Separate the Elements in the Full Mix by Using UNMIX::DRUMS

In the last decade, you brought us some handy audio processing tools. The kind of audio processing tools we never imagined that would be possible. Considering this, I will dedicate the following tutorial to one of these plugins. Are you ever supposed to boost the drums in some track you like or bring their level down to hear the rest of the elements in the mix better? This piece of the audio plugin does that and a whole lot more.  

Unmix by Zynapiq

Unmix by Zynaptiq is the world's first audio plugin to attenuate or boost drums in mixed music in real time. Using advanced source signal separation (a.k.a. de-mixing, unmixing, sound extraction, sound isolation) technology under the hood, it provides frequency-dependent drum level control that ranges from up to +18dB of a boost to virtually complete removal* – while always sounding great. Whether used on a full mix or a drum bus, it can be used to shape and enhance the impact of your drums in a unique new way. Sporting an intuitive multi-level GUI, frequency-dependent control of key parameters, a sample-accurate sub-bass (re)synthesizer, a high-precision analyzer display, M/S operation, and an output limiter, UNMIX: DRUMS opens up exciting new options for mastering, music production, sample-based music creation, mash-up artists, remixers and DJs.  

Let's Start

Let us start by adding a fresh instance of Unmix to the part of the Track I made some time ago in Soundbridge. We will listen to it first without any processing. But before we start, I must accept that this plugin is super CPU hungry. However, compared to what it is capable of, it is understandable.  

~ Track unprocessed  

The Interface

Upon opening the plugin, we can see a relatively simple interface. But don't let that fool you since there is much more under the hood. In the top section, we can see the preset tab that contains some useful presets to get you started. Next, we have an algorithm section where you can switch between punchy and smooth. Moving forward, we see the "live comp" and "limit" switches, bringing the overall gain down if needed. Let's see how this Track sounds when I dial the "Drum Level" to the max.

~ Track processed with Unmix 1

We can hear that the drum section is now pulled in front of the mix compared to the rest of the tracks' sounds. I think the release parameter can be increased slightly to preserve the original reverb heard on the drums. Therefore, let's listen to it again with the longer release and compare the "Punchy" and "Smooth" algorithms.

~ Track processed with Unmix 2

~ Track processed with Unmix 3

Now, for the last example, let's do the opposite. Let's turn the drum level to the left side. This will push the drums back into the mix, and the piano will be more present.

~ Track processed with Unmix 4

As you saw from this tutorial, this plugin is unique, like most of the Zynaptiq plugins, which I will cover more in the following tutorials.