May 16, 2024
Sony Music, the world's largest music publisher, has taken a significant stance in the ongoing debate over artificial intelligence (AI) and copyright. Recently, Sony has sent letters to major tech...
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In a significant move for the music industry, Pete Ganbarg, renowned for his A&R expertise, has announced the launch of Pure Tone Records in a joint venture with Atlantic Records...
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Released in 2003 and re-released in 2004, The Killers' "Mr. Brightside" quickly became a defining anthem of the early 2000s, propelling the band to global superstardom...
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In the ever-evolving landscape of pop music, few artists have undergone as remarkable a transformation as Ariana Grande. With her extraordinary vocal range, infectious charisma, and unwavering...
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In April 2024, the classical music world witnessed a momentous event as 28-year-old conductor Klaus Mäkelä took the podium to lead the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.This landmark...
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In a bold declaration of her values, pop icon Kesha has made headlines by permanently altering a key lyric in her 2009 smash hit "Tik Tok." Originally opening with "Wake up in the morning feeling...
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Billie Eilish is ramping up anticipation for her upcoming album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, with an enchanting preview of her new song, “Feather,” featured in the latest teaser for Netflix’s...
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Childish Gambino, the stage persona of the multi-talented Donald Glover, is making waves again in the music world. This Monday marked the release of "Atavista,"...
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In the vibrant world of K-pop, known for its dazzling choreography and catchy melodies, the group BLACKSWAN stands out not just for their musical talents but also for breaking significant cultural...
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In the dynamic landscape of contemporary music, few artists have made as indelible a mark as Rihanna. With her distinctive voice, fearless experimentation, and boundary-pushing style, Rihanna...
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Chief Keef, the enigmatic figure of the rap industry, has once again disrupted the scene with the release of his much-anticipated mixtape, Almighty So 2....
Read moreMay 14, 2024
In a testament to the global phenomenon of K-pop, RM, the leader of BTS, has once again proven his solo prowess as his latest track emerges as a fan favorite. In a recent poll published by Billboard..
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Reverb can be a powerful tool in drum recordings, adding depth, space, and character to your drum mix. However, using it correctly is essential to ensure your drums don’t sound too muddy or distant. In this article, we'll explore how to apply artificial reverb to drum recordings effectively and look at how famous music creators, like Phil Collins, have mastered this technique to create iconic drum sounds.
Reverb creates a sense of space in your mix by simulating how sound behaves in different environments. For drum recordings, reverb can help place the drums in a specific acoustic context, whether it’s a small room, a large hall, or even an open arena. However, applying reverb to drums can be tricky because of the different elements involved – each with unique frequencies and dynamics.
In your current setup, you have five mics: two in front of the drum set to capture the low end, two overheads directly above the kit to capture the highs, and a snare mic. The challenge you’re facing is deciding whether to apply reverb to only the close mics (like the snare mic) or to the room mics (the overheads and front mics).
Here are some tips to help you decide how to apply reverb to your drum tracks:
A great example of a music creator who mastered the use of reverb on drums is Phil Collins. In the iconic song "In the Air Tonight," Collins used a technique known as "gated reverb" to create a powerful, punchy drum sound that became a hallmark of the 1980s. This technique involves applying a heavy reverb to the drums, particularly the snare, and then using a noise gate to cut off the reverb tail abruptly. The result is a reverb that sounds big but controlled, giving the drums a dramatic and distinctive sound.
Phil Collins' use of gated reverb shows how creative reverb application can make drums sound larger than life while maintaining clarity and impact. You can experiment with a similar approach by using gated reverb on your snare mic or applying it to the whole drum bus to achieve a cohesive, punchy sound.
The best approach to applying reverb depends on the sound you're aiming for and the unique characteristics of your drum kit and recording environment. Experiment with different reverb types, levels, and mic placements to find the sound that works best for your project. Remember, reverb is as much an art as it is a science – so don’t be afraid to trust your ears and get creative!