest is pretty cool. Thanks

[@denislocs141]

Bless up 👑 great video 👊🏿

[@fabrizzo1]

You are very good! Thank you!!

[@DMKahn]

Appreciate you and your comment! Thanks for watching

[@YellowTunez]

Hello man I'd like you to mix and master my reggae banger where/how can I reach you

[@shango7942]

Also to be honest all three production sounds good, it all depends on the flavor and the decade of production. Like the first one reminds me of King Tubbys sound, the second is kind of the current sounding reggae and the last one your most current sounds like the 60s/Rocksteady era, which is my favorite era in reggae. The last one is warmer more intimate sounding.

[@DMKahn]

Great points about EQ! It’s interesting the phases we go through while learning. Nothing “wrong” per se, just different. Good music is good music 🚥

[@djtvappdias9353]

Thanks bro, fantastic video's 😁😁

[@DMKahn]

Cheers!!

[@regrecordingstudio7671]

Great sound & marvelous vibe ..

[@MarcoPolo-sn4iq]

Awsome tips! Big up

[@DMKahn]

🙏

[@yamansitar6153]

why the camera switching. , nice video info

[@SomeMaxiboy]

Love your videos bro! Just awesome, very educational

[@EzyoMusic]

You describe 2.5k as a "harsh frequency", but it's a very important region when you're working with vocals. A lot of the articulation happens there. I take it out of everything that is not the lead vocal, including backing vocals. I believe I got that from Rick Beato. I'm sure you've heard of him!

[@DMKahn]

It’s important to realize that 2K is the pain frequency. Of course it’s vital, especially in vocals, or other leads. But it’s often overdone! Better to be cautious in my opinion. Yeah Rick Beato is legit, an amazing musician and music theorist. I think I learned how to tune a snare from him!

[@pr0t0typ50]

Awesome! Could you do more videos about effects on reggae/dub drums & arrangement in the mix. Many Thanks greets from germany.

[@DMKahn]

For sure! I am going to do a dub version of Lovers Chune (I’ve never made one) and I’m going to do an in depth how-to on how I get each sound. Thanks for the comment 🔥

[@EzyoMusic]

I would like to add micro-timing or "groove" to your tips. That's one of the things I know despite not having studied or produced reggae.

[@DMKahn]

Absolutely! I should make a video on groove alone!

[@rashollamanhollaman8101]

DM Kahn like your dears, l would like you to produce mix and compress my song how do we go about it?. I am in Zambia.

[@nathanbryers]

Don’t worry that there’s plenty of dub mix videos out there… live mixing dub plates is ever fascinating to watch. Everyone does it their own way - never gets boring, and... the soundtracks are awesome 😎

[@DMKahn]

Thanks for that!

[@pi84ent]

This is solid advice

[@kidsonicofficial]

2:27 I've been listening to reggae all my life through my mixed heritage. When I started making music (I produce DnB mainly but have been experimenting with other genres - reggae being one of them), I wanted to know how to get those classic sounds, but I have been stumped by this specific sound. What Drum VST/Sample Pack would you recommend for this? Was it a DMX or Drumtrax kit?

[@DMKahn]

I use my own sample pack. Hit me up with an email for the info. [e-mail]

[@antioedipus72]

would be great to know some tips for processing sounds that havent been already recorded and tweaked to perfection

[@DMKahn]

Check out my later videos on bass, riddim section etc, I show the exact processing used

[@antioedipus72]

@@DMKahn i just got to these, tysm!

[@Eddie_Chang]

I love lovers rock

[@CoCre8ors]

That riddim at the end is Madddddd

[@DMKahn]

🙏

[@sockrepairman]

Awesome video. My buddy and I are currently working on a reggae recording project so this is super helpful, thanks man! Do you have any special tips for mixing horns?

[@DMKahn]

It’s pretty dependent. Horns can be tricky. Id say bus them together and compress them together a little bit. Not a lot, just to glue them together as a cohesive unit

[@sockrepairman]

@@DMKahn Thanks!

[@FdUpNews]

Great video!

[@basstianlopez9363]

thanks men.

[@CoCre8ors]

Legend Bro!!!

[@JahServant]

Thanks for sharing, wish you were around making these videos when I was starting out. So much of the info out there about mixing audio doesn't work well for reggae. Keep it up, bro.

[@DMKahn]

MarkJahServantGiles thanks Mark, I appreciate your continual support. I watched quite a few of your vids the other day. I didn’t know you had so many tutorials too! The Rubadrum one was wicked 💪

[@JahServant]

Thanks for checking them out. I try a little thing now and then.

[@danielrobinson5606]

Hey, what drums are you using in this video? Or what are a couple you recommend buying? I would love to have a couple of options. Thank you in advance!

[@DMKahn]

That’s my legacy sample pack. Here’s the link: bsta.rs/k0UCH1

[@chuukikikku8537]

Great tips! What DAW are you using?

[@DMKahn]

Thanks. That’s Logic!

[@tawhirimorgan223]

Hay brotha I'm from NZ🇳🇿 living in Australia for the past 10 years. I'm deeply into roots reggae from the 70s and 80s Sly & Robbie and Roots Radics are king in my musical genre. Just a curious question What is a good recording platform to start with... I'm a keen musician as well had a band in New Zealand just jamming in the garage and stuff no big deal not quite stage ready but desired music is heavy roots reggae love the channel totally inspired🇬🇳

[@DMKahn]

Hi bro! Depends on Mac or PC? Do you have an interface?

[@tawhirimorgan223]

@@DMKahn just gotta laptop to start with Asus with 2 gb ram no instruments as yet just wanna use some virtual instruments to start with.

[@tawhirimorgan223]

@@DMKahn no interface yet bro.

[@DMKahn]

Ok I’d grab an SSL interface (I think it’s called the 2 plus?) and would say get an Ableton trial, free for 90 days. Get a small midi keyboard, and a pair of headphones like beyerdybamic DT770 80 ohm and maybe ezkeys and rubadrum by westfinga. If you have a real guitar and bass you’re off to the races. Bless

[@tawhirimorgan223]

@@DMKahn thanks DM it's gonna take some time gotta go from the bottom up appreciate that you got back to us blessed❤💛💚

[@greenguitar1970]

Hi kahn We are just into our first few reggae songs And have realised something is missing and we don’t really have that reggae groove , could you maybe help us out with some advice please 🙏

[@DMKahn]

Listen to the classic reggae albums of the late 70s and early 80s. Study the feel and what makes it unique.

[@klaytonvonkluge4905]

What does everyone think about ableton? cubasis? or bandlab? (Mainly for reggae?)

[@djtvappdias9353]

Yeahh, super groov 😁 thanks só much

[@Droomtent]

Big up Chris!

[@DMKahn]

Thanks Peter!! You’re jumbo 🙏

[@daanthijssen1748]

Roots Reggae heal the world