so I recorded the drums... now what?

[deathofamind]

I'm hoping someone here can give me some advice, because I'm new to this. I have experience in recording guitars and vocals, and doing some processing on those tracks, but this is the first time I've recorded drums.

So I have some decent drum recordings, but I want to touch them up a bit. Three things came to mind: EQ, compression, and reverb. I know I'm definitely going to do compression, but I'm not so sure about the other two. I guess I'll just try different things until I find something that works.

But this brings me to my main question: in what order would you do these things? Compress first, and then mess around with it? Or should I mess around with EQ/reverb first, and then compress the almost-finished track? Help!

Thanks.

 

[Metal Marc]

Are your drums all on one track? If no, what drums are on what tracks?

 

[deathofamind]

Are your drums all on one track? If no, what drums are on what tracks?

All on one track. I guess I should have said that. It sounds good, and has a "live" feel. I guess I want to keep that live energy, but give it a more polished sound. I have a sample online now at:

http://www.mythandmotion.com/argus

It's the first file. Just a snippet of the song-in-progress.

 

[nascentjunkie]

well...

i used to do 1 track drums... then i realized i would have to spend a bit of money in order to get decent drum tracks...(its not really practical to do it all in 1 track...)

 

[deathofamind]

yeah, but...

i used to do 1 track drums... then i realized i would have to spend a bit of money in order to get decent drum tracks...(its not really practical to do it all in 1 track...)

It's not really practical for me to spend a bit of money. It's either this, or a drum machine. I've done the drum machine thing for the past two years, and I'm tired of it.

 

[Metal Marc]

Since you've already recorded them, try it this way:
1. EQ
2. Reverb
3. Compress
Hopefully that'll work. If not, then switch 'em around. Good luck.

Metal Marc

P.S.: your sample is pretty decent. I agree with you: the drums have a good feel. Your snare sound is KICKIN'! \m/

 

[Nik D]

I'd probably say EQ then compress, and lastly add reverb. Only because you probably don't want to compress the reverb tails. Unless you do. In that case ignore this!

 

[Bass Jas]

So there is no chance of using 2 mics? If you compress the entire spectrum of sound your cymbals will sound really wierd. Try some low eq and maybe a tiny reverb. Sounds like you had really good placement for just one mic, but 2 would make a big difference for you.