Drum Samples Vs. Mics - In Response to: Death Metal Mixing questions

[jp22]

This topic is in response to this post:
Death Metal Mixing questions

Hmmmmm.... personally, I think this can be a very subjective area, at least recording wise anyways. However, I would have to say the major differences that would occur are somewhere between either 'thin and sterile' (flat and raw) ..or.. 'an overdriven blur' (too much rumble and usually messy).

1. Taking into consideration drum samples are used throughout a recording, this route is almost impossible to create something completely natural OR simply put, it seems to always sound flat as opposed to fuller. So, with that said, before a debate goes any further about 'not enough tightness without using samples' (and me being a drummer of many years myself), first let's get out in the open there are many different aspects that also come into effect here, such as natural reverb, delay and acoustics, which for the most part all seem to be lost to a certain extent, without mics.

My opinion, which brings me to..

2. Microphones seem to give more natural characteristics and fullness without sounding so bland or sterile. Comparatively speaking, I guess I would say it could be analogically relative to mining, meaning a bass drum sample for example might be like a cheesy diamond that was bought over the counter as opposed to a nice fat chunk fished out of a mine. Again, many different aspects come into play here, such as the above mentioned.. natural reverb, delay, acoustics, etc.

3. The combination of both samples and mics, which I hardly heard being elaborated upon in this topic so far. I think this is essential because it can help to shape drum sounds much better, especially in an audio editor, since there's allot more options. The rest is pretty self-explanatory.

4. Guitar sizzle combined with samples. I think this is one of the main culprits for the "demo" quality recordings I read someone referring to, which I believe is a huge factor.

Several things here also.. such as, question number one:

Is it tube or is it solid state (transistors)?

A. Solid state is going to give a certain "sizzle", which IMO can be very easily mistaken for distortion and you can never get rid of it unless you know how to shape dynamics properly. I don't suggest treading this territory unless you seriously know what you're doing.. or talking about.

Result: Flat ("tightening up" with samples, call it whatever you want) + Solid State sizzle = Obscure quality. The End.

B. I don't own a tube amp, so don't ask about that.. but I do own a few preamps, SS/Tube. Talk to the hand.

5. Don't rob a bank.

Next up: Recording the "Clicks" of Triggers

To be continued....