Open your preferred audio digital audio workstation, such as Logic or Pro Tools.
Open the relevant session. The exact process varies between programs, but you typically click "File," "Open" and select from the drop-down menu.
Open the "Mixer" tab. Digital audio workstations have multiple interfaces, each designed for a different application. The mixer tab features an array of channel strips slider dials. Each one governs the volume and equalization of an individual instrument. The method for opening different tabs varies, but you typically click where it says "Mixer" or "Mix Window."
Hit "Play" to hear your tweaks in real time.
Adjust up the "Gain" of the snare. Gain refers to input signal strength relative to other inputs. By increasing the gain, you boost the snare over the other instruments. Aim for the snare to be prominent, but not overbearing.
Click "S" on the snare channel strip to solo the audio. This mutes everything else so you can hear the snare isolated.
Tweak the equalization dials on the virtual channel strip. These control the strength of the frequencies in the audio signal. Boost the "Hi" and "Mid" dials to enhance the sound of the stick hitting the drum. Each drum and microphone combination yields different sonic results, so there is no "right" way to equalize your snare. Experiment until you hit a sweet spot.
Click "Effects" and select "Compression." This effect lets you temper the volume peaks in the audio. By cutting the peaks, a compressor enables you to subsequently boost the quietest sound of the recording without overloading the mix.
Adjust the "Threshold" dial on the compressor interface. This parameter determines at the minimum volume to be compressed. Set it to around 70 percent for a punchy, popping snare sound.
Set the "Ratio" dial to around 2:1. This means that every sound that breaches the threshold is reduced to make it twice as quiet.
Set the "Output Gain" to around 60 percent. This boosts the base volume and gives the snare sound more overall presence. Instead of just the loud parts of the snare audio poking through in the mix, the entire sound, from the attack of the stick to the "ring" of the skin vibrating cuts through. This makes the snare pop in the mix.