From the course: Audio Recording Techniques
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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…
Practice while you learn with exercise files
Download the files the instructor uses to teach the course. Follow along and learn by watching, listening and practicing.
- Ch_02_Microphones_PT_Sessions.zip
- Ch_02_Microphones_Raw_WAVs.zip
- Ch_03_Preamps_PT_Sessions.zip
- Ch_03_Preamps_Raw_WAVs.zip
- Ch_04_Microphone_Placement_PT_Sessions.zip
- Ch_04_Microphone_Placement_Raw_WAVs.zip
- Ch_05_Drums_PT_Sessions.zip
- Ch_05_Drums_Raw_WAVs.zip
- Ch_06_Guitar_PT_Sessions.zip
- Ch_06_Guitar_Raw_WAVs.zip
- Ch_07_Bass_PT_Sessions.zip
- Ch_07_Bass_Raw_WAVs.zip
- Ch_08_Vocals_PT_Sessions.zip
- Ch_08_Vocals_Raw_WAVs.zip
- Ch_09_Piano_PT_Sessions.zip
- Ch_09_Piano_Raw_WAVs.zip
- Ch_10_Horns_PT_Sessions.zip
- Ch_10_Horns_Raw_WAVs.zip
- Ch_11_Strings_PT_Sessions.zip
- Ch_11_Strings_Raw_WAVs.zip
- Ch_12_Percussion_PT_Sessions.zip
- Ch_12_Percussion_Raw_WAVs.zip
- Ch_14_Stereo_Techniques_PT_Sessions.zip
- Ch_14_Stereo_Techniques_Raw_WAVs.zip
- Ch_15_Recording_The_Session_PT_Sessions.zip
- Ch_15_Recording_The_Session_Raw_WAVs.zip
- Ch_16_Simply_Falling_PT_Mix_Session.zip
- Ch_16_Simply_Falling_Raw_WAVs.zip
Contents
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Finding the right placement in the room for the drums1m 48s
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The keys to a great drum sound2m 2s
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Tuning the drums2m 19s
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Tuning tips and tricks2m 26s
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Miking the bass drum without a front head2m 15s
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Miking the bass drum with front head port1m 5s
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Miking the bass drum with a front head1m 12s
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Using a subkick microphone1m 31s
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Miking the snare drum: Technique one3m 2s
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Miking the snare drum: Technique two57s
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Adding a bottom snare mic1m 45s
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Miking the hi-hat2m 14s
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Miking the toms2m 24s
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Miking the cymbals3m 14s
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Miking the overall kit1m 25s
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Using room mics2m 2s
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Getting the drum sound2m 47s
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Getting the correct drum mix balance2m 50s
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Checking the drum phase2m 18s
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Panning the drums2m 25s
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Tweaking the drum sound with EQ3m 10s
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Using the one-mic drum recording technique2m 37s
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Using the two-mic drum recording technique1m 5s
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Using the three-mic drum recording technique1m 45s
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Using the four-mic drum recording technique1m 26s
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Tips for drummers to use before recording1m 15s
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Tracking a solo drum part1m 10s
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