Drum Sounds and approach

[Dr Roundmenge]

Hey John,

I have always loved yr work - its great to see you here on this board.

The sound of albums like the bends, storm in heaven, and yr work with spiritualized have always had this wonderful sense of tone and openness to the drums - they sound really powerful and expansive but remain 'soft' texturally - what approaches did you take in terms of drum selection / mic placement and room size / treatment for these albums and how did you approach their context from a mix perspective as well.

I'll be back with more - your discography reads like a soundtrack to my life - Thanks so much!

[johnleckie]

Thanks for compliments on drums sounds. It really does depend on the drummer and the music. Always use good kit preferably Ludwig, Gretch, some Yamaha. Make sure its good size for drummer playing and tuned with new heads and get selection of snares to try for different songs. Make sure the drummer is rehearsed and knows what he's doing and talk to him about dynamic of the song. I kinda go for a natural sound on drums but pushed forward...I mike up pretty standard with 57s 451s D12 87s and record room sound and maybe 50% of time not use room ambience but recreate something within the track. Its important to get drums sounding good as dry as possible before adding room ambience as the impressive 'big' drum sound can often swamp track and just may not be right for song.
Cheers JL

[pristineb]

Thanks so much for posting your wisdom on GS!

How do you approach recording room ambience for drums? Do you have a specific place you find yourself putting room mics? What mics do you prefer? If there's not a spot in particular what are you listening for?

You've professed your love for the great 1176, do you compress the room mics much? What settings do you enjoy, how many db of compression.

I'm aware that this all changes depending on what you're hearing but I'd love to know what you're reaching for in these areas!

Cheers and many blessings!!

Keith

[johnleckie]

Hi Pristineb
Usually start with two 87s about 8ft away and if its big room another pair 15-20 ft away up high. Depends on room, they may be on omni or cardiod if its really live. U47s good if you can get a pair. 414s usually too bright. Sometimes even pair of 58s pointing at ceiling or floor can be effective. Also try just putting mics anywhere and putting fader up. I had good things happening on floor, in the corner, in an acoustic guitar laid next to drum kit, Wheel the grand piano next to drum kit, put drum stick in loud pedal and mike the strings or under soundboard close to wood !
Funny I always keep 1176 on ratio 4 button in, slow attack, fast decay and varying input levels.
Cheers
JL