Compression is all over your favorite drum recordings and it’s shaping your perception of drum sounds whether you know it or not. A basic understanding how processing affects drum sounds and being able to hear the sonic impact can improve your understanding of what went into that sound you like (or hate). In this episode, you’ll get an overview of how compression can be used to alter drum sounds and what it sounds like.
*100% Human Made: No AI was used in the creation of this video*
0:00 Intro
1:42 Categories of Compression
2:12 General Demonstrations
5:55 Snare Close Mic Compression
8:59 The Cymbals
9:50 Overhead Mic Compression
12:30 Room Mic Compression
14:28 Summary
DISCLOSURE: This is not a mixing tutorial and I am not a mixing engineer. Audio engineers, please consider that you aren’t the intended audience for this episode.
PATREON:
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PRODUCTION PARTNERS:
GIK Acoustics (sonic treatment): https://sladl.ink/GIK
AKG Audio (microphones): https://sladl.ink/AKG
Evans Drumheads: https://sladl.ink/EvansDrumheads
ProMark Drumsticks: https://sladl.ink/ProMarkDrumsticks
Signal chain:
Mics – Focusrite Clarett 8Pre USB- Mac Studio w/Pro Tools 2025.12
Recorded at 48kHz / 24bit
Microphones:
Overheads: Pair of AKG C314 in Recorderman Configuration
Toms: N/A
Kick Drum: AKG D12vr
Snare: Lauten Snare Mic
Room: AKG C414 XLS
Acoustic Treatment:
GIK 242 Acoustic Panels
GIK 4A Alpha Pro Series Diffusor/Absorber
GIK Evolution PolyFusor Combination Sound Diffuser/Absorber
GIK Tri-Trap Corner Bass Trap
Drums:
Pearl Maple Masters Custom Extra
Cymbals:
22” Sabian Stratus Dry Ride, 15” Sabian Stratus Dry Hats
Drumheads:
Snare: Evans G12 Coated / Snare Side 300
Toms: N/A
Kick Drum: Evans UV EMAD / EQ3 Coated White Reso
Drumsticks: ProMark Carter McLean Signature Model
Hosted by: Ben O’Brien Smith
Production: Ben O’Brien Smith @ Cadence Independent Media
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