Forgo the Studio: Recording Drums in Non-Studio Locations
Christopher Landon Thomas · Digital Commons - CSUMB (California State University, Monterey Bay) · 2015
The goal behind this research is to have a clear understanding of the impact that the room plays when recording drums. To accomplish this, a full drum kit was recorded at a total of six locations, each room having vastly different dimensions and characteristics from each other. All takes were recorded using the same performer, drums, microphones, and console preamps, with only minor derivations when necessary. My paper contains detailed descriptions of these rooms, their dimensions and physical properties, and placement of the drums within the spaces. It also provides a historical background for drum recording, both in studio and non-studio locations. The results are intended to highlight the differences in the recorded sound due to the rooms themselves, and therefore will facilitate a better understanding of how much each room’s character is imprinted onto a drum recording. This information is useful in determining not only an ideal room for recording drums, but also in better understanding what to expect from a non-studio room that is readily accessible.