yes this is the proper way to play the gong and the right beats. the gong and cymbal are generally percieved as louder than the drum even if they are playing quietly because the pitch of the instrument is higher than the pitch of the drums , the higher frequency cut through the mix and are heard as louder. this is why smaller drums with a thinner skin can actually be heard more even when not hitting as hard, the pitch is higher. thing of the drums as mostly low end , with variations in tone , the gong as the mids and the cymbals as the high end
Is the Gongs supposed to be louder than the Drums?
yes
yes this is the proper way to play the gong and the right beats. the gong and cymbal are generally percieved as louder than the drum even if they are playing quietly because the pitch of the instrument is higher than the pitch of the drums , the higher frequency cut through the mix and are heard as louder. this is why smaller drums with a thinner skin can actually be heard more even when not hitting as hard, the pitch is higher. thing of the drums as mostly low end , with variations in tone , the gong as the mids and the cymbals as the high end