June 24, 2024
In a world often divided by strife and discord, Lake Street Dive emerges with their eighth studio album, "Good Together," a jubilant testament to the power of joy and unity in music. Scheduled for...
Read moreJune 24, 2024
Kygo, the maestro of summer vibes, returns with his self-titled album just in time to soundtrack your sun-soaked days. Released to coincide with the summer solstice, this album reaffirms Kygo's...
Read moreJune 24, 2024
Luna Shadows has finally unveiled her long-awaited LP, "bathwater," a deeply personal journey through emotion and memory. Released independently on June 21st, this album marks a significant...
Read moreJune 23, 2024
Remi Wolf, known for her vibrant and eclectic musical style, has released a new single titled "Motorcycle," featuring the talents of Kenny Beats, Leon Michels, and The Dap-Kings. Released on...
Read moreJune 23, 2024
Lava La Rue, former Dork cover star and acclaimed London-based artist, has announced the release of their debut album, STARFACE, set to drop on June 21st, 2024, via Dirty Hit. This announcement is...
Read moreJune 23, 2024
Jelani Aryeh’s highly anticipated album, The Sweater Club, dropped today, delivering exactly what fans have been eagerly awaiting. At 24, the San Diego native has already taken the indie-pop world...
Read moreJune 23, 2024
Sony Music's recent announcement to acquire the majority of Queen's music catalogue, along with various other rights, signifies a monumental deal valued at approximately £1 billion...
Read moreJune 23, 2024
Nigerian superstar Rema has made an electrifying return with his new track, "Benin Boys," marking his first musical release of 2024. This collaboration with Shallipopi is a significant moment for...
Read moreJune 23, 2024
Alicia Keys, born Alicia Augello Cook on January 25, 1981, in New York City, is an artist whose influence and talent have transcended musical genres and generations. With her powerful voice...
Read moreJune 23, 2024
Armaan Malik, born on July 22, 1995, in Mumbai, India, is a name that resonates with melody, versatility, and youthful charm. As one of the most prominent voices in contemporary Indian music...
Read moreJune 23, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian music, a new artist is making waves with his fresh sound and heartfelt lyrics. Mitraz, an emerging star in the Indian pop music scene, has captivated...
Read moreJune 23, 2024
Country music legend George Strait has once again demonstrated his unparalleled star power by breaking the record for the largest concert ever held in the United States. His recent performance at...
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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!