Recording & Mixing Drum Science - Part 3
Dec 8, 2023
In this finale, Rob Toulson reveals the intricacies of recording drums, tackling issues like frequency cancellation and microphone setup. He discusses the importance of phase coherence and explores various stereo mic techniques, including ORTF and spaced pair methods. Listeners are encouraged to experiment with mic placement to achieve optimal sound. The podcast also highlights how the recording environment affects sound quality, making it essential for engineers to choose the right space for the best results.
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Comb Filtering Explained
- Comb filtering in multi-mic drum setups causes frequency cancellations that affect drum sound quality.
- This happens because delays create phase shifts that cancel certain frequencies, changing the drum’s tonal balance.
Fix Frequency Cancellation by Flipping Polarity
- To solve drum mic frequency cancellation, flip the polarity of one mic signal as a simple quick fix.
- This inverts the waveform and can restore lost fundamental frequencies effectively in many cases.
Choose Large Rooms for Drum Recording
- Use large rooms over small rooms to record drums for reduced comb filtering and more natural reverberation.
- Find the sweet spot by testing drum tone in different room locations to avoid boomy or weak bass.