How to MIX A REGGAE SONG with DM Kahn

In this tutorial, Kahn discusses volume levels, panning, EQ, compression, bus techniques, saturation, reverbs, and delays. In this tutorial, you'll see Kahn's favorite plugins by Slate Digital, Waves, and Soundtoys. We hope you enjoy and leave us comment! If you want to purchase Kahn's reggae drum sample pack, email him at [e-mail].
Gear used: Canon M50 w/15mm kit lense, Canon 6D with L kit lense, Shure SM57, Shure SM81, CAPI VP28, Midas F24, Beyerdynamic DT770.

[@addammadd]

1:47 first thing ima do is turn down the percussion. In fact, lets turn everything down and start eqing the drums. 16:50 bass 21:15 piano 24:00 skankity skank guitar (chickachica) 27:00 bringing in that other skanky guitfiddle 28:30 some notes on how he likes to pan out the rhythm section 30:40 lets do a little work on this bubble organ 35;45 37:41 (end rant) back to where he digs panning his rhythm section 40:00 lets work a little more on the pluck guitar 51:00 ok, this percussive organ, lets pan this off and add some upper freq to poke through 52:20 some conversation on old reggae organs 54:00 back to work on percussion 56:10 some mix bus processing (By the way, if you don’t use paid plugins, use logic’s tape delay with zero delay and boom, you’ve got tape effects) 1:00:00 fuckin with various eq settings on the bass 1:02:00 ok lets add in some percussion 1:06:00 now lets add some reverb 1:12:00 we can make a percussion bus! 1:14:30 COSTUME CHANGE! Lets keep talking about percussion. 1:16:42 lets add a few more reverbs! (To the busses) 1:20:00 lets add MORE REVERB! 1:22:00 delay(delaydelaydelaydeldeldelldddd)

[@ericcourt1]

Doing the lord's work my friend. Ty👍🏽

[@jaskamon6127]

lol!

[@1linkjimmy]

I’m a Jamaican an your from the state, I don’t see no one on KZbin doing what you doing from Jamaica, Jamaica producers ,engineers don’t share what you r sharing, so much information on your channel,watching your channel for two days now,thanks a lot keep up the good work,great job.

[@kobraklutch7484]

he knows his stuff

[@goldbluetears]

jamaican producers are like magicians, they keep their secrets to themselves

[@viybeztremorrecordsintl7246]

For real bro I am a Jamaican as well living in Jamaica and no one is willing to share any of their knowledge with you as a young aspiring producer so little from now we won't have any more reggae producers when those selfish ones pass away

[@MaroonRiddimz]

So true

[@pierredelareunion9105]

Live DM KAHN 🔥🔥💪🏽🇷🇪

[@curtischarles5299]

what a wonderful demonstration of how real authentic reggae is done. Keep this up and anytime people are looking for reggae tutorials ,you will be the number 1 channel. I would boldly say that there is no one on the internet that is providing such content for authentic reggae. keep it coming meh bredda.

[@DMKahn]

Curtis Charles yeah it’s the Yamaha snare from my pack. Just gotta play with gating and EQ and saturation

[@gibsonmemphis7675]

c'mon! it's not an authentic reggae (mostly because of the drum pattern) and it's not mixed like authentic reggae - the kick drum here sounds almost like in american hard rock or heavy metal! you won't find kick drum sounding like this in the sound of Bob Marley or Peter Tosh or Burning Spear or anyone else of that period

[@brethwaite82]

@@gibsonmemphis7675 waiting on your tutorial bro.

[@DMKahn]

🤣

[@michaeltoner1993]

@@gibsonmemphis7675 what are you talking about willis? listen to any channel one recordings and then tell me the drums don't sound similar to this...

[@Cooziemell]

I'm learning a lot about getting a specific sound out of my mixes. I'll be watching more of your videos. I never use the phrase pluck guitar though. I call it mute guitar and most of the veterans that actually created Reggae call it the stick lead. I like your vibe. Keep doing the work. This is needed

[@DMKahn]

Thank you for the kind words. Yes I’ve heard it called many things. Stuck line, ghost, pluck, stick. Haha all the same thing... the sound is the most important! Thank you stopping by! - D👑K

[@stedomusic]

Best and thorough instrumental mixing tutorial i've seen on youtube so far! Thanks man, keep doing this! 💯

[@DMKahn]

I appreciate that!

[@seemo1547]

Vielen Dank, mal wieder sehr hilfreich und inspirierend. 🙏☮️

[@joshuaaa89]

Thanks, you did it wonderfully! Great job. Looking forward to the master one & other future content 😉🖒

[@edwincastle2103]

I have been waiting for a few weeks to watch this video it was enjoyable and you explain everything with detail. Thank you very much.

[@patrickroos]

Thank you! Very nice of you to let us see this! I always get lost in my reggae mixes and it is great to use your explanation as a practice reggae template if you will...thanks!

[@kylewittlinmusic493]

Thank you so much DMK. This was a great tutorial on a subject that I'm in love with! 😝🌴🙌

[@pacerstudio4879]

A massive amount of skills here, thanks for the vid! This is how you get a roots sound!!!

[@KlausStoermer]

Your lessons are high quality, Mr. Kahn. Thanks so much for sharing your loving skills on this channel. Exactly what I was hoping to find.

[@allen394]

Excellent insight into your reggae mixing technique, very informative video. Really like the fact that you reference old school reggae sounds. Can't wait for you to Dub Up this riddim! Have a great holiday season and best wishes from the U.K.

[@djtvappdias9353]

yeahh, I love your job 😁 thanks for all, fantastic videos

[@allen394]

Another blaster from The Master!👍😎✌️

[@DMKahn]

Big up! Thanks for tuning in Allen!

[@shuntaimusic]

Nice job Mr. Khan. you got the feel and you got the know how, much respect,.I watched through the entire tutorial and picked up quite a bit, I'm self taught so any bit of knowledge I can find to add i'm grateful. I found an oasis hire. Be safe and stay healthy, looking forward to the other one. One love.

[@MontegoBayApartment]

simply awesome! you are my hero for sure!

[@CharlesK441]

Fantastic insight to mixing. One of the best I have watched!

[@DMKahn]

Thanks Charles!! 🙏

[@tempstep4058]

Loved this. Thanks

[@stevemiller5214]

Man it's informative, funny, and mellow! I love it. good job bro👍

[@izitprod-stylarprod94]

now i can die in peace, i have been searching videos on youtube and wait till one day i will able to find one. And there it is. Great job man and great lessons. Really appreciate the things you do. Keep on man.

[@shamsheed1726]

Wow. That was like having a day in class. Really informative. My favourite channel rn.

[@danielo174]

Wow! Phenomenal talent and content. I can't believe the depth of your skills and generosity. Amazing music you're producing there pal. Thanks

[@DMKahn]

Much appreciated Daniel, seriously

[@tomcarden4753]

So helpful!, sounds great! Thank you!!!

[@rastanz]

This is awesome stuff, you're a fantastic tutor and a very cool bass player, nice in the pocket feel, your instructions are clear and very highly detailed even for a mere 90mins work I could hear the difference in definition. I am a bass player myself and I've been learning how to mix my music projects but I could never find a video that walked you through the process as yours does because most engineers don't like sharing their personal procedures and tricks to the world. Your tutorial will be a valuable resource and a major game changer for my home recordings. Keep up the fantastic work, subbed your channel. Bless!

[@DMKahn]

Thank you man, I appreciate the comment so much! I need to make more start-to-finish videos for sure :)

[@davidgayle6933]

I'm a Jamaica and i love what you are doing keep on doing the good work 👍

[@chinxrootsmusic]

Thanks so much for this great tutorial.

[@diegos.beristain1881]

Great DM Kahn! Thanks a lot!

[@DMKahn]

My pleasure!

[@michaelgrant5312]

You are a blessing to reggae music

[@BASHirNimry]

My man out here dropping free knowledge!!! Much appreciated. Been looking for that “Reggae” snare my whole life. You made me realize that’s it’s been in front of me this whole time! Subscribed.

[@DMKahn]

Thanks for your support!!

[@barncat7943]

Keep doing these!

[@barncat7943]

Please!

[@EchoReverb6]

thats really great work ,learn alot from this ! thx!

[@GabrielJambert]

The Saturation technique! Thank you!

[@DMKahn]

That one blew my mind when I learned about it!!! You’re welcome haha, paying it forward

[@tafariteshome7979]

Maaaaassive Master Class Tutorial! We feel ya passion an love! Give thanks, seen! Jah bliss

[@MarcoPolo-sn4iq]

Amazing stuff, thank you! Greetings from Brazil

[@DMKahn]

Thanks for supporting the channel bro!!

[@soundbyrat]

Great info! Thank you!

[@jeisonleonardoguevara]

Thank u Bro , Great channel!! more than mixing tutorial its a arrangement tips!

[@RBmusic2000]

love your videos. Ive started to follow my new journey into the reggae music production. Im finding your content very helpful. Thank you

[@DMKahn]

Right on man! Thanks for your support

[@klaytonvonkluge4905]

i never would have dreamed there was such an in-depth science to this beautiful music .... thank you so much @DM Kahn (you are totally spot on about the saturation too!)

[@DMKahn]

Thank you brother

[@klaytonvonkluge4905]

@@DMKahn #Respect

[@Cloud9MediaTv]

Nice tutorial..👏we need more piano skank poly rhythms tutorials👌🏼

[@1eighty7]

thank you for all the tips, very helpful and professional. keep it up!

[@emilianos7731]

You have gained one subscriber, amazing explanation, loved it!

[@tomgluekler]

Great tutorial... real authentic and natural Reggae - thx

[@DMKahn]

Many thanks

[@didikaleya3173]

Finally a tutorial focusing in reggae & dub.Thanks!Respect!

[@DMKahn]

🙏- D👑K

[@NeymanOrigin]

Very helpful very nice tips. Sure a good reference. And man I just love the love u show in your eyes with the reggae music🙏😂 oh and a good roots big riddim.. Just missing that rockers fills in that man🙌🏿be safe thanks

[@OsirisXY]

I'm still working on my first reggae jam, and though I know I'm far from done, I'm realizing with this video just how much more is left to do. I appreciate these tutorials.

[@OsirisXY]

Check out the progress on this song here: alexisalvarez.org/Samples/ .

[@mikesaganor]

Good job thank for taking the time on this mix,lots of nice info. Well done keep it up.

[@DMKahn]

Thank you Mike!!

[@ManuelQ1982]

Kahn So much enlightenment given here. cant wait for the next one! I would love to see a video on how you process vocals within the same type of reverbs already in place for the whole track or would you use a totally different chain for that?

[@tasettiecharles7153]

Love it very informative

[@pandolnielson1838]

You do great job bro

[@mikesaganor]

Great mix love it .

[@DMKahn]

Respect

[@VelardeBryan]

This is the video I was waiting for!! I love your panning decisions, I will take this knowledge with me. I would love to know where you place brass, main vocals and chorus vocals in your mix.

[@CostaRebel]

Great content! Nuff thanks!

[@toprankinradio414]

Love your reggae tutorials DM Kahn so inspiring and insightful

[@marquezvanroeschen5340]

thanks for sharing!

[@Serchannel]

Invaluable lessons about mixing, producing. Thank you Khan, you are awesome 🙏🏽

[@robertrenteria3564]

duuuuuuuuuuude so much knowledge packed in an hour and a half thank you @DMKahn gives me giraffe aftermath vibes

[@DMKahn]

Thanks man, glad you got something from it!!

[@codyjahrett6188]

Thanks a lot for your tips and tricks master!!! I hope i get slate digital stuff one day ;) Great work!!!

[@m.gunturkurniawan8085]

i'm gonna stuck with kick&bass EQ-ing. this tutorial so pretty awsome for us. thank you so much, sir...

[@DMKahn]

Glad you’re enjoying it man! Cheers

[@JohnJesus]

Great job Kahn!

[@DMKahn]

Thanks brother. You are an inspiration to many!!

[@Hansmusik96]

greattt job mann i watch the full video and i take lesson thankss

[@ovalshrimp]

masterfully mixed indeed my man! so much to learn from this one. gonna need to watch a few times to take notes. thanks.

[@DMKahn]

Thank you for spending time here bro. Shrimpin’ ain’t easy

[@Raquemardon]

The mix is so clean. I can hear all the instruments.

[@DMKahn]

Thank you brother, please subscribe if you haven’t 🙏

[@emanuelfx4266]

bro i really loved how to teach

[@samtinyasolo9478]

love it

[@92beatzz77]

I just start watching this channel and its really #FANTASTIC for sure. My sub is already counted. Thanks brother for sharing such great tips.

[@DMKahn]

Give thanks bredge

[@willylukwago6051]

Just subscribed. Just amazing channel!

[@DMKahn]

Thank you!!

[@thebestevermail]

Love to play your video when my friends are visiting lol make me look like a musician although I have no single idea about it.

[@DMKahn]

Lol! Thanks for the support

[@1ajaypaul]

Hi, thanks for all your tutorials. they have been extremely helpful. a drum fill tutorial would be ideal

[@rashollamanhollaman8101]

Good works keep it up bro...

[@DMKahn]

Thank you brother

[@tonystephengrayson]

I'm actually making this beat myself to learn some reggae techniques. It's in my own style, and made on reason with no midi keyboard or much musical knowledge. It's really helped me learn so thanks.

[@user-gs2jl3nj2f]

Very nice

[@willyguttz9698]

A video on mixing reggae vocals please!!! Love the channel.

[@pr0t0typ50]

Please No!!! there are soo many tutorials about mixing vocals on the web.

[@kevrangihuna4301]

Nice one bro

[@azaleajanemusic]

DOOD. The saturation trick is amazing. Holy sh. Sounding louder but being quieter?? WHAT SORCERY IS THIS??? I'm in the end stages of mixing an album, feeling a little in over my head. I don't have the same software or plugins you do, but I'm still gleaning a lot from hearing you talk about it. I had a hard time hearing the difference between dry and wet on several of your plugins, but I suppose that comes with time. Also. Vibraslap. Highly underrated.

[@kobraklutch7484]

Aloha. Im a reggae/any genre artist. 35 years in the biz. Your tutorials are golden

[@DMKahn]

Many thanks man, appreciate you 🙏

[@kobraklutch7484]

Check me out on you tube... Chief Ragga. My band Ho'aikane. Much aloha

[@jimmytuffrey6509]

"I'll add a little reverb, that sounds really good", exactly what I just said! :-)

[@loyalbass228]

GREAT!

[@brezelrecords]

Nice! A separate video about reverbs, delays and all the effects you use would be awesome!

[@dm3200]

you the best bro

[@DMKahn]

Respect 🙌

[@PeterDeckersProductions]

I'll add a little delay to my thumbs up, so you'll get it multiple times. Thanks a lot for this video DM! very helpfull

[@DMKahn]

Lol big up Peter!

[@alanseviour6856]

Hey dude - am getting right into your lessons as they are top quality. Any plans to do a tutorial on creating a dub version? Stay safe amigo!

[@kevinbaker4693]

Beautiful. Truly a lost art. This shouldn't be free. Ur a Rasta Dr. Dre.Blessings ❤

[@DMKahn]

Thanks for the kind words! I am a Christian 👊 that happens to love reggae. Bless you bro

[@kevinbaker4693]

No disrespect brother I mean rasta in the musical spirit not religious. Sorry if I offended. Blessings

[@DMKahn]

@kevinbaker4693 no disrespect taken brother, it’s all love on this end!! Bless you

[@bernardmaufras2872]

Thx Khan

[@nikkocortes4187]

You deserve more subscribers than most sh**y channels on YT. Nice work. Keep it up. Already subscribed.

[@DMKahn]

Appreciate you man!

[@filipnowar]

Thank you for sharing. I don´t understand a lot of things to many pluguins and flavors... it's kind of crazy to be composer, musician and also producer

[@ling6701]

Wonderful. Could you please do one with a song and those drum fills?

[@pr0t0typ50]

Awesome!! That helped me a lot. Could you do a mixing video only with waves plugins ?

[@Theboydevoye]

the waves NLS Buss and channel strip has a similar function to the VCC console emulation he uses with the slate.

[@noahwig500]

perceived loudness, db levels and what saturation is doing is just crazy and interesting!

[@DMKahn]

It’s honestly the secret sauce shh don’t tell anyone 🤫

[@jaybee2329]

Great tutorial again DM Kahn. Respect. Learning a lot from your tutorials as always. What are your typical go-to or recommended vst synths or plugin for producing reggae? Drum, base, keyboard skunk and organ..somewhat hard to find decent vsts for reggae. Thanks

[@DMKahn]

Send me an email to [e-mail] and we can have a chat! Thanks

[@joeh7984]

The way the TG 1234 spread the sound at the side was impressive and I would if you a tuto specially on the way you use your reverde

[@sepeonthis]

59:18, the virtual tape machine, it took the mix to a new level.

[@DMKahn]

Agree, that plugin does an amazing thing to the RMS level instantly

[@Fadefade796]

Waou !

[@tafariteshome7979]

0:00 Intro 0:45 Track levels 04:09 Drum Bus 06:38 Bass Drum 09:43 HiHat 12:06 Snare 16:53 Bass 21:17 Piano 24:01 Rythm Guitar 27:40 Rythm Guitar 2 30:42 Organ 38:04 Instrument Panning 40:11 Pick Guitar 45:55 Rythm Bus 50:57 Organ 56:10 Mix Buss 1:02:24 Percussions 1:05:42 Reverb Instruments 1:08:31 Reverb Drums 1:12:02 Percussion Bus 1:15:29 Snare Eq2 1:16:38 Room and Plate Reverbs 1:22:14 Delay 1:25:01 Dub snibbit 1:25:31 Outro

[@DMKahn]

Thank you brother 😎

[@tafariteshome7979]

Your welcome brother✨! I sent you a mail, did you get it?

[@DMKahn]

I’m not sure I did! What’s your email address? I’ll do a search

[@DMKahn]

Or you can send it again to [e-mail]

[@tafariteshome7979]

[e-mail]

[@bluesharkstudio52]

Merci pour le tuto moi même je bosse sur Logic Pro depuis 3ans et j essaye de comprendre le mixage d un morceau merci 🙏

[@jotalionoficial3137]

Muito bom mesmo

[@CJPerez-cs9es]

Hey Man Good Day... Love the way you break things down and i just want to say thank you for doing what you do... Now, your drums....!!! Whatever samples that you use for your drums, could you please direct me to a link where i can find them?... Free/Paid, whatever.. I love the drums you use in your productions and would like to aquire them.... That would be most helpful. Thank you again and keep up the good work.

[@DMKahn]

Thanks man! Send me an email to [e-mail] (careful spelling) and I’ll shoot you the info on the samples

[@Final2.0]

Great video, Very informative. Would you consider a follow up where you turn into a dub?

[@DMKahn]

Definitely!

[@Pablosoad4747]

I'm loving that bubble organ sound, man. Is there a video where you show the settings to get that sound from the vts?

[@DMKahn]

I got a couple videos on organs, check this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKGykGuibdSbfbs pretty sure I talk about some good bub presets

[@klaytonvonkluge4905]

Thanx for leaving this vids up, I'm learning a lot from em Kahn, Love reggae music! Do you (or anyone reading this) have suggestions for a decent daw / system for someone who's outgrown GarageBand, And is on a budget ?

[@DMKahn]

I’d definitely say Logic. I went from GarageBand to Logic and it was a pretty easy transition for me

[@klaytonvonkluge4905]

@@DMKahn thanks, appreciate it