Drums recorded last??

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DavidK

DavidK

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How often would this be done in a pro environment? I mean having basic tracks done to midi, and have a real drummer replace them in a studio? Anybody? Beuller? ;)
 
I do all my drum tracks last, David. I just happen to prefer it that way, but I know it's not conventional wisdom.
 
RAMI said:
I do all my drum tracks last, David. I just happen to prefer it that way, but I know it's not conventional wisdom.
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Well, you make quality recordings, I consider that a good sign. :cool:

I dont think it would be my prefered way if I was in a band of sorts, but I would think it would work just fine if the tracks were fairly straight forward and it was more of a "one man band needs drums" situation.
 
DavidK said:
How often would this be done in a pro environment? I mean having basic tracks done to midi, and have a real drummer replace them in a studio? Anybody? Beuller? ;)
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A lot depends upon the kind of production environment.

If you're talking a typical 4- or 5-piece rock combo with known members, it's done less often unless the drummer sucks (no I'm not saying that's the case with you Rami :) ).

If it's a larger production where sessions musicians are added in post, or if it's something like a score for movie or TV, then it's far more common for a "demo track" to be laid down for the rhythm to be replaced by the actual drummer or other percussionists to be brought in later.

G.
 
SouthSIDE Glen said:
(no I'm not saying that's the case with you Rami :) )..
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you sure :D

I like to record the lead parts to a finished rhythm section & indeed do vocals to a finished rhythm section so the drums for me are probably about 3rd or 4th from the end for me
 
I have to record the drums first. If there's any fluctuation in meter I can compensate on the rest of the tracks.

But it's only rock & roll.
 
SouthSIDE Glen said:
If it's a larger production where sessions musicians are added in post, or if it's something like a score for movie or TV, then it's far more common for a "demo track" to be laid down for the rhythm to be replaced by the actual drummer or other percussionists to be brought in later.

G.
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I am thinking Mannheim Steamrollerish.

Basically, someone approached me about a project and I am trying to think of ways to make it a reality if things proceed. I would be in the role of composer and orchestrator mainly. I would assume there would be some kind of proper "engineer" and that would be something I would really rely on. I was thinking of laying down a lot of synths then taking it to a studio to do drums. After drums I would record an orchestra and then singers on a few. It wouldnt be a "band" in a traditional role, maybe some guitarist comes in for a day and lays down some basic stuff, the rest would be synths. Sound about right?

Thanks for the responses fellas. :)
 
I would say that this is dependent on many different things. The style of music and the way the drums are intended to sit in the mix and how primary an instrument they are often dictates when in the recording process at least the final drum tracks are laid down. I like doing basic drum tracks and then rerecording the drums towards the end of a project when the band is capable of working in a way this is possible. This gives the drummer a good opportunity to lay solid tracks for the band to play to without overplaying and then gives the drummer a chance later on to find the places where he/she can fill things up and where to lay things back. Many rock bands however have a very hard time if not damned near impossible time doing this though. Some however take to it very nicely. The bottom line is that drums do not have to be done first, but by not doing so you may be inviting problems. Every situation needs different analysis in my opinion. But then again, this is, or at least should be, true of the entire recording process.
 
ez_willis said:
I have to record the drums first. If there's any fluctuation in meter I can compensate on the rest of the tracks.

But it's only rock & roll.
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Me too. (although I'll record scratch trax - click, git, bass, vox before the drums, but those all get trashed and replaced after the drums are tracked)
 
recording drums afterwards (and not re-recording everything else) at minimum takes a solid drummer and a click track. i've done it and with those two things in place, it's not overly difficult to get a drum track that works.

getting it with some feel, however, is often something else. feel comes from everything that's between the beats. often laying down the drums to prerecorded music negatively impacts the feel of the drum part.

personally, i typically build my songs with scratch guitar/vox and bass recorded to a click, then i lay down the drums, and i usually toss the scratch tracks and rebuild everything using the drums as the foundation. it feels more "alive" to me that way.

YMMV


cheers,
wade
 
I have found the opposite to be true. I have found that with solid rhythm tracks and a good drummer, laying drums last often gives off a better feel. Especially when you look at the song as a whole and not just the drums.
 
For people who use things like EZDrummer...what is the process? I've never had drums before. Do you set out the drums first or play to a click track and then fill the drums in or what?
 
mrface2112 said:
recording drums afterwards (and not re-recording everything else) at minimum takes a solid drummer and a click track. i've done it and with those two things in place, it's not overly difficult to get a drum track that works.

getting it with some feel, however, is often something else. feel comes from everything that's between the beats. often laying down the drums to prerecorded music negatively impacts the feel of the drum part.

personally, i typically build my songs with scratch guitar/vox and bass recorded to a click, then i lay down the drums, and i usually toss the scratch tracks and rebuild everything using the drums as the foundation. it feels more "alive" to me that way.

YMMV


cheers,
wade
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I totally agree!
 
If you don't like playing to a click track (like my bass player), you could set up a simple drum loop at the same tempo. Doesn't take much longer at all.
 
Thanks for the swell responses, hepcats. :cool:

I think I have formulated a plan of how to successfully record some drums after the fact. For me, the key is in the arrangements. Anything orchestral in nature should work, anything with a "groove" probably wont. I dont know how to do anything with a "groove" anyways, what the heck am I worried about? :D

I fear drums. :( I am no good at sequencing them, or writing out any kind of parts. I would either need a drummer or loops, and I have no idea how to use them so I want a drummer.
 
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