KICKOPEDIAKick-drum knowledge system
Open KX1000
Search Kickopedia

Search symptoms, concepts, labs, genres, production methods, drum machines, and patterns.

STYLE DIRECTION

How to Build an Afrobeats Kick

STARTING POINT

Build a Afrobeats kick around a controlled, often lighter low end with clear rhythmic placement and space for bass and percussion. Start with the ILLUSTRATIVE KX1000 STARTING VALUES below, then choose a direction only when the arrangement needs a different amount of length, density, or attack.

ILLUSTRATIVE KX1000 STARTING VALUES

Build the style foundation

Transient0.60
Body0.68
Sub0.34
Length340 ms
Punch52%
Tone0.10
Drive2%
Impact53%

METHOD

How to shape it

  1. Set the kick envelope for the tempo and groove.
  2. Balance Transient, Body, and Sub as one event.
  3. Use Length to protect the bass and next rhythmic hit.
  4. Add Punch, Tone, Drive, and Impact only for a specific audible need.
  5. Check the result in mono, at low level, and in the full arrangement.

ARRANGEMENT DIRECTIONS

Choose the version your track needs

Core

The balanced style foundation

The balanced style foundation.

Transient0.60
Body0.70
Sub0.36
Length320 ms
Punch52%
Tone0.20
Drive2%
Impact53%

Tighter

A shorter arrangement-friendly version

A shorter arrangement-friendly version.

Transient0.60
Body0.70
Sub0.26
Length245 ms
Punch60%
Tone0.10
Drive2%
Impact53%

Heavier

A denser version for the largest section

A denser version for the largest section.

Transient0.61
Body0.76
Sub0.34
Length320 ms
Punch52%
Tone0.10
Drive8%
Impact59%