Any tips on making your own drum samples?

ryst · 12th March 2010

I will be recording a band soon that is similar to bands like Russian Circles, Explosions in the Sky, and well......you get the idea. All long instrumental, experimental rock.

With this project I want to make drum samples from their kit before we actually record just in case I might need them during mixing. I've never made my own before so I have a couple of questions.

#1 - I'll be recording snare and toms. How many velocities per drum should I record to cover my bases?

#2 - I was thing about making 3 sets per drum. Close mic, Overheads, and Room. Is there anything else to consider?

Any other insight or advice in general? Thanks!

yoshua · 12th March 2010

it seems like you've got your bases covered, but while you're at it, make sure to get detailed with snare. incorporate some good takes of any rolls that'll be in the tracks.

Hotstuff · 12th March 2010

Hi,

I do this all the time, I sample every drum and cymbal at the beginning of tracking, new heads. I only sample the close mic´s, 4 or 5 good hits, never sample the room.

Hotstuff

Black Shadow · 12th March 2010

I sample kick, snare and toms at 3 velocities each (and usually end up only using 2), with brand new heads on. You might wanna let the head settle on the drum overnight before recording.

I tried sampling cymbals but it's just not my thing (especially not hi-hats). I let the drummer overdub each cymbal track live.

For room sound I do a rough mix of the entire drum part (post compression and EQ) and record that out of the speakers with a mono mic. Cheap and fake but I like it.

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12th March 2010	#1
ryst Lives for gear Joined: Dec 2004 Location: Hollywood, California Posts: 2,679 Thread Starter	Any tips on making your own drum samples? I will be recording a band soon that is similar to bands like Russian Circles, Explosions in the Sky, and well......you get the idea. All long instrumental, experimental rock. With this project I want to make drum samples from their kit before we actually record just in case I might need them during mixing. I've never made my own before so I have a couple of questions. #1 - I'll be recording snare and toms. How many velocities per drum should I record to cover my bases? #2 - I was thing about making 3 sets per drum. Close mic, Overheads, and Room. Is there anything else to consider? Any other insight or advice in general? Thanks! __________________ Nathan Schreier - Producer, Engineer, Sound Designer, Artist Website - Genetically Modified Music My Band - Ryst

12th March 2010	#2
yoshua Gear Head Joined: Feb 2010 Location: Austin Posts: 50	it seems like you've got your bases covered, but while you're at it, make sure to get detailed with snare. incorporate some good takes of any rolls that'll be in the tracks.

12th March 2010	#3
Hotstuff Gear maniac Joined: Dec 2005 Location: Portugal Posts: 189	Hi, I do this all the time, I sample every drum and cymbal at the beginning of tracking, new heads. I only sample the close mic´s, 4 or 5 good hits, never sample the room. Hotstuff

12th March 2010	#4
Black Shadow Lives for gear Joined: Oct 2008 Location: Belgium Posts: 658	I sample kick, snare and toms at 3 velocities each (and usually end up only using 2), with brand new heads on. You might wanna let the head settle on the drum overnight before recording. I tried sampling cymbals but it's just not my thing (especially not hi-hats). I let the drummer overdub each cymbal track live. For room sound I do a rough mix of the entire drum part (post compression and EQ) and record that out of the speakers with a mono mic. Cheap and fake but I like it.