Keep drum and bass levels constant as the mix's steady backdrop

The rhythm section — drums and bass — is traditionally the constant backdrop against which other sounds move, so you should not vary its level unnecessarily during a mix. Riding drum or bass faders up and down makes the foundation feel unstable and pulls the listener’s sense of groove around. Natural dynamics inside the rhythm parts themselves (a drummer playing softer in a verse) are fine and welcome; what to avoid is the mixer moving those faders. Keeping the rhythm section anchored lets the melodic and lead elements be the ones that rise and fall to create arrangement movement.

Examples

During a build, bring up the synths and vocal rather than pushing the drum bus louder; leave the kick and bass faders where they sit so the groove stays rock-steady underneath the changing parts.

Assessment

Explain why riding the drum-bus fader through a mix can undermine the groove, and distinguish the natural dynamics you should keep from the fader moves you should avoid on rhythm-section tracks.