Part of having a great mix is keeping the energy and dynamic interesting from section to section. One simple way to do that in the chorus or bridge of your song is to simply automate a volume boost on the drum overhead mics. The increase in cymbal wash and overall kit presence brings an edge of energy and excitement to the mix.
Change The Balance To Change The Energy
All we are doing by automating a volume change on the drum overhead tracks is changing the balance among the drum mics. You already have the balance set where you like it, but this small change in balance (in the chorus let’s say) can completely change the energy of the track. No plugins needed!
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My name is Graham Cochrane and I'm the founder of The Recording Revolution, one of the world's most loved audio recording and mixing blogs with over 200,000 readers each month. 
Awesome – I could totally hear the difference. Thanks for the tip! I’m loving this series – telling all my home recording friends about it.
Just what Brian said 🙂 very grateful!
This might be my favorite tip so far! Love this one!
Thanks guys. Glad I can help!
Another trick from Andy Wallace is to increase the tempo in the chorus with a few bmp (1 – 2 bpm faster).
BTW, Graham – your series is awesome! A kind of encyclopedia for the homerecording artist!
Thanks so much Graham for all these incredible tips. You’re really giving us the ‘tools’ to bring about a recording revolution!
Glad I could help!
Great work! Super interesting and useful tips and tutorials. I’m a big fan, thank you! Greetings from Ibiza
Thanks Rafa! Glad to have you around.
Hey Graham,
when doing this type of volume automation, is it the same thing as increasing the level using clip gain? Slightly unsure whether adjusting the volume fader is the same thing as adjusting clip gain.
thank you!!!!!!!!!!!
Very different bob. The big difference is that clip gain changes the volume BEFORE plugins on the track. Volume automation changes the volume AFTER plugins.
thanks for your response Graham, much appreciated. So, in essence, if you have no plug ins on the track, volume automation should be the same thing as adjusting clip gain-correct?
thanks again!
Bingo!