Creating a stereo drum mix

Well, there you are, sitting in frustration. You can't understand why your drum mix is lifeless. Everything you do is a step in the wrong direction. You'r not trying to change the world, all you want is a quality drum mix to create a final mix. Not much to ask. Okay, here are some steps to get you there. Step 1. Have you recorded your drums with dedicated drum mics. If not, do so! Shure makes a very affordable pack for under $300. As for the snare, an SM57 will never let you down.....ever! Step 2. Okay you have the drum mic's. Placement can be an issue so go with what you know....mic's about 2 inches away from the head are ideal. I like to bring the overheads in from the front of the kit about 3 feet directly above the tom's and crashes. If you facing the drums, the right mic should be placed on a 45 degree angle and opposite for the left. This will open the stereo field when you get into panning the overheads. Step 3. Keep your record level at or below --10 db. This will allow for more headrooom when you do your final mix and most importantly, your master. As you track,compression is a must to really tighten the mix. You don't need a lot so don't go overboard. Step 4. Record a test mix with bass and guitar. This will allow you to create an accurate test mix. Keep the kick and snare in the 12 O'clock position and the toms, from left to right, 8,2, and 4 positions. The overheads can go in the 9 and 3 position. What about the high hat? Don't worry, the high hat will be captured by the SM57 on the snare and the overheads...not to mention the tom mics. Once you eq your high frequencies, you will have plenty of high hat definition. Step 5. This is the step where trumpets sound. This is the most important step, the "secret" to all drum mixes..........Create a stereo drum mix. There..I said it. Basically, mix, bounce or set up bus tracks to get your drum mix down to 2 tracks. A stereo left and right mix. Once you've have done that, you will have the balanced drum mix you've been looking for. With your stereo drum mix, you can now move forward with final mixes. Don't expect to get it right the first time! However, you will now be able to get the quality mixes you've been looking for. Hope this helps.

Chris and Kevin
Digital Street Studio