Recording drums in my home studio - journal thread

[Superminimalism]

It's my first post on the forum so - Hello!
ylsmoke.gif

I'm starting this thread to show my journey with learning how to record and mix drums in my home studio (and some bit of music productions too), so any advice and tips are more than welcome!

Here is my latest recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3sBau3 ... Raczkowski
Just a free impro while testing full 8channel mic setup. I wanted to achieve clear acoustic sound of drum. I'm happy with the results, but I want to hear your suggestions!

[Drew Stephenson]

What's the mic set-up in clip?

Edit - ignore that, I can see it in the video description.

[James Perrett]

It is hard to tell how successful you've been without some kind of context. What are you aiming for? The sound that you have would work well for jazz but maybe not so well for other styles.

[Drew Stephenson]

For me the cymbals are a bit washy, but given you've chosen extra light ones I'm guessing this is the sound you're after?

[Eddy Deegan]

Not my area of expertise so I'll defer to folks with more experience when it comes to useful comment but welcome to the forum Superminimalism

[Martin Walker]

Indeed, welcome to the SOS Forums from me as well Superminimalism!

Martin

[Superminimalism]

Hmm, yep, cymbals washiness could be a big problem, especially when lot of compression is needed. I can always tape them

Today I recorded some fun with double snare drum setup, dry, saturated sound was the goal, but I think I got tempted and added a bit too much reverb in post:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CgfNWJLjwGw/

Cheers!

[Superminimalism]

This is maybe more in a [weird] music production field than recording, but I had enormous fun while both composing the track and recording drums to it. It may not be an easy music to listen, but I hope some folks will enjoy the tension intended. Cheers!
https://youtu.be/KMboSRXO9OU

[Eddy Deegan]

I watched the latest video you posted above, I like it a lot, especially as I like a good bit of prog.

It is hard to tell how successful you've been without some kind of context. What are you aiming for? The sound that you have would work well for jazz but maybe not so well for other styles.

I too would be interested in the context

[Superminimalism]

About the context, hmmm, right now I'm learning, getting to know my gear and room. I'm experimenting with different drums and tones, so my goal is just to prepare for future work as a remote session musician.

This is my latest video, where I tried to make tiny drums sounds low and big. It's a jazz kit with 16" bass drum, but I don't think I could guess the sizes just from listening

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWs2tQ8 ... Raczkowski

Cheers!

[The Elf]

Not bad at all, but my, that kick is boingy!

[Superminimalism]

Not bad at all, but my, that kick is boingy!

Yes that's was the goal, also to make 16" kick sound low and big it's helpful to get rid of the muffling

[Arpangel]

Man, nice playing, very nice.
And it sounds fine to me, you’ve got the most important thing right, your playing.

[Superminimalism]

Man, nice playing, very nice.
And it sounds fine to me, you’ve got the most important thing right, your playing.

Thanks you!

[Drew Stephenson]

About the context, hmmm, right now I'm learning, getting to know my gear and room. I'm experimenting with different drums and tones, so my goal is just to prepare for future work as a remote session musician.

This is my latest video, where I tried to make tiny drums sounds low and big. It's a jazz kit with 16" bass drum, but I don't think I could guess the sizes just from listening

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWs2tQ8 ... Raczkowski

Cheers!

Definitely hit the mark on good low tones but I think I'd be looking to rein in some of the tail a bit so they're a tad less boingy (to copy Elf's technical term.)

[Superminimalism]

I actually got my first remote session gig last week (recording some loops and samples), super fun and I feel like I learned a lot. In the meantime, as a relaxation, I recorded a little improv with FX treatment:
https://www.instagram.com/p/ChLEKq_j7Gb/
Cheers!

[Superminimalism]

Recently I recorded some LoFi beats, hope you enjoy!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CiLkd6yDTty/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CiLf339jIAq/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CiLaI8AjpIl/
Cheers!

[Superminimalism]

I made some hip-hop (I guess?) loops and recorded drum beats on top, check this out:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CiSoFkwot60/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CiQnSaWjdwP/
Cheers!

[Superminimalism]

Today some experiment - audio from iphone but multiplied and obliterated with plugins... Additionally some synths. I was inspired by construction works nearby
#1 - https://www.instagram.com/p/CjipRrRj7F7/
#2 - https://www.instagram.com/p/CjjG7yDj6ZB/

Let me know what you think!

[Martin Walker]

I actually got my first remote session gig last week (recording some loops and samples), super fun and I feel like I learned a lot. In the meantime, as a relaxation, I recorded a little improv with FX treatment:
https://www.instagram.com/p/ChLEKq_j7Gb/
Cheers!

Wow - some really interesting and unusual sounds in that groove, especially whatever you're playing instead of a snare (some sort of woodblock perhaps?)

Today some experiment - audio from iphone but multiplied and obliterated with plugins... Additionally some synths. I was inspired by construction works nearby
#1 - https://www.instagram.com/p/CjipRrRj7F7/

Now THAT groove is gorgeous, and I would happily put it in one of my own tracks. The gong-like devices are particularly cool

And I can now also see the wood block device more clearly.

I suspect you're going to get a lot of session work with sounds like that, once people know about you.

Bravo!

Martin