EQing a Snare on the MPC Key 37

Step-by-Step Guide to EQing a Snare on the MPC Key 37

Starting Point: Load the Snare Sample

• Load the Sample: On the MPC Key 37, tap Browser on the touchscreen, navigate to Content > Samples, and load a 909 snare sample (or import one via USB or Splice using Wi-Fi). Assign it to a pad (e.g., A02) in a Drum program via Program Edit > Samples.

• Base Setup: Before EQing, ensure the snare’s level is balanced in Prog Mix (via Menu > Prog Mix) to avoid clipping when EQ adjustments are applied.

Analyze the Snare’s Frequency Profile

• Listen Critically: Play the snare through your reference system (e.g., studio monitors first). A 909 snare typically has a fundamental tone around 150-200 Hz, a sharp attack at 2-4 kHz, and sizzle at 5-8 kHz. Note any muddiness (low-mids), harshness (upper mids), or lack of presence.

• Visual Feedback (Optional): While the MPC Key 37 lacks a spectrum analyzer, you can use your ears or, if in controller mode with a DAW, a plugin like FabFilter Pro-Q 3 to visualize the snare’s frequencies.

EQ Adjustments for Each Speaker Type

1. Club Systems

Club systems prioritize low-end thump (40-80 Hz) and can smear mids due to large subwoofers and room acoustics.

• Access EQ: In Program Edit, select pad A02, go to Effects > Insert 1 > EQ.

• Cut Low-Mids (150-300 Hz): Add a band at 200 Hz, cut by 4-6 dB (Q around 1.5-2.0) to reduce muddiness, ensuring the snare doesn’t get lost in the bass-heavy environment.

• Boost Attack (2-4 kHz): Boost 3 kHz by 3-5 dB (Q around 1.5) to enhance the snare’s snap, helping it cut through the mix over loud club speakers.

• Tame Highs (5-8 kHz): Cut 6 kHz by 2-3 dB (Q around 1.0) to reduce harshness, as club systems can exaggerate sizzle.

• High-Pass Filter: Set a high-pass at 80 Hz (12 dB/octave) to remove unnecessary low-end rumble, focusing the snare’s energy where it matters.

2. Studio Monitors

Studio monitors (e.g., Yamaha HS8) provide a flat response, revealing all frequencies accurately, so the snare needs a balanced EQ.

• Moderate Low-Mids (150-300 Hz): Cut 200 Hz by 3-5 dB (Q around 1.5) to reduce slight muddiness, as even treated studios can have low-mid buildup in smaller rooms.

• Subtle Attack Boost (2-4 kHz): Boost 3 kHz by 2-4 dB (Q around 1.5) to ensure the snare’s snap is clear without being harsh, given monitors’ accurate midrange reproduction.

• Adjust Highs (5-8 kHz): Cut 6 kHz by 1-2 dB if the sizzle feels too bright, or boost slightly (1-2 dB) if the snare lacks air, depending on your monitors’ response.

• High-Pass Filter: Set a high-pass at 60 Hz (12 dB/octave) to clean up subsonics, as most studio monitors don’t reproduce below 40-50 Hz effectively.

3. Headphones

Headphones emphasize mids and highs but struggle with deep sub-bass, so the snare’s body and attack need careful tuning.

• Reduce Low-Mids Aggressively (150-300 Hz): Cut 200 Hz by 5-7 dB (Q around 1.5-2.0) to avoid a boomy sound, as headphones can exaggerate this range.

• Enhance Attack (2-4 kHz): Boost 3 kHz by 4-6 dB (Q around 1.5) to make the snare’s snap prominent, compensating for the lack of physical low-end impact.

• Control Highs (5-8 kHz): Cut 6 kHz by 3-4 dB (Q around 1.0) to tame harshness, as headphones can make the sizzle overly sharp.

• High-Pass Filter: Set a high-pass at 100 Hz (12 dB/octave) to focus on the snare’s midrange, since headphones can’t reproduce deep lows effectively.

4. Small Speakers

Small speakers (e.g., Bluetooth speakers) lack sub-bass and exaggerate mids, so the snare needs clarity and presence.

• Cut Low-Mids (150-300 Hz): Cut 200 Hz by 6-8 dB (Q around 1.5-2.0) to eliminate boxiness, as small speakers often sound muddy in this range.

• Boost Presence (2-4 kHz): Boost 3 kHz by 5-7 dB (Q around 1.5) to ensure the snare’s attack stands out, compensating for the lack of low-end weight.

• Tame Highs (5-8 kHz): Cut 6 kHz by 3-5 dB (Q around 1.0) to avoid a tinny sound, as small speakers can overemphasize high frequencies.

• High-Pass Filter: Set a high-pass at 120 Hz (12 dB/octave) to remove low-end entirely, focusing on the snare’s midrange for clarity on limited speakers.

Fine-Tuning and Mixing

• Add Effects (Optional): In Program Edit > Effects, add a transient shaper (e.g., Insert 2 > Transient Shaper) to boost the attack by 2-4 dB for extra snap across all systems. For club systems, a touch of reverb can add space—keep the wet/dry mix low (10-20%).

• Mix in Context: In Prog Mix, balance the snare with other elements (e.g., kick, hi-hats). For club systems and small speakers, increase the snare’s level slightly to ensure it cuts through. For headphones and studio monitors, keep it more balanced to avoid overpowering the mix.

• Check Mono Compatibility: Toggle the snare to mono in Prog Mix to ensure it retains impact, especially for club systems and small speakers where mono summing is common.

Test and Adjust

• Test Across Systems: Play the snare on each speaker type in the context of your track. Adjust EQ settings if needed—e.g., reduce 200 Hz further if muddy, or boost 3 kHz if the snare lacks snap.

• Reference Tracks: Load a house track with a well-mixed 909 snare (via USB or Splice) and compare. Studio monitors are best for this, as their flat response helps you match professional mixes.

Save Your Settings

• Save the Program: In Program Edit, tap the disk icon and save your kit (e.g., “SnareForClubs.xpm”). Create separate programs for each speaker type for quick access in future projects.

• Create a Template (Optional): Save the project as a template via Menu > Save > Project As, then set it as default in Preferences > Project Load/Save to streamline your workflow.

Tips for EQing a Snare

• Start Subtle: Apply small EQ adjustments first to avoid overprocessing. You can always increase boosts/cuts after testing.

• Use Dynamic EQ (If Available): If using the MPC Key 37 in controller mode with a DAW, a dynamic EQ plugin can help control harsh frequencies only when they spike.

• Layer for Versatility: Layer a second snare sample with different characteristics (e.g., a brighter snare for small speakers) and adjust their levels in Program Edit > Samples.

Troubleshooting

• Snare Sounds Muddy: Increase the low-mid cut (150-300 Hz) or lower the fundamental boost if applied.

• Lacking Snap: Boost the 2-4 kHz range further or use a transient shaper to enhance the attack.

• Too Harsh on Headphones/Small Speakers: Deepen the 5-8 kHz cut to reduce sizzle.

Conclusion

EQing a snare drum on the Akai MPC Key 37 for different speaker types ensures your track sounds great everywhere—from thumping club systems to detailed headphones. By tailoring the low-mids, attack, and highs for each playback system, your snare will shine in any mix. Whether you’re producing house music in a studio or performing live, these techniques will elevate your sound. Happy mixing!