Yesterday was the first tracking session for Multitrack and Recording – Assessment 2. The song we have chosen to cover is R.E.M, Losing My Religion. To give an outline to the mix, which also helps the organisation and structure of the mixing, is to record the drums first. I helped set up the kit, as well as helped set up the different types of mics, we used different types of specialist mics according to what type of drum was being recorded.
We used an AKG D112 for the bass drum – this is perfect for recording Bass Drums as it can record a high decibel range without being distorted; it has a very low frequency response which enables it to record below 100hz extremely well – again ideal for this type of drum.
For the Snare, we used two SM57’s – one on top, one underneath; also for each of the three toms we used this type of microphone. This is because it is a very reliable dynamic mic that is ideal for close ups. The cardioid pattern picks up the main sound source well whilst minimising unnecessary background noise.
Finally we used to two AKG 414’s as Overheads in the drum booth. This would help to make the recording sound more full as well as capture the sound of the crash cymbal without the mice being distorted.
It so happens to be that I am one of the drummers of the group, therefore had to play this song 4 times. Due to the simplistic but effective nature of the song, it required a standard 4/4 beat with the occasional fills. As you can imagine it wasn’t the most enthralling piece of drumming ever heard and after a while I’m sure the group in the studio were more bored than me hearing it!
Throughout this and the rest of the recording sessions, we will be using Pro Tools (PT) to record the sounds. We used channels 17-24 on our PT session to record the drums.
Overall the session went well. Next session we are recording bass with a guitar as a guide.
