EDM Mixing Chain Order: Kick, Bass, Vocal & Master Settings
Master professional mixing chains for kick, bass, synths, vocals, and drums. Exact plugin chains, EQ settings, compression ratios, and parallel processing techniques from hit EDM productions.
Why Mixing Chains Matter in Electronic Music
After analyzing 500+ professional EDM tracks for Abletonic templates, I've discovered one truth: Professional mixes aren't just louder—they have better mixing chains.
Amateur producers slap random plugins on tracks hoping for magic. Professionals use systematic mixing chains optimized for each instrument type. The difference isn't talent or expensive plugins—it's methodology.
In this guide, I'll share the exact mixing chains used on chart-topping EDM tracks, including:
- Kick drum chains (the foundation of EDM)
- Bass mixing (achieving sub punch without muddiness)
- Synth chains (clarity and presence in dense mixes)
- Vocal processing (radio-ready vocal chains)
- Drum bus processing (glue and punch)
- Parallel compression techniques
- Master chain fundamentals
No theory fluff—just exact plugin chains and settingsyou can apply to your tracks today.
Quick answer: the EDM mixing chain order
A reliable EDM mixing chain starts with cleanup, then controls dynamics, adds harmonics, shapes tone, and sends space effects from returns.
- Corrective EQ: remove rumble, mud, harshness, and frequency masking before compression.
- Compression: control peaks and movement with ratios matched to the source.
- Saturation: add harmonics so low-end and leads read on smaller speakers.
- Creative EQ: boost the frequencies that define the sound after the signal is controlled.
- Send effects: use reverb, delay, parallel compression, and sidechain routing to create depth and groove.
Definition: EDM mixing chain
An EDM mixing chain is the ordered set of processors on a track or bus, usually corrective EQ, compression, saturation, creative EQ, sidechain, and send effects. The order matters because each processor changes what the next processor receives.
Exact settings cheat sheet
- Kick: 30Hz high-pass, 60-80Hz weight, 3-5kHz click, 4:1 to 6:1 compression, subtle saturation.
- Bass: 40Hz high-pass, 200-400Hz mud cut, sidechain from kick, 3:1 to 4:1 compression, mono low end.
- Synths: 80-120Hz high-pass, 2-8kHz presence, light compression, width above the low mids only.
- Vocals: De-ess first, corrective EQ, 4:1 to 8:1 compression, send reverb and delay instead of inserts.
- Drum bus: Glue compression at 2:1 to 4:1, parallel compression blended under the dry drums, gentle top-end EQ.
| Source | First processor | Compression starting point | Level target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kick | 30Hz high-pass, mud cut if needed | 4:1 to 6:1, fast attack, medium release | -6dB to -8dB |
| Bass | Mono low-end cleanup and kick space | 3:1 to 4:1 plus kick sidechain | -9dB to -12dB |
| Synths | 80-120Hz high-pass | 2:1 to 3:1, light gain reduction | -12dB to -18dB |
| Vocals | De-ess and corrective EQ | 4:1 to 8:1 in stages | -8dB to -10dB |
Before You Start
Important mixing principles:
- Gain staging: Keep tracks at -12dB to -18dB before processing (prevents clipping)
- Reference tracks: Load a professional track in your genre and A/B constantly
- Mono checking: Switch to mono regularly to identify frequency masking
- Less is more: If a plugin doesn't make an audible improvement, remove it
1. Professional Kick Drum Mixing Chain
The kick is the loudest element in EDM (-6dB to -8dB). Everything else in your mix works around it.
The Chain:
- High-Pass Filter (30Hz)
- Why: Removes sub-rumble below audible range that wastes headroom
- Settings: 30Hz, 12dB/octave slope
- EQ: Corrective + Enhancement
- Cut: Sweep 200-500Hz to remove boxiness (usually -2dB to -4dB around 300Hz)
- Boost: 60-80Hz (+3dB to +6dB, wide Q 0.7) for sub punch
- Boost: 3-5kHz (+2dB to +4dB, Q 2.0) for beater attack click
- Compression
- Attack: 2-5ms (fast, to catch transient)
- Release: 50-100ms (depends on track tempo—faster tempo = faster release)
- Ratio: 4:1 to 6:1
- Threshold: Adjust for 3-6dB gain reduction
- Makeup gain: Compensate for lost volume
- Saturation (optional)
- Type: Tape or tube saturation
- Amount: Subtle (10-20% drive) for harmonic richness
Pro Tip: Kick Layering
Professional kicks are often layered: One sample for sub (60-80Hz), another for attack (3-5kHz). Mix each layer separately with individual chains, then route to a kick bus for final glue compression.
2. Professional Bass Mixing Chain
Bass should sit just below the kick (-9dB to -12dB) and occupy 80-250Hz without conflicting with the kick's sub-bass.
The Chain:
- High-Pass Filter (40Hz)
- Why: Leaves sub-bass space for the kick
- Settings: 40Hz, 12dB/octave (slightly higher than kick to avoid conflict)
- EQ: Clean Up Midrange
- Cut: 200-400Hz to prevent muddiness (narrow Q 4-6, -3dB to -6dB)
- Boost: 80-120Hz for body (+2dB to +4dB, wide Q 0.7)
- Boost: 1-3kHz for presence/grit (optional, +2dB, Q 2.0)
- Compression
- Attack: 10-30ms (slower to preserve note attack)
- Release: 100-200ms (musical release based on note length)
- Ratio: 3:1 to 4:1
- Threshold: 4-8dB gain reduction for consistent low end
- Saturation
- Type: Tape, tube, or analog saturation
- Amount: Medium (20-40% drive) to add harmonics that help bass cut through on small speakers
- Sidechain Compression (CRITICAL)
- Trigger: Kick drum
- Ratio: 10:1 (heavy ducking)
- Attack: 5-10ms (instant duck when kick hits)
- Release: 100-200ms (bass pumps back in rhythmically)
- Threshold: Adjust for 6-10dB reduction when kick hits
Pro Tip: Bass Mono-ing
Always keep bass below 150Hz in mono using a utility/stereo plugin. This prevents phase issues and ensures consistent low-end on all playback systems (especially clubs). You can widen higher frequencies (200Hz+) for stereo width.
3. Professional Synth Mixing Chain
Synths occupy the midrange (500Hz-8kHz) and need clarity and presence without overwhelming the mix.
The Chain (Lead Synth):
- High-Pass Filter (80-200Hz)
- Why: Removes low-end mud that conflicts with bass
- Settings: 80Hz for warm leads, 200Hz for bright plucks
- EQ: Carve Space
- Cut: 200-500Hz (the "mud zone") with narrow Q 4-6, -3dB to -6dB
- Boost: 2-5kHz for presence (+2dB to +4dB, wide Q 1.0)
- Cut: 8-12kHz if synth is too harsh (-2dB, wide Q 0.7)
- Compression (Gentle)
- Attack: 20-40ms (preserve transient punch)
- Release: 100-200ms (musical, follows rhythm)
- Ratio: 2:1 to 3:1 (gentle control)
- Threshold: 2-4dB gain reduction (subtle)
- Saturation (Warmth)
- Type: Tape or analog modeling
- Amount: Subtle (10-20% drive) for glue and harmonic richness
- Stereo Widening (optional)
- Method: Haas effect, stereo chorus, or mid/side EQ
- Amount: 20-40% width increase (don't overdo—check mono compatibility)
- Sidechain Compression (Rhythmic Pumping)
- Trigger: Kick drum
- Ratio: 4:1 to 6:1
- Attack: 10ms
- Release: 100-150ms
- Threshold: 3-6dB reduction when kick hits
The Chain (Pad/Background Synth):
- High-pass at 200-400Hz (more aggressive than leads—pads sit in the background)
- Cut 1-4kHz to make space for lead synths and vocals (-3dB to -6dB)
- Reverb send (30-50% wet) for depth and atmosphere
- Volume automation to duck during busy sections
4. Professional Vocal Mixing Chain (EDM/Dance)
Vocals in electronic music should be loud, clear, and sit on top of the mix (-8dB to -10dB).
The Chain:
- High-Pass Filter (80-100Hz)
- Why: Removes low-end rumble and proximity effect
- De-Esser
- Frequency: 5-8kHz (target harsh "s" sounds)
- Threshold: Adjust so de-esser only activates on sibilance
- EQ: Corrective
- Cut: 200-400Hz to reduce muddiness (-2dB to -4dB, Q 2.0)
- Boost: 3-5kHz for presence (+3dB to +5dB, wide Q 1.0)
- Boost: 10-12kHz for air and clarity (+2dB, wide Q 0.7)
- Compression (Heavy in EDM)
- Attack: 5-15ms (fast to control peaks)
- Release: 50-100ms (fast for EDM energy)
- Ratio: 4:1 to 8:1 (aggressive for consistent level)
- Threshold: 6-10dB gain reduction (EDM vocals are heavily compressed)
- Saturation
- Type: Tape or tube for warmth
- Amount: 15-30% drive to add presence
- EQ: Creative
- Boost: 5-8kHz for extra brightness post-compression (+2dB to +3dB)
- Reverb Send
- Type: Plate or hall reverb
- Decay: 1.5-3.0 seconds
- Send amount: 15-30% (blend to taste)
- Delay Send (optional)
- Type: 1/8 or 1/4 note delay
- Feedback: 20-40%
- Send amount: 10-20% for subtle depth
Pro Tip: Vocal Parallel Compression
Send vocals to a parallel compression return trackwith 10:1 ratio and aggressive settings (15dB+ reduction). Blend 30-50% with the main vocal for density without losing dynamics. This is the secret to loud, punchy EDM vocals.
5. Parallel Compression for Drums
Parallel compression (AKA "New York compression") is essential for punchy, dense EDM drums.
Setup:
- Create a return track (name it "Drum Crush" or "Parallel Drums")
- Insert compressor with aggressive settings:
- Attack: 1-5ms (fast to catch transients)
- Release: 50-100ms (fast, pumping effect)
- Ratio: 8:1 to 10:1 (extreme compression)
- Threshold: Adjust for 10-15dB gain reduction (crush the signal)
- Makeup gain: Bring compressed signal back to match dry level
- Send drums to this return track (30-50% send level)
- Blend compressed and dry signals using return track fader
Result: Drums maintain natural transients (dry signal) while gaining density and sustain (compressed signal). This technique is used on every professional EDM track.
6. Master Chain Fundamentals
Warning: Mastering is a specialized skill. The chain below is for demo mastering only—hire a professional mastering engineer for official releases.
Basic Master Chain:
- EQ: High-Pass at 20-30Hz (remove inaudible sub frequencies)
- Multiband Compression (optional)
- Gentle compression on 4 bands (lows, low-mids, high-mids, highs)
- Ratio: 2:1 to 3:1
- 2-3dB reduction per band
- Stereo Widening (subtle)
- Widen highs above 200Hz (10-20% increase)
- Keep bass mono below 150Hz
- Glue Compression
- Attack: 30ms (slow to preserve transients)
- Release: Auto or 100-200ms
- Ratio: 2:1 to 3:1
- 1-3dB gain reduction maximum (gentle glue, not squashing)
- Limiter
- Ceiling: -0.3dB to -0.1dB (leave headroom for codec conversion)
- Release: Auto or fast (catch transients)
- Gain reduction: 3-6dB maximum (streaming targets are -14 LUFS, don't over-limit)
⚠️ Loudness War Is Over
Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube normalize tracks to -14 LUFS. If your track is louder, it gets turned down. Focus on dynamic range and mix quality, not brick-wall limiting. Aim for -8 to -10 LUFS integrated for EDM (dynamic) vs -6 LUFS (competitive but squashed).
Common Mixing Chain Mistakes
Mistake #1: Too Much EQ Boosting
The problem: Beginners boost 5-10dB across multiple frequencies, making tracks harsh and fatiguing.
The fix: Cut first, boost sparingly. If you need more than +6dB boost, the sound source is wrong. Swap the sample or synth preset.
Mistake #2: Compressing Everything Heavily
The problem: Over-compression kills dynamics and makes mixes lifeless.
The fix: Compression should be felt, not heard. Aim for 3-6dB gain reduction on individual tracks. Use parallel compression for density without squashing.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Gain Staging
The problem: Tracks hitting 0dB before processing, causing clipping and distortion.
The fix: Keep individual tracks at -12dB to -18dB before processing. Adjust input gain or use a utility plugin to trim levels. This gives plugins clean headroom to work.
Mistake #4: Not Using Reference Tracks
The problem: Mixing in a vacuum leads to imbalanced frequency response and incorrect loudness.
The fix: Load a professionally mastered track in your genre and A/B constantly. Match the kick/bass relationship, vocal level, and overall brightness. Use a spectrum analyzer to compare frequency balance.
Plugin Recommendations (Free + Paid)
Free Plugins (Excellent for Learning)
- EQ: TDR Nova (free multiband EQ/compressor), Voxengo SPAN (spectrum analyzer)
- Compression: TDR Kotelnikov (transparent compressor), Rough Rider 3 (character compressor)
- Saturation: Softube Saturation Knob, Camel Crusher
- Reverb: Valhalla Supermassive, Dragonfly Reverb
- Limiter: Loudmax, TDR Limiter 6 GE
Professional Plugins (Worth the Investment)
- EQ: FabFilter Pro-Q 3 ($179 - industry standard), Waves SSL E-Channel ($29 on sale)
- Compression: FabFilter Pro-C 2 ($179), Cytomic The Glue ($59 - analog bus compression)
- Saturation: Soundtoys Decapitator ($199 - most popular), FabFilter Saturn 2 ($139)
- Reverb: Valhalla VintageVerb ($50 - best value), FabFilter Pro-R ($179)
- Limiter: FabFilter Pro-L 2 ($179 - transparent), Waves L2 ($29 on sale - aggressive)
Truth: Stock plugins in Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Logic Pro are excellent. Learn techniques with stock plugins first, then upgrade to premium tools when you understand the fundamentals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a mixing chain in music production?
A mixing chain is the sequence of plugins applied to a track: EQ (shape frequencies), compression (control dynamics), saturation (add harmonics), effects (reverb, delay). Order matters—EQ before compression yields different results than compression before EQ. Professional chains are optimized for each instrument type.
What is the correct order for a mixing chain?
Standard order: 1) Corrective EQ (remove problems), 2) Compression (control dynamics), 3) Saturation (add character), 4) Creative EQ (boost desired frequencies), 5) Effects (reverb, delay via sends). This ensures clean signal processing. Experiment with parallel compression and creative routing.
How do you mix a kick drum in electronic music?
Professional kick chain: 1) High-pass at 30Hz, 2) EQ boost at 60-80Hz (sub) and 3-5kHz (attack), 3) Compression 4:1 ratio with fast attack (2-5ms), 4) Saturation for richness, 5) Sidechain compression on bass/synths. Keep kick at -6dB to -8dB in EDM mixes.
What compression ratio should I use for EDM mixing?
Professional ratios: Kick (4:1 to 6:1), Bass (3:1 to 4:1), Synths (2:1 to 3:1), Vocals (4:1 to 8:1), Drums (3:1 to 5:1), Master (2:1 to 3:1). Ratios depend on source material. Always use your ears and aim for 3-6dB gain reduction.
Should I use parallel compression in electronic music?
Yes, parallel compression is essential for modern EDM. Use on drums (8:1 ratio, heavy compression blended 30-50%), bass (consistent low-end), and synths (thickness). Set up return track with aggressive compression, blend with dry signal for punch without over-compressing.
How do I prevent my mix from sounding muddy?
1) High-pass everything except kick/bass (80-120Hz for synths, 200Hz+ for vocals), 2) Cut 200-500Hz on non-bass elements, 3) Avoid too many midrange layers, 4) Use sidechain compression, 5) Check mono to identify frequency masking. Clarity comes from giving each element its own frequency space.
What plugins do professional producers use for mixing?
Pro plugins: EQ (FabFilter Pro-Q 3, Waves SSL), Compression (FabFilter Pro-C 2, Cytomic The Glue), Saturation (Soundtoys Decapitator, FabFilter Saturn 2), Reverb (Valhalla VintageVerb, FabFilter Pro-R). However, stock plugins in Ableton, FL Studio, Logic Pro are excellent—skill matters more than plugin choice.
How loud should my kick and bass be in the mix?
Professional EDM levels: Kick at -6dB to -8dB (loudest), Bass at -9dB to -12dB (just below kick), Synths at -12dB to -18dB, Drums at -10dB to -15dB, Vocals at -8dB to -10dB. These are starting points—adjust based on genre. Use reference tracks and match relative levels with spectrum analyzer.
Next Steps: Apply These Chains to Your Tracks
Don't just read—apply immediately:
- Pick one track from your current project
- Apply the appropriate mixing chain (kick, bass, synth, or vocal)
- A/B with the original to hear the improvement
- Adjust settings to taste (these are starting points, not rules)
- Reference a professional track in your genre to ensure balance
Want to see these mixing chains in action? Check out our professional DAW templates at Abletonic. Every template includes fully mixed and mastered projects with detailed plugin chains you can study and learn from.
Explore Professional Templates
Remember: Mixing is 20% technical knowledge, 80% trained ears. Use these chains as starting points, then adjust based on what sounds good. Reference professional tracks constantly, and you'll develop the ear to make the right mixing decisions.
This guide is based on analyzing 500+ professional EDM tracks and 10+ years of mixing experience. All chains are starting points—adjust based on your specific source material and genre requirements.