Ep2 The Snare Drum

Key takeaways

The snare drum is often the loudest instrument on stage, requiring careful consideration in tuning and sound capture.
Sound engineers must adapt their approaches depending on the size of the venue and the characteristics of the snare drum.
Techniques for tuning and dampening the snare are pivotal in achieving the desired sound quality in live settings.
Proper mic placement and choice of microphones significantly affect the quality of the snare sound and its interaction with other instruments.
Gating and compression, as well as thoughtful EQ practices, can help balance snare and kick drum sounds effectively.
Reverb plays a critical role in enhancing the presence of the snare, and different settings should be applied based on the performance context.

Summary

Introduction to the Snare Drum

In the episode, the hosts introduce the snare drum as one of the loudest instruments on stage. They humorously compare the loudness of the snare to the yelling tendencies of co-host Joe, setting a lighthearted tone for the discussion. The episode aims to delve into various aspects of the snare drum, from its sound and positioning to the different techniques and challenges involved in getting the best sound.

The Importance of Source Sound and Room Size

The discussion highlights that the sound of the snare drum largely depends on the drum's quality and tuning, and how well it matches the genre of music being played. The hosts address how sound can vary between small rooms and large venues, pointing out rookie mistakes sound engineers often make in small venues, such as not using the lead vocal to help tune the snare correctly.

Tuning and Techniques for Snare Management

The hosts dive into practical techniques for tuning snare drums, discussing various methods including dampening products like moon gels, cloths, and even unique solutions like clamps that can help alter the snare sound. They emphasize the drummer's role in adapting to the room and the importance of proper mic placement to capture the optimal snare sound in different settings.

Miking Techniques and Considerations

Several miking techniques are explored, including the use of top and bottom snare mics. The hosts discuss the effects of mic placement and polarization, with special attention to the impact of hi-hat bleed into the snare mic. They discuss various mic types typically used, and the practicalities of how to position them for optimal sound capture.

Dynamics Processing and EQ Techniques

The conversation shifts to dynamics processing, specifically the use of gates and compression on snare sounds. The hosts detail how to use gates effectively, particularly in live settings, and where to apply EQ to enhance the snare sound while managing feedback and bleed from other instruments. They share insights on balancing snare and kick drum sounds as they are crucial to delivering a consistent mix.

The Role of Reverb and Its Impact

Lastly, the episode discusses the importance of reverb when mixing snare drums, likening it to room size and the musician's intent. Different types of reverb, such as gated reverb associated with Phil Collins, are explained, demonstrating how reverb can enhance the depth and impact of the snare in both live and studio settings.

Show notes

As we continue through the line-check, we hit input number 2, commonly the loudest thing on stage, the snare drum. Much like the first episode in the line-check, we dig into the drum sizes, the heads, the tuning, mics positions and processing.