I'm working on a project where I am to mix/master drums to a backing track (sort of a drum-replacement project.)
I've gotten the drums to sound pretty great on their own but was just wondering if I should mix down the drums into one track before mixing it in with the rest of the music? It's all midi instruments (aside from the drums, obviously) so I understand it would be a good thing to keep the drums separate to mix better with the other instruments, but also I'd like to sort of compress the drums together so they come forward more in the mix, seeing as this is a drumming project.
So what are the pros and cons of mixing drums down before mixing with the other instruments? Or am I being totally crazy? :D