Drum and percussion tracks are among the most unforgiving ingredients in any mix. While a poorly recorded vocal or lead sound might survive on musical merits, poorly recorded drums are just bad drums, The track relies on them cutting through.

While they are important though, they're not as difficult to master as you might think – the only golden rule is not to pan the kick drum! If you're working with loops, a great way to take control of them is to split the individual elements and place each on its own channel, thus enabling you to change the level and sound of each one individually.