A Guide To Drum EQ

[@OogaB0oga]

Just wanted to say that this video is tremendously helpful for someone like me, who knows basically nothing about EQ'ing, recording and such, but knows just enough about sound engineering and music in general to actually understand what Victor is doing here. Thank you so, so much for this!! Instant bookmark

[@soundgasmstudios5658]

I always have called the Boost/sweep/cut technique "Search and Destroy" method of Eq.

[@Swellbrain1]

Same here m8

[@brentdavis3611]

I’m really nervous about that piece of gear falling off of the desk.

[@technofications3686]

Hahha

[@joshhobart3725]

same hahahah

[@Fabelnegros]

same same 😅😅

[@epimosa8134]

Me too lol

[@stanvans3214]

yeah it's only a $3000 channel strip!

[@LarnellLewisMusic]

This is GOLD!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@manqobasibeko7251]

I'M SUCH A FAN OF YOUR MUSIC !!!!!!!!!++

[@jsadorra]

Victor Guidera is the man! He's definitely crucial to Drumeo's success.

[@lastcall9998]

Coming next: Singeo, Basseo, Guitareo, Pianoeo, Saxofoneo, Violineo, XylophoneEO? :PPPPPP

[@foredrums]

guacharaqueo!

[@nicolasguarana2402]

Steve-O

[@exuberance8876]

Lameo.

[@nxtnvmbr]

cameo

[@LoweCommotionStudio]

Porneo

[@CaioBertazzoli]

I'm just starting to record and mix my own drums and this is really valuable. It didn't seem obvious at all to me that it's better to cut than boost. Thanks! I was surprised how that kick drum sounded better by cutting the lower frequencies

[@christopherepp8721]

One of the most helpful videos I've ever watched. Thanks for all that you guys do at Drumeo!

[@whanowa]

I would like to see you do the same thing with a $300 microphone set. It really is goddamned hard to get it to sound anywhere as good as in the Drumeo videos.

[@birdhouse000]

That's because you have a $300 microphone set

[@whanowa]

@@birdhouse000 That was kinda implied by my comment, Mr. Smartypants.

[@DomSimpsonDrums]

You'd be surprised the results you can get with cheap mics. The player, drum head choice, tuning, instrument quality, mic position and processing will make a much bigger difference than the quality of mics. I'm not saying the microphone quality doesn't make a difference. Sure, a full mic kit for $300 will likely not produce results as good as the mic selection drumeo have available. But, If you have the stuff above all sorted out you'd be able to produce some seriously close results. Warren Huart has a video where they do very close to that with Shure's entry level microphone kit through a consumer interface mixed with plugins Vs the same kit miked up with $20,000 mics going through hardware Eq's and compressors into a great console etc. The expensive shit was like 10% better at best, maybe less, it's been a while since I saw it.

[@whanowa]

@@DomSimpsonDrums I kinda feel like my initial comment was misunderstood or misinterpreted. I literally meant: Please do the same thing with low budget or mid-range equipment so we can see and hear the things we need to watch out for. As of now I am fine with my ~500 bucks microphone setup and it took a lot of tweaking. However I feel like it is missing that final professional touch that could elevate the recordings to a higher level.

[@vaughanxaviermusic]

I got a case of sienhiesers (same ones drumeo uses) at auction for $500

[@qfz2112]

That filter sweep at 7:00 actually sounds pretty cool as an effect haha

[@GiacomoTongiani]

the flanger does that

[@GeraldLawMusic]

Thank you for this! I’m getting more into mixing and this was a very thorough demonstration. Extra points for the drummer being legendary 😅🙌🏾

[@mikosoft]

Also a good way to look for ringing frequencies is to actually not boost too much and listening if a given frequency is more audible than it should have been. If it is that means it's the one that is ringing.

[@redwinedrummer]

The drums sound great alone without EQ, but the EQ really brought out the tight pop sound. Nice!

[@Tian_flp]

i want more videos like this

[@ADDmcgee]

Drumeo! Thanks so much for posting this! Please do more videos like this on drum processing!!!

[@mikosoft]

I started to use hipass for kick as well and it does make a difference. Not much but especially for live where the stage is constantly rumbling it helps to clean up the signal.

[@jeffreyschwartz7901]

When i first started doing live sound in the 70s I had no idea what the "low cut" filters were for. I wondered why I would ever want to cut lows out of the mix and religiously made sure none of the buttons were engaged. Now the first thing I do when setting up a mix is religiously make sure every one of those suckers is pushed in.

[@felipousismix]

Cool video, and using the built in eq makes it very practical for beginners, congrats!

[@bear-headstudios1212]

Sometimes that phase button can change the whole game! great video

[@justynfogarty6209]

This video was awesome! Can't wait to check out what else you guys got on recordeo!

[@stevenluckybenson3468]

Freq sweep does the 'I dream Of Jeannie Dance' starting @ 6:58 #COOL Thanks for the great vid btw!

[@papa.alfredo]

doing EQ in SOLO for such a long time is not recommended, you need to be always watching the changes you do with the rest of the mix, one thing is the perception of EQ in SOLO for a short time and a long time as you do, that is why is not recommended to EQ in SOLO for such a long time as you do, it surprises me that you dont talk about it, greeting from Germany and thank you

[@starchild692]

Correct, some frequencies sound terrible on solo but for some reason they sound better on the overall mix.

[@anthonymetcalf660]

Not for me right now.. I'm about to mass-produce some synth drum samples. However if there is no mix to check it against it is a really good idea to take breaks so you can come back with fresh ears. Also checking it against the other samples you've already done to make sure you have enough of a variety of sounds that will fit in different mixes is a good idea.

[@marsrivers]

​@@starchild692it is called intermodulation, the response between frecuencies.

[@TheEdu0920]

Smooth criminal?

[@eonstar]

yup

[@JazzDunn1]

Always wondered how you guys mixed your toms to get a clean, and punchy sound

[@petergrimmer6222]

Great explanation man! Moffet killer as always too...

[@kaim3ra17]

This is probably the best video about eqing that I have found so far on youtube, and I've watched at least a handful. Thank you so much!

[@phadrus]

See Hardcore Music Studios EQing series, it’s the most useful I’ve found.

[@doultonduck6534]

Thanks Drumeo! I've just started Recording and this really helped

[@RecordeoOfficial]

Thanks Doulton! If you haven't already, definitely check out recordeo.com , where we go through everything there is to know about tuning, recording and mixing the drums!

[@doultonduck6534]

Thanks so much!

[@RecordeoOfficial]

you're welcome!

[@doultonduck6534]

OK! That was scary fast!! Thanks again :)

[@slickcross]

Very helpful. I love Logix X. Good DAW to transition away from Garageband.

[@KOSMIKFEADRECORDS]

I have to add.. I have learnt something. say.. these drums were gonna be the final overall sound... nothing added exept minimal master reverb. then, The this mics only un-eq'd sound would be warmer fuller, more emotional and subliminal and their balance and tone is ideal for a final sound... warm punchy.. detailed. if it was only gonna be drums as the final audio.. in say a solo. The Eq'd sound was going to be needed the second other instruments are introduced. The mud scoops and dynamic "improvements" would be essential for a tight mix, to make space for the rest of the band, and is often times a little exaggerated where the emotions dictated. So that "clearer" eq'd and compressed, drums only is not *actually* better on the ears or the heart, at present. Just that it will be the moment bass or vocals get added. I loved what you did with the mics.

[@boogabuga7657]

Are you sure you should be high passing individual drum mics? high pass filter affects the phase of a sound.

[@stringme163]

This is what I've been looking for. I'll try to apply what I've learn here. Thanks guys!

[@DMidNyte]

Great vid dude. Very good presentation, explanation and demonstration. I look forawrd to seeing more from you.

[@tigresavoladoragiganterealista]

his voice is really well eq'd

[@gjarvissessions1815]

Yo. Thanks for this. Helped loads.

[@TunezMusic98]

Man this is gonna help me so much with my recording

[@SONORSQ2guy]

Phenomenal video Victor!👏👏

[@RecordeoOfficial]

Thanks Greg! Long time, no talk.. if you haven't already you'll definitely want to checkout recordeo.com ! I KNOW you'll love this... Personalized one-on-one interaction with myself is one of our best features!

[@YARDMANMX]

Great job bro

[@Martin-vj7zx]

best eq tutorial!

[@FerminMartinezAulita]

Can you share the multitrack from that session? Jonathan is a great drummer and I would like to have the session on my daw to practice mixing and also, appreciate that tremendous session. Greetings, I await your response

[@aperfecttool462]

Why is it that at 7:10 area, the movement of the node reminds me of Michael Jackson dancing?

[@Fabelnegros]

definitely, we need more of these.. would like to see one on mixing jazz drums with all the resonance coming from the bass drum.

[@ramonbatera267]

I love drumeo 🔝👏

[@Natedrumming]

So helpful!!! Thank you

[@benallen9692]

Hi, I noticed you only gated the sub-kick mic; No toms or even snare. Is that a preferance of yours? So I guess you're using EQ more predominately to manage the spill between mics? Or are you not as concerned about spill as you are EQ-ing every mic in relation to the mix? Thanks!

[@MaxSenitt]

Great lesson! Clearly explained. I love the cut vs boost idea. Thanks!

[@Salantsoundstudios]

Great vid and great sounds as always!

[@SuperDenon]

Thanks! That was really great!!!

[@clowncarqingdao]

I like your thought process and explanation. It makes this a really simple and explanatory video without dumbing it down and yet also not drawing it out for ever. So, good pacing, good style and info. Thanks. /clicking subscribe

[@funkdrummer]

Thanks for bringing us all this great info about recording! This question may be moot as I’ve got limited experience in studio playing/recording/mixing. Since sound quality/timbre, overtones, etc are about personal taste, does your taste override the drummer you are recording? You adjusted his snare sound because you didn’t like some of the overtones, but maybe he tuned it a certain way to suit his tastes/group he is playing with. Is there a compromise or are you thinking of bigger picture things ?

[@spoddie]

I'm not Drumeo, but ... it depends on who is the producer. If you're recording a band then their sound is important, but if it's a session musician then it's up to the producer on the sound that gets into the mix. In a really heavy mix you need very narrowly EQ'ed instruments otherwise they stomp all over each other.

[@jippyflapthorp9486]

It has the producers name on it, so I understand that they are going to want it to sound the best that they think it sounds. However, that being said, it really is a producer's job to make the artist sound the most like the artist. That is their job. So, all in all the artist is supposed to be made to sound the best because of the producer.

[@WutipongWongsakuldej]

Well, at least, talk with the producer/engineer about the sound. They are supposed to make the whole band sounds great. There will be compromises, as some of the freq has to be left out for other instruments (and most of the time drums are not the center of the stage). However, If you don't like the sound then you'd have to live with that sound for a long time.... especially when you're a member of that band. Personally I'd love to know how Mike Mangini thinks about his drums sound on the recent DT records ....

[@RecordeoOfficial]

Thanks Brian! I'm definitely always thinking of the big picture of what the full band is trying to convey and as a result, what moves I'll make. I think in this demo, I was more wanting to goose it a little extra so I could make a lesson for you :). But yeah, point here is to always listen in context with the drums as a whole and also with full band... Very often, I'll EQ just one piece while listening to the entire mix!

[@paulosilva8200]

Some friends of mine say that drums should be recorded very flat. So that means when I get an iem that has some bass is it a bad iem. Or recording should be recorded with a bit of rumble or very flat?

[@mastersofrebrand8667]

great lesson!!

[@SteveCournane]

Great video, thanks so much

[@marioalvarado919]

Thanks for this video!, very helpful

[@danielvalentine509]

@drumeo can you make these stems available for people to practice?

[@izziOnBass]

Great video. But my question is, how did the engineers did surgical equing way back in 60s-70s without any visual aid but pure bliss of listening to the speakers and controlling the knobs by hand. Wouldn't a simple Pul tec do the trick of fixing the drums?

[@drummerboy100jh]

Love this and thank you for doing this video. Makes me want to subscribe twice. Lol

[@emmanuelamewusika7908]

please what is the name of the EQ software and please how can i get some

[@Ally8-4]

Could I ask, if you’re specifically trying someone else’s idea on eq’ing drums, how would you enter those specific frequencies in only? For example Bruce Swedien says kick at under 100hz, snare at 1500-5000 hz, but how do you eq so that these drums stay in these specific spaces? Frequency analyser doesn’t really make that all too clear?

[@jaumepp1975]

Brilliant.

[@davormaplenik2776]

Hi. I use analog mix desk, 7 microphones and Tascam linear recorder. Will you be having tutorials for non PC users?

[@RecordeoOfficial]

Yes, we will have lessons for analog mixers specifically, though the principles we go through at recordeo.com are applicable to any recording setup!

[@glennnmurphy]

Awesome video

[@funballclips]

Can you eqing with 300US$ drum kit with 134 US$ drum set mic as well?

[@jakobole]

You should hunt for unpleasant resonances on ALL tracks early in the process.

[@KOSMIKFEADRECORDS]

yep

[@alexeyarshinskiy]

Thanks a lot!

[@futur_sunds]

I like this guy.

[@xseloryzshadowwalker6480]

Huh 31 bands? wait what's the name of this EQ app? can this also apply to music video?

[@dannyboy1731]

The beat was for 'smooth criminal' he was playing

[@ZeroCool_Numbers]

That STT1 hanging halfway off the table makes me more nervous than it should.

[@Stevil935]

Are there any processed and unprocessed samples of this kit available?

[@renardvert]

Very interesting. Thank you!!

[@Tmxx5788]

Everything is great but I personally don't like snare sound ,because there is no snares... would be great if there was bottom microphone to capture the snares

[@ROB1BEATS]

The EQ he is using provides really effective workflow from what I'm seeing. Is it a VST???

[@lookslikeposty]

I would like to know more about mastering. Maybe there is or will be a lesson on the website but it´s "currently closed". I don´t force you here to do a free lesson on that specific topic. I totally understand that you have to earn money to keep this thing going :) Will there be lessons about mastering? I don´t mind where :)

[@leonardoromastomazeli1739]

i wanted a lesson on forró, please

[@ウサギw]

curious about that 'NYPD' track. what is it? :D

[@opiehelstrom4702]

Would garage band work for a daw @recordeo ?

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Yes, absolutely!

[@scorchbox2941]

As long as you can edit the audio and as long as it works for you then go ahead!

[@weeschwee]

Opie Helstrom also, check out Reaper for a low cost, but powerful daw.

[@opiehelstrom4702]

weeschwee I'll check that out! I have some cad mics and just basically want to be able to record some tracks to send to my band for a rough idea..doesn't have to be super nice or anything..

[@weeschwee]

Reaper can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. They have a demo. You should check it out. Otherwise, if you already have Garage Band then you might as well try it. I'm on PC so I don't have access to Garage Band. Also, I really wanted to delve into recording so Reaper is perfect for me.

[@alexbeattiemusic]

How do you get all of the separate channels. I only know how to record to one channel.

[@WillieMCruz]

Blitz Alex you need an interface capable of record multiple tracks At the time At least 8 tracks and that’s really simple to do what it’s really tedious to do it’s the placement of the microphones and of course the room needs some improvement also

[@lukecarodrums]

Willie M. Cruz A mixer with FireWire will only produce one channel, you need an interface

[@kewellmitchell]

What brand mics are on the toms?

[@anthonymetcalf660]

Holy crap is that a lute or a guitar?

[@BukanIbuMu]

It's an oud

[@Yellowjacket1977]

What is the software you are using?

[@Yellowjacket1977]

@@nyko_1224 Thank you!

[@e.apollis2877]

sounds like their early Mackie console recordings was fatter and warmer?

[@seanflora397]

Dude. in the 7 minute range, your problem frequency is 840. You *created* a problem at 1160 by boosting it. Don't try to EQ anything before knowing what you want. If you hear a bad frequency you should be able to sing or whistle the tone before reaching for an eq.

[@thedarkpill3590]

Spot on. You know your shit. Off the cuff question, if you feel so inclined to answer... Can you hear 'different EQs?' I ask anyone who seems to have a good hearing. Can you note different characteristics of different parametric EQs? I never could tbh. How might i demonstrate a tangible difference to myself?

[@casperjas]

I know it's been two whole months since you commented on this haahahahah. I would maybe leave that to preference? Maybe it's my inexperience, but I was hearing that 1160 even before any boosting.

[@PepeChapadrums]

Annie, are you okay, you okay, you okay, Annie?

[@RecordeoOfficial]

I think she's actually ok... but I'll ask Jonathan Moffett...he might know.

[@obede.mendietadr98]

Subtitulos al español para este video por favoooor! 😥😥😥

[@mammuth2360]

I prefer not to EQ in solo, especially multi miced drums. You can make everything sound clean af but context is at least as important. Every EQ move, like a hp on everything... will mess with the phase, but you won't hear...

[@DovSkipperDrummer]

I appreciate the high pass low pass advice but at 14min I got to say I much preferred the sound of the Tom without scooping so much, it had a bit of character. With that much mid eq scoop just sounds round and boring to me.

[@billymakesmusic]

Curious why you call it a high-pass filter when you are cutting out the low end? The same for the low-pass filter cutting highs. What am I not understanding about these filters?

[@mattflowersmusic]

“High-pass” means your filter is passing the highs through. It’s filtering (attenuating) the lows below your cutoff point.

[@DrMackSplackem]

Because it's only passing high frequencies, but you can call a high-pass filter a "low-cut" filter if you prefer.

[@larrytate1657]

Yeah I’ve thought the same. Studio one calls them low cut and high cut filters.

[@RecordeoOfficial]

Great answers from the community, thanks everyone! "High-Pass Filter" = "Low-Cut Filter".

[@billymakesmusic]

Thanks for the clarification to all responders. Very helpful!

[@joshj392]

Know what would be amazing??? These multi tracks made available

[@PapaBaush]

Is it annoying mic’ing up that huge set with multiple mics on some drums and only needing kick, snare, one tom and some overheads as that’s all that’s being played?? Or is it fine because it’s JM pounding them skins? Tight af playing, but I’d be screaming at him in my mind to play more of the kit 🤭😬🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@alexkayal]

Do you compress before or after you EQ?

[@alinnechita4193]

That depends how you like it. You can play with adding compression before and after the eq and see what results that gives you and then choose for yourself. I usually do most of my compression before the eq and maybe and a bit more after. The reason I do that is that I like to have the sound more focused and under control before starting to eq, but that's just personal preference. Anyway, I almost never use only one eq and one compressor on a track, because usually the raw tracks are not of a great quality and they need more processing and (again, personal preference) it's better to have more plugins of the same type, each one affecting the track in a more subtle way than to have just one and make dramatic moves on it.

[@futur_sunds]

He has an Oud in the background.

[@starchild692]

The problem is when I'm searching for those unwanted frequencies by boosting them in an exagerat way like this they will all sound terrible.

[@mikemorris1069]

Love how this shows the whole process! I've included this video, along with other's with great audio editing content, in a series so people can quickly and easily find the info they're looking for. Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3bOiquEoZiErZI

[@achrafff5793]

i quit my band now, i will do everything on my own.

[@SaltySicilian]

I hear reverb and I think you can’t not mention other inserts that you.

[@camdentanner3388]

Your a nice person

[@Sean-sw8oy]

It would be helpful if we could hear the drum sound changing as you are adjusting different EQ settings

[@tmyonthat]

Anyone reading serious about getting better at music, remember that if you didn't have what it takes to overcome obstacles, god would not have put you in this world, good luck to you!

[@alonelashri1772]

why you dont use the analyzer?

[@NiamrajMusic]

my man needs a bigger desk

[@deadloveband874]

Micheal Jackson 0:14

[@RecordeoOfficial]

You guessed it! :)