Published on: Wednesday, February 12th, 2020
Post ID: 2539008
Although this room likely never was intended as a drum room, it has proven time and time again that if you’re after dry and muffled drum tones – this is where to get them. This room has a special something that pushes each instrument to the edge of the speakers without making it sound contained or claustrophobic. For beat-making, mixing and matching or hybrid kit creation, these drum tones are optimal – transparent, direct and dry but still very graphic in the mix. In other words: dead but very much alive.
“Definitely my favorite recording room for very dry drum sounds. So punchy and warm!”
– Michael Ilbert
“Definitely my favorite recording room for very dry drum sounds. So punchy and warm!”
– Michael Ilbert
This is another choice rather off the beaten track when it comes to drum selection – but for a reason. For the tight and dry space of the Vocal Booth, Michael Ilbert specifically wanted to record one of the beautiful high-end kits of Californian custom drum builder Sugar Percussion. These shells, all individually crafted from solid mahogany chunks, really sound unlike any other drums – extremely articulate, nuanced and deep. The beauty of these drums is that they project a wonderful wooden tone even when played with very low velocities, something Michael was specifically looking for in the Vocal Booth tones.
“This kit is kind of like my secret weapon kit…until now! Again, beautiful craftsmanship and amazing-sounding instruments. To me, this sounds just like a wood kit should!” – Michael Ilbert
14×22” Sugar Percussion Mahogany Stave
Batter head: Powerstroke 3 Clear
Resonance head: Remo Emperor Coated w/ 6” hole
Beater: Felt
14×5.5 Sugar Percussion Macassar Ebony Stave
Batter head: Remo Controlled Sound Coated
Resonance head: Remo Ambassador Hazy
7×12″ Sugar Percussion Mahogany Stave
Batter head: Remo Emperor Coated
Resonance head: Remo Ambassador Coated
15×16″ Sugar Percussion Mahogany Stave
Batter head: Remo Emperor Coated
Resonance head: Remo Ambassador Coated
15” Paiste 2002 Black Label Medium Hi-Hat
20” Paiste Formula 602 Modern Essentials Ride
8” Paiste Formula 602 Modern Essentials Crash
20” Paiste Formula 602 Modern Essentials Crash
KICK
14×22” Sugar Percussion – Low tuned
Batter head: Powerstroke 3 Clear
Resonance head: Remo Emperor Coated w/ 6” hole
Beater: Felt
SNARE
6.5×14” Sonor ‘One of a Kind’ Macassar Ebony
Batter head: Remo Ambassador Coated
Resonance head: Remo Ambassador Hazy
*All other manufacturers’ product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Toontrack. See full notice here.
This Meazzi Wooding kit from the 1960s is truly something of a sonic revelation. The moment you hear it you’ll know why. It has a deep and mellow tone that fit perfectly for this confined space. This is the second set from Armin Ruehl’s personal collection and one that Michael Ilbert knew very well from previous recordings of his. He had a clear plan of how to capture it for this SDX and it can out beautifully.
“This ‘Wooding’ kit is another one Armin’s personal sets. It just sounds ‘right’ to me, especially when played at softer to medium levels.” – Michael Ilbert
14×22” Meazzi Wooding
Batter head: Remo Powerstroke 3 Clear
Resonance head: Ambassador Coated
Beater: Plastic
6.5×14” Masshoff ‘Hansa Edition’
Batter head: Evans Hydraulic
Resonance head: Evans Level 360
8×12” Meazzi Wooding
Batter head: Remo Ambassador Coated
Resonance head: Ambassador Clear
16×16” Meazzi Wooding
Batter head: Remo Ambassador Coated
Resonance head: Ambassador Clear
SNARE
6×14” Wahan Copper
Batter head: Remo Ambassador Coated top
Resonance head: Remo Ambassador Hazy
*All other manufacturers’ product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Toontrack. See full notice here.
