There could be various reasons you would need to know how to remove drums from a song. However, for drummers, in particular, it can be a great way to practice. However, how do you take percussion out of a song?
In the past, getting a drumless version of a song was quite tricky. The only other option was to find a version without drums if one had been developed and could be obtained. However, thanks to advancements in technology, it is now possible to isolate and eliminate a drum track.
What’s the Point of Removing Drums in the First Place?
You can benefit from extracting drums from songs in a variety of ways. The following are the two most significant reasons:
Drums can be extracted from a song to help you study the drum tracks more effectively. It makes no difference whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro. Separate drums or the sound of any individual instrument, on the other hand, may assist you in quickly grasping and learning it.
Drum extraction could be beneficial if you enjoy composing music or covers of your favorite tunes. In addition, it may help in building exciting versions utilizing easy tactics and techniques by adding intriguing effects with drum loops.
How Can You Get Rid of Drums From a Song Today?
Today’s technology, on the other hand, is significantly superior. We now have sophisticated AI algorithms to recognize the audio spectrum’s tone and frequencies. They can also isolate to a remarkable degree. You can get rid of drums in any song in any of these three methods:
Make Use of a Web-Based Program (No Software Needed)
If you’re anything like me, you don’t want to spend time looking for audio files, converting them from iTunes, importing them into a DAW, and then removing drums from a song. There is an excessive amount of clicks, file management, and additional effort.
Moises is a service that runs in the cloud. It allows you to extract drums from any public media URL. The user interface is straightforward and intuitive. You may retain a library of all the music you’ve separated inside the dashboard for easy playback and download; this makes it simple to listen to or download.
After you’ve separated the files, you can download MP3 copies of the separate tracks. Again, the process of making these tracks is swift and simple.
Moises is available in two versions: a free version and a premium subscription. You can test out the service for free, but you won’t be able to save any of your tracks, and songs are set to 5 minutes in duration. You’re also limited to five tracks per month.
The complete service is available in the premium version. This offers limitless downloads and the option to save songs to a playlist. You can also download any length of music. So if you plan to use it frequently, it provides good value for money.
Use a VST Plugin With Your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
There are some drawbacks to using a web-based program to extract drums. The most significant disadvantage is that you are unable to change settings or modify your work.
VST plugins allow you more control and can provide excellent outcomes that are often superior to those obtained with web-based apps.
There are four high-quality options worth trying out:
Drum Extract
Drum Extract is a commercial VST plugin that isolates and separates drum sounds from audio tracks; the website’s samples demonstrate amazing before and after outcomes with Drum Extract.
XTrax Stem 2
XTrax Stem 2 is a simple yet revolutionary plugin that separates audio tracks from drums, voices, and other sound sources.
The plugin’s application provides you to swiftly and efficiently extract drum sounds.
AudioSource
AudioSourceRe is a commercial program for separating sounds and editing audio files in various ways, such as deleting percussion, vocals, and other elements.
It takes a more practical approach to music creation and may be utilized to help any music producer achieve their goals. In addition, it’s pretty adaptable and has a large number of users.
It indeed has a premium price tag, but its unique style does not disappoint.
UNMIX Drums.
Unmix Drums isn’t a drum-removal program in the traditional sense. The drum sounds are emphasized and muted with this plugin.
One of the most significant disadvantages of using a web-based program is the inability to modify or change the settings while extracting drums from a recording. VSTs provide a little more flexibility and may produce a better result.
Equalize it Out
If neither of these methods yields a satisfactory outcome, you can attempt EQing some frequencies out of a recording to reduce the perceived volume of the drums.
You may use your DAW’s built-in EQ to lower the frequencies by a few decibels. The kick drum is around 70 and 90 Hz, while the cymbals are around 4 kHz. The snare drum’s frequency is usually approximately 150 Hz.
To be honest, it’s not a great solution, and the effects will vary depending on the rest of the music, but it’s better than nothing.
Final Thoughts
Drums are powerful instruments that cover a wide range of frequencies. Attempting to eliminate drums from mixed and mastered audio tracks is a difficult task.
In this case, using VSTs or comparable applications comes in handy. XTraxStem 2, UNMIX Drums, Drum Extract, and AudioSourceRe are all included.
It won’t always work, and the procedure isn’t simple, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. In addition, the success of these methods will be heavily determined by the music.
You might obtain good results with one, but not with the other. That said, if you genuinely need the music without any of the drums, or at most with a lot fewer drumming, it’s worth dealing with.