How To Get a Great Sounding Snare Drum.

Here at Upstate Recording Studios in Spartanburg, SC., we have several different techniques that we use to get different snare drum tones. I want to share with you our “go to” method of recording snares.

Step one Take care of the drum:  

Make sure your snare drum heads are fresh. If they have dimples or have not been replaced recently you should do so. Remember most of your tone is going to come from your heads. This goes for all your drums.  Also, do not forget to change the bottom heads. Though they do not get worn out as quickly, they do need to be replaced from time to time.

Step two: Tune the drum to the room you are recording.

This is a very simple but often over looked step. A lot of drummers think, “Well it sounds great in my practice space so I don’t need to change it.” Remember your practice space and your recording space is probably as acoustically similar as a Pitt Bull to a Chihuahua.  If you cannot tune the entire ring out of the drum you can use Moon Jells sparingly.

Step three  Micing the drum:

Sounds simple enough right? There is a science to it.  I always mic the top and bottom of the snare. I will place the bottom microphone right below the wires as close as I can get the microphone without it touching the drum. The top microphone is placed at a slight angle around one to two inches from the rim. Remember to think about the rejection pattern of your microphones when placing them. You want to place them in a position to optimize the rejection of the high-hat and other cymbals.  Also remember to phase reverse the bottom snare. This will align the snares wave forms together and give you more punch. When you are mixing the two microphones together blend them to your liking.

Step Four Compression:

This step could be a novel in its self.  If you are not familiar with how compressors work or not really comfortable trying to compress the drums out of the box use VST inserts.  The great thing about VST’s is that you can always undo what you have compressed. Compressing out of the box you lose that option. Playing around with VST’s and comparing the sound instantly in your mix is a great way to learn how to use compression. A little trial and error never hurt anyone.

Step Five Effects:

Adding reverb or a slight delay can really bring your snare out in the mix. Just do not get crazy with the effects. Too much reverb/delay can really muddy up a mix.

Recording studios in Greenville or Spartanburg, SC can be hard to find. Here at Upstate Recordings, we always try to give your band the best quality recording that you can get at a price point that almost any band can afford. We started our studio to help facilitate the music scene in the upstate. If you are interested in recording with us you can contact us through our website or email Kyle or Josh

Check out this video. It high lights The Dave Project from Greenville, SC recording at our studio.