Inside the Studio - Drum Mixing: Tips and Starting Points

I come from the days of Led Zeppelin and The Beatles. I hear drums as one instrument, not a bunch of elements treated differently. I like to have a drums sound, not drum sounds. I want a drum mix that sounds together, not a bunch of elements fighting for space or interest. When possible, I like to record drums through an analog console or, at the very least, an outboard collection of matching preamps and processors. This provides more than just a sound; it provides a coherent sound.

Mixing drums is the same: whether it’s Solid State Logic (SSL), Neve or API, pick one sound (whatever it is) and apply it across all the tracks. This will give the drums the same vibe, and most of all, it will give them cohesion.