Drum Mic Tutorial - Part 5-2: Compression and Reverb

Continued from Part 5-1, this video further explains compression and reverb.

If you are already familiar with certain aspects of this tutorial, feel free to skip around to other parts using these links:

Introduction - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvqLVo_HeqU

Part 1: Equipment - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRCJQosS-7M

Part 2: Mic Placement - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp1LEhZMITE

Part 3: Recording Preparation - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8BIJEbV9mY

Part 4: EQ Settings - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZfwjISwNao

Part 5-1: Compression and Reverb - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fwxf3Zmdh2g

Part 6: Noise Gates - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fpm2Dm8DR0

I continue to use the word "fuller" a lot to describe what compression and reverb do....

***Higher quality audio***
Be sure to watch these videos in HD, because there is a significant improvement in sound quality over standard definition - however, YouTube's codec processing has recently started really muddying up the lower end frequencies (like the bass drum and floor toms), so HD sound is still not as good as the source file. Check out this link if you want to hear the audio at its best: http://vimeo.com/10410282

I hope you enjoy these videos, and more importantly I hope they help you become better at recording drums!

Background music: "In the Presence of Enemies" by Dream Theater

Category:

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• EQ
• Compression
• Reverb
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[MikeDrumsForFun]

i suggest a little less compression let the drums 'breathe' more. Your reverb and mixing and EQ is good but less compression especially on the snare. If you take off a little compression and further mix the kit, it will sound 10x better. that's the only complaint I have, compression.

[SnareSpectre]

@MikeDrumsForFun

I choose to compress a lot so the snare sticks out when recorded in the context of a song - otherwise it just gets lost in the mix. If I was doing some sort of drum solo, I would definitely back off on the compression...but if I backed off of it much in this context, the snare wouldn't really even be able to carry a strong backbeat in a rock song; it would sound more wimpy, like I was playing jazz or something. :)

[mathieu12001]

i didd'nt like your mix i'm srry!

[SnareSpectre]

@mathieu12001

I'm very glad you took the time to let me know.

[DanNoZeroFortesque]

Has anyone ever told you that you look like Bill Hader?...

[SnareSpectre]

@DanNoZeroFortesque

Nope, and I hope nobody ever, EVER does!

[ameliorate2695]

i liked the snare and toms better without the compression

[akadylan]

thanks dude i didnt really understand what each of the settings of compression dude till now! great way to explain, thanks.

[rhcpfolies]

I WANNA SAY A BIG THANK YOU TO THE GUY WHO MADE THESE VIDEOS , i didn't understand drum mixing until NOW ! Man you could seriously consider becoming a teacher ! Wish you could do the same videos but for  guitar recording and mixing , vocals recording/mixing.. etc ..

Thanks !

[2468DDT]

Your drums sound great with just the EQ.

[RiffTV915]

you should explain the math the goes with reverb to like you did compression it's pretty crazy again if you ever get a change to fuck with a S6000 do it i've never heard such intense and beautiful reverb plus the control is fuckin cool

[ricardoieci]

Can u tell me some good snare reverb, plugin,and how to use it?

[Mastermela13]

You used Pre Sonus FirePod Studio audio interface ?

[DRoephIe]

drums in a cavern

[thelegendarydrummer]

I HEAR DREAM THEATER!!!!!! PRESENCE OF ENEMIES!!!!! lol