EQing toms during tracking

[TEMAS]

Is this common? If so, what EQs do you use and what are the frequencies you'd choose to boost or attenuate, typically for each tom?

Do you like to have the same type/brand of EQ on every tom (console/neve/api/500 series for example), or are you happy to mix and match with various outboard?



Cheers.

[Raw-Tracks]

I typically will EQ toms when tracking. I will at least cut out a bit of mid-range, 400-700Hz, somewhere in there. Ideally the toms will all sound like they belong to the same kit (I've worked on plenty of kits where they didn't seem to belong together). If they sound consistent, I will definitely want to use the same equalizer, although I may cut different frequencies on each drum. If they don't sound consistent, then I have no problem using different equalizers.

[Cujo]

I unfortunately have no decent outboard EQ..but often during mixing I mumble to my self that toms is where I would really like to do it. They are hit so infrequently that it would really be nicer to have the drummer hit the toms till I get em right.

I suppose I could set up a loop..but my system gets a bit weird when I do that.

[warhead]

I very often cut around 350 to 400hZ and boost in the 3k or up range.

War

[TEMAS]

The reason I'm asking, BTW, is that I don't have a console any more, just a few bits of outboard, which is fine most of the time when I'm only record two channels at a time.

But when it comes to tracking drums and other multi-instrument sessions I have to take it dry and then do all the processing with software in the mix. So I'm trying to decide whether its worth investing in a few identical channels of eq and compression.

More specifically I guess what I'm asking is if you were buying 3 or 4 identical channels of eq and compression to go with a Gama 8 pre, what would you choose (on a moderately high budget).

I'm thinking Purple Action comps and either API 560s or Speck ASC-V. Any thoughts on those or other suggestions maybe?

Cheers

[rico52]

I boost around 6K on the OH's when recording to bring out the toms and a little 12K for the cymbals. Then when I mix I cut some of the same freqs to fit the mix...............it makes no sense but it works for me. I also use a center ribbon mic to add some depth. If the toms are getting lost I boost that center mic. I am always messing with tuning and mic placement too..........hardly ever mic the toms
individually.

[dasoundjunkie]

The Eq you use is ALWAYS going to be source specific. What mics ,tuning and drum size you use will determine what frequencies are boosted or cut. That said I ****ing love the TOFT afc-2 for drums. It is musical and real easy to dial in a great sound with. AND they are cheap to boot. I've got 6 channels and couldn't be happier with them. I think they street for about 550$ for 2 channels with mic-pres and D.I. They really do sound like they should cost a LOT more.
Hope this helps