Recording live with a click and overduubing drums later?

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JG96

JG96

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So my band recorded our first album live onto 2 tracks using 7 mics. It had a charisma of a concert that our 2 more recent albums lack. I was thinking that on the bands 4th album we could track the whole band live to a click. we would just 2 mics on the drums for a scratch track. This would probably capture our true performance and cut down tracking time. But then go back and overdub the drums with 7-10 mics for a big rock sound. Anyone ever try this? how were your results?
 
I know several records that have been done this way both locally here and internationally.

I know that Jeff Blue of Linkin Park fame does records this way.

My personal experience is that as long as the guitars are well in time and carry the groove, there should be no problem. Of course, you need to have a drummer who can follow instead of lead while still playing cohesively. It can be a challenge, to be sure.

Cheers :)
 
Yeah it's up to your drummer. If he's worth a shit, it should be fine.
 
The drum track for Ten Years After's "I'm Going Home" was done like that. They forgot to turn the drum mics on during the show, so Corky Laing (not the band's drummer) over-dubbed the drum for the track that ended up on the Woodstock sound track.......and this is WITHOUT a click track.
 
RAMI said:
The drum track for Ten Years After's "I'm Going Home" was done like that. They forgot to turn the drum mics on during the show, so Corky Laing (not the band's drummer) over-dubbed the drum for the track that ended up on the Woodstock sound track.......and this is WITHOUT a click track.
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There's a new posthumous Joey Ramone solo album that was just released. This whole album was done off his vocal demos. They found tapes of him singing demos and ideas into a tape recorder and his brother and some other other guys made an entire album off of it. Bun E Carlos drummed a few tracks and he had to drum to the vocals.
 
If used right (and certainly in the right space) two mics could be about all you need for the drums. When I think of "big rock sound" for drums I usually think of John Bonham, and I don't think he ever had anywhere near 7-10 mics. Also, if it is that live element you are going for, it would probably be better for the whole band to record it all together, at least for more energy if anything.
 
I'm not sure I understand how you will remove the scratch track from a two-track recording. Simply layering new drums over top may cause phase problems.
 
If your drummer can do it then sure but if you're working with only two available tracks I'm guessing he/she can't.
 
We recently recorded a track live with the drums mic'd, bass direct, guitar direct from amp out and also mic'd with an sm57, and a lead vocal. We were hoping ro just keep the drums, bass, and guitar and then just redo the vocal and add other backing vocals and keyboard after. It came out nice, but the drum mics picked up the bass cabinet (a low woofiness) and we couldn't get it out of the mix. So, we just had our drummer redo the drums while listening ro what we did on headphones. It worked out well. We should have all just worn headphones to begin with. That's how we usually record and it works out well, but we were going for an even more natural live vibe. The drummer is absolutely key. We don't use a click track because luckily our drummer keeps nice time, but we may in the future if we plan on adding some sequencing stuff on a track :)
 
Scratch tracks are only useful if they are in time. The band should practice to click tracks beforehand (captain obvious statement...)
If the space and inputs are limited, this is pretty much the only route to take. When you have the luxury of a studio, things tend to come together a little quicker, since everyone can usually track all at once. I've seen and heard some amazing songs come together with the band playing all together, as well as songs that start from scratch tracks, and get overdubbed piece by piece. As long as you can maintain high morale and inspiration of whomever you are working with, the music will come together. Many a goose bump shall be had.
 
Or bounced checks. lol.

Yeah, I record drums last myself at times, but not because I wish to. I typically like to record a band all at once, with the drums being the focus of the first sessions. Then the guit, bass, and vocals. When I collaborate with others in different countries, I have them play the tune with a click track. Then I program a beat with AD that I would play myself. Then, after approval, and a basic Bass line, I will play the live drum track.
 
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