First move. Get the clean drums sounding good first. Then add a little dirt. You do not need to make every sound muffled.
Jump to a fix
A bad snare won’t become good with crackle.
Pick a kick and snare that work with your sample. If you are fighting a sound before adding effects, try another one.
Play a simple beat. You should be able to feel the groove before adding any crackle or wobble.
Soften the hats. Keep the snare alive.
If the hats sound too shiny, turn them down or use EQ to soften the bright part. EQ is a set of controls for changing the bass, middle and treble of a sound.
Stop while the snare still has some snap. Darker does not always mean better.
Add crunch until you smile. Then stop.
Try a little Drive or a sampler-style effect. The aim is a rougher edge, not a wall of fizz.
Love the wobble? Try it on the melody.
Tape effects can make the sound gently drift, like a worn recording. A small amount can be enough.
If the kick starts sounding odd, try the wobble on the melody instead. You do not have to put it on everything.
Bring the original drums back in.
Turn the effects off and on at a similar volume. Can you still hear the kick and snare clearly?
If the groove disappears, bring some of the original sound back with the Mix or Dry/Wet knob. That knob blends the effect with the sound you started with.
You’re done when...
0 of 3 checked on your own beat.
Try it on your drums
Grit. Warmth. Punch.
Hear what Drum Breaker does, then try it in your own beat.
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A few quick answers.
Do I need vinyl noise?
No. Dusty drum sounds, a relaxed groove and a little crunch can be enough.
Why did my snare disappear?
You may have removed too much brightness or added too much effect. Bring some of the original sound back.
Should I put the same effect on everything?
Only if you like the result. It is fine to keep the kick cleaner than the rest.