Hi,
New to the forum.
In response to the question, I have yet to use a kickdrum sample that I am 100 % happy with in its original source.
Personally, I opt to compress the **** out of a standard 909 kick, but use an eq after the comp in the chain.
You need a good quality sample to begin with if you are going to compress it heavily, as the compression will only bring any unwanted noise into the equation.
As I said, I use extreme settings, ie: A high ratio, short attack, medium release. Initially, the sound will be very clicky and probably 'pop' the mix, hence the importance of adding an eq directly after it.
You need to pull down those clicky frequencies and also cut a few db's at around 150-250 hz. This will lower the boxy sound which can be associated with a poor kickdrum. Also try increasing the compressors attack, this has the effect of letting more bottom end through and can really help to add punch to the sound ( also good for bass )
It is more experimentation than technique IMO, but I often start out like this and vary the compressors settings to suit.
You can also get interesting harmonics in a standard 909 style kick, by adding an eq before the compressor to, esp one with a narrow Q width. The exaggerated boost will make the compressor more frequency responsive and generate the high frequency content needed sometimes to help a kickdrum cut through a dense mix.
Again, this is quite extreme and will need another eq after the comp to control and shape your overall sound.
Try rolling off bass frequencies at 40hz and below and cut 1 or 2 db's where it sounds boomy/boxy, then compress it. Then eq the sound directly after the compressor, this is the best method I have found.
Also always isolate the kickdrum and make any processing between it and the mixer channel strip.
