Getting 'clicky' toms?

[zacanger]

Because we spend so much money on drums? Like yet another big Tama metal snare that I want really badly? . I figured out that even buying the absolute cheapest Remo heads, it'd cost me over $250 to replace all the heads on my kit (Kick, 2 snares, 5 toms). Ouch. I could almost buy a new Pulse or PDP kit for that .

 

[SouthSIDE Glen]

This is wrong???

Hey, Rami, you're in French Canada, not France!

For zac and OP: As far as the cost of new heads goes, I'd consider that part of the cost of recording in a studio, just like new strings and new batteries and a new case of beer.

If your current heads are just fine, or you like the sound of your current heads, that's OK. But if you like the sound of new heads, then you need to get new heads. It's as simple as that. If you can't afford them yet, then you can't afford to go into the studio yet.

If you can't afford the tux because you spent all your money on the rock, then you're not ready to walk down the aisle yet.

G.

 

[jonnyc]

New heads are a must, if not it only makes us engineers look bad because we couldn't make it sound great. I actually had a session about a month ago and after mic'ing everything up and listened to what I've got I had to ask the kid how long it had been since he replaced his heads and he said it had been 6 months or so. I almost fell outta my chair, I happened to know that this kid played out at least once a week and practiced nearly everyday. We stopped the session, I instructed him to get all new heads, put them on, tune them, and then come back when he can. He did end up getting new heads but he kind of expected me to help him put them on and tune them. At least the drums didn't suck after that. Still not as bad as the guy who brought in a toy acoustic(not a shitty acoustic, a toy one, literally) with year old electic guitar strings. He spends a hundred bucks for 4 hours and brings in a toy.

 

[NashBackslash]

Just wanted to share my experience; for metal and hardcore bands (who always send me references like Trivium, As I Lay Dying, Avenged Sevenfold, etc) I've always achieved the "click" they want from the kick drum by tuning the beater side head really low, like almost flabby. I tried it with toms, and managed to get similar results, but they can't be too loose or it just sounds crappy.

But of course, this all means nothing if the drummer taps on them like a girl. I make sure they hit their toms real hard because that's where the click comes from. With good tom tracks, I use EQ as a last resort, even then just like 2 or 3 dB at most at the "sticky" areas (which I can't really specify, but usually around 5 KHz).

If all else fails, I just insert Drumagog, look for some really clicky tom samples and EQ rape them further if necessary. >=P

EDIT: I remember reading about how sometimes engineers would stick some sort of metal pad or something at kick drum beater's point of impact to get even more click out of their kick drums. Not sure if this will work for toms, though?

 

[Adam P]

You should tell them to reference Rust In Peace, Reign In Blood, Heartwork, and Cause Of Death instead.

 

[mrhotapples]

Yeah, some engineers will stick a quarter to the spot where the beater is struck, but they make little pads to stick on the batter head that get you a clickier sound too.

It would probably work for toms, but you know...Even the most consistent drummers would have a hard time hitting it in the right place.

 

[giraffe]

it's been said, but it really is ALL about what they sound like to start with.

 

[Ironklad Audio]

beat the shit out of them like your name was igor cavalera

 

[scorpio01169]

well tuning plays alot but mic placement place a big part....i like to point the mic at the center of the tom to get the boomyness and the stick at the same time....i dont want my toms to sound like im hitting paper.

 

[chessrock]

The sticks will probably have a greater impact on the "click" than anything else.

.

 

[MCI2424]

..........
It's like going out on a first date and deciding not to shower or brush your teeth beforehand....."

G.

So THATS what went wrong.



Note to self: shower and brush.
Got 'ya
Thanks.

 

[SouthSIDE Glen]

So THATS what went wrong.



Note to self: shower and brush.
Got 'ya
Thanks.

No problem. My sister will appreciate it!

G.