snare rattle

[AnthonyRochester]

I usually like to record bands playing all in 1 room, because it feels more natural for people to play like that, and I like the room mic(s) to get the drums, bass and guitar all together. But often having a bass amp in the same room as a drum kit, it is hard to avoid the bass making the snare rattle on some notes. Does anyone have any clever tricks to solve this?

[cavern]

you can use a small piece of cloth between the snare and the bottom head..start at the edge and move it towards the middle till it's bearable but doesn't kill the sound..

[Grumblefoot]

The sympathetic frequencies are the problem try a re-tune on the snare to get rid of them.

[bgrotto]

If you like the natural, band-in-a-room sound, what's wrong with a little snare rattle?

When I do live recordings this way, I find that by the time the track is mixed, the snare rattle is barely audible over the music. It generally only makes its way into the bottom snare mic (if there is one), and a bit in the rooms and OHs. A bit of clever editing and maybe a gate and it's really not an issue.

If it's excessive and distracting, the drum needs to be retuned. Or, maybe you're using a bottom snare mic that you don't need? Ditch it. Or try micing the shell instead.

[Milkshop]

As a drummer I can tell you that there is nothing you can do to that snare that is gonna dodge a bass cab. Well, there is, but I assure you, you wouldn't be pleased with the sound. I say let it buzz, or go straight into the board with your bass. Whatever note that bottom head is tuned to though, its gonna buzz whenever any instrument plays that same note.

[ed97643]

Quoting myself from this thread:

snare rattle

The quote below was more to do with a nearby tom making the snares rattle (and not from a bass guitar), but maybe some of the ideas might help.

~~~~~~~~~~
Believe me, I play drums and surf drum forums, and this is a quesiton that MANY drummers also ask. (It bothers them, too.) No shame in this practical question. Here are some pracical things to try:

1. Drum positioning. Suggest that the drummer angle the rack tom a bit differently, and the snare, too. Small moves will let them keep their comfort zone happening, while lessening the rattles. (Reposition your mics after! : )

2. A small piece of cloth (small!) placed between the snare wires and the snare resonant head can help.

3. As has been suggested, SLIGHTLY loosening the four lugs nearest the snare bed can make an improvement - and not fundamentally change the tone of the drum, as a poster above me feared.

4. MY FAVORITE: suggest that they try different snare wires. When I switched to a set of "PureSound EQ" snare wires, WOW the snare (A) sounded better and (B) cut my snare vibrations to practically nil! Having a set of puresounds in the locker is a good thing. $30 can save the day.

5. "3 in one" machine oil on the moving parts of the snare strainer throwoff will ensure a DEAD silent snare release / engagement (if done with a smooth hand and not just "whacked"). This opens up the "throw off the snares for the tom parts" idea.

6. As has been said, adjusting the reso head on the nearest / "offending" tom can be a good compromise. It won't change the tone THAT much (minor adjustments here), and can solve the problem or cut it down greatly.

7. Lastly (should be "firstly"), experiment with a different strainer tension (adjust the tension knob just for this song). Try finding a happy comromise.

These are all valid approaches that pro drummers have used with success. Hope some of these ideas can maybe help someone.
Take care,
Ed