Ex thinks HE'S going to hell...

mccreadyisgod

All Those Yesterdays wrote:

8 track is a good idea, but from my experience it won't be enough. If I had the choice I'd make sure I can record the drums on the tape, and 8 tracks just isn't enough. 2 mics on the snare, and 2 overheads then one each on the hi hat, ride, kick and on each tom (unless you only use 1 tom). Snares sound way to thin with just a single mic off the top.

I usually double-mic the snare on recordings... Either a 57 on top and a small-diaphram condenser on bottom, or two Beta 57's, one top and one bottom. Phase reversed. I usually use the bottom mic for a snare-heavy reverb and the top mic for a more natural reverb. If you've never tried it, use a gate on the bottom mic and use it for your reverb, it's one hell of a trippy effect (only works with hard snare hits, though).

All Those Yesterdays

mccreadyisgod wrote:

I usually double-mic the snare on recordings... Either a 57 on top and a small-diaphram condenser on bottom, or two Beta 57's, one top and one bottom. Phase reversed. I usually use the bottom mic for a snare-heavy reverb and the top mic for a more natural reverb. If you've never tried it, use a gate on the bottom mic and use it for your reverb, it's one hell of a trippy effect (only works with hard snare hits, though).

Cool I'll keep it in mind. Speaking of hard snare hits, I've been one to piss off drummers in the studio, due to pushing them so hard. My usual line is "Stop hitting that snare like a little boy".

Also I'm still stuck on just a cheap steel snare, I'll pass up any fancy wood snare for the "pop" of a steel snare.

mccreadyisgod

All Those Yesterdays wrote:

Cool I'll keep it in mind. Speaking of hard snare hits, I've been one to piss off drummers in the studio, due to pushing them so hard. My usual line is "Stop hitting that snare like a little boy".

Also I'm still stuck on just a cheap steel snare, I'll pass up any fancy wood snare for the "pop" of a steel snare.

I dunno... a good drummer with a good wood snare and good heads and tuned well...

But it has to be a GOOD wood snare, tuned REALLY well, with a drummer who has a great touch and great dynamics. Exhibit A: Chad Smith.

But, since it's hard to find a good drummer, let alone one with good drums and the ability to tune them...

A steel snare provides a hell of a lot more pop in a pinch. The only problem I have with steel snare drums is the ring and the unnatural body. I think if you want to get a better snare drum sound, and you're fighting a crappy drum (or drummer), just get a trigger and a drum module.

I have a nice 14x5.5" wood snare and a really nice 13x3" steel piccolo. I use both regularly, choosing which fits better. And when I set the kit up to just play, I always set both snares up (the standard inside, the piccolo outside). It's really nice to have both to choose from.

All Those Yesterdays

mccreadyisgod wrote:

I dunno... a good drummer with a good wood snare and good heads and tuned well...

But it has to be a GOOD wood snare, tuned REALLY well, with a drummer who has a great touch and great dynamics. Exhibit A: Chad Smith.

But, since it's hard to find a good drummer, let alone one with good drums and the ability to tune them...

A steel snare provides a hell of a lot more pop in a pinch. The only problem I have with steel snare drums is the ring and the unnatural body. I think if you want to get a better snare drum sound, and you're fighting a crappy drum (or drummer), just get a trigger and a drum module.

I have a nice 14x5.5" wood snare and a really nice 13x3" steel piccolo. I use both regularly, choosing which fits better. And when I set the kit up to just play, I always set both snares up (the standard inside, the piccolo outside). It's really nice to have both to choose from.

Well in all 99.9954324658686% of it is the drummer it self! Thats for sure. Case in point, I was with a bad a while back and the studio we have has a drum kit that just sits (hell the drummer doesn't have to bring anything for practice you know), well any ways, we went thru two or three different drummers and the entire time I said to myself, wow that snare just blows (low in behold it was the steel snare I'm talking about). Well that bad fell apart and nothing happened with it. Anyways, a buddy of mine asked me if he could record his drum parts at the studio. Of course we were all gun Ho about it. Told him that there is a kit here but you really probably want to bring your set or at least your snare. He said no problem I have a couple wooden snares to pick from and a piccolo.

He came over and I was making coffee during his set up. Came down and he was warming up. I looked at my friend (studio owner) and went, see that is how a snare is supposed to sound. Well the drummer goes yeah this is a sweet sounding snare, I looked at him confused (I figured it was one of his), low an behold it was that dam'n steel snare.

Any hoot every song has its individual place with tones etc.... Drum wise just like guitar and bass wise, a good player can really make anything sound great. I just live by the "don't get stuck in a rut" motto, and keep doing the same thing.