Getting the drum sound

Now that you've placed all the microphones and experimented with different positions…and approaches, it's time have a listen to see what we have.…Here is the best way to do a sound check on the drums.…For each drum that you're checking have the drummer do a steady slow beat on that drum…only at about one hit per second.…You don't want it hit too quickly because you want to hear the decay of the sound.…Let's start with the kick drum. (music playing)…Have the drummer begin with even hits on the kick drum about a second apart, so you can hear the decay.…

Check that there are no overload or peak indicators lit.…Then raise the level of the kick in the monitors to a moderately loud level.…Check that the sound isn't distorting, and there are no crackles or loud mechanical noises from the kick.…If there is see if you can isolate that unwanted sound and try to eliminate it.…Try changing the mic cable first since that's usually where the problem is.…If the drum doesn't sound right, try moving the mic to change the sound before you do anything.…