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Hi there,

I'm a drummer and our band is going to begin recording our first full length album very shortly. I have a question that is about my actual performance and how it works with recording.

In most of our songs there are quite a few dynamics. (Rock) I know that it is important to get the hottest levels possible while recording without clipping, so I'm wondering if while I'm in the studio I should be playing all my parts at the same volume and then during the mix use automation to control the dynamics. Is this how things usually work?

Tom

Comments

nandoph8 Thu, 11/04/2004 - 08:05

I wouldn't. Just because you lower the volume on mixdown, doesn't mean the "feel" of the dynamics will be there. Especially with drums. Play your drums they way you play them, with dynamics involved. Just make sure that the heaviest parts don't clip. The thing you SHOULD be worried about is timing and precision. I cannot stress how much that matters in recording a drums.

inLoco Thu, 11/04/2004 - 11:58

recording drums is a dificult task but don't do that!
one thing i'd recommend if you are going to a good studio is to record the basic tracks all the band in a circle so you can all feel the music and play along with the vibe you guys create! has for the drum playing is like you say! you have certain dynamics so don't try to f**k them up! play as you feel the music! if you try to play to a different goal the final result won't be good!