Alan Parsons drum recording at State Of The Ark Studios

Alan Parsons drum recording at State Of The Ark Studios with Pink Floyd's Nick Mason taking us around the mic placement used for recording Dark Side of the Moon. We think that most of this drum kit was used for recording 'The Wall' but Nick couldn't be sure.
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Learn how top producer and recording engineer Alan Parsons records drums in this short feature at State Of The Ark Studios. The drummer was Pink Floyd's Nick Mason. Here they are looking at re-creating the famous album drum sound.

[@kkvibe13]

Don't you just love when the drummer hits whatever drum is next to your head while you are adjusting mics?

[@stockmanager]

+Kennan Keating haha was going to say not much has changed in 40 years with the drummer hitting the snare while your mic'ing up

[@Superseanbarry]

It's even better when they slam some cymbals in your face! As an FOH dude we refer to that as "out of the mix" :D

[@jbreedlove42]

You do if its Nick Mason.

[@edisongil4340]

It happens all the time.

[@norakat]

Real engineer talk..

[@CSavageSr]

I like watching Alan in his environment. It's like he can see sound.

[@sidfernandez7569]

Hey Alan Parsons! I hope very much that you are reading this post. Thanks a million for this clip and sharing your invaluable insight. You surely made your mark in the recoding industry, we need more guys like you to pass on this kinda important information.

[@donparker8246]

I think Alan was enjoying doing the setup. And telling about what he did with Pink Floyd. He's definitely a master at his profession.

[@GruberWerner]

It's o.k. to see Nick Mason alive and Alan Parson is cooking with water as thousend ingenieurs. Dark Side was really a miracle, a download from very outside of the universe. In 1973 i was 13 years old and waiting. Every day of this new vinyl album. It was in the air, it could be something very special. We had a teacher, he was Pink Floyd Fan and he had a great hifi system. I played piano with own pieces as a five year old baby and hearing darkside, was " coming home". Alan is a lucky man, he was inside this miracle as a good receiver for this waves from the nowhere. Later our filmgroup at our highschool played the Pink Floyd film "... live at pompeij" (16mm !) with all this "meddle stuff".

[@sina-drums]

This is fantastic footage, thank you guys!

[@henrysmovieclub]

Not a sound engineer myself, but a truly fascinating video. I think what AP said about the limitations of equipment sparking creative decisions is so true.

[@cedarandsound]

sympathetic ring from the toms changes everything, that's why I tune after the kit is all set up

[@Sams911]

Alan Parsons is a class act.. I wish I could bump into him at the grocery store up in NorCal one day while out doing my thing...

[@GregVasquez777]

Always wonderful to watch Alan work!

[@DavidAlexanderMusic]

Very cool and informative to see Alan working in the studio with Microphones.

[@63Baggies]

Nick Mason should be commended for helping to keep Footes music tore alive. A lovely gesture and a great bunch of guys too.

[@Superseanbarry]

Love your humility Mr Parsons.

[@christcomesalive]

Thank you very much for posting this video! Any chance you could post more footage from this session? I would love to see it. Thanks again!

[@creepysmallrecords]

Great inspiration and advice from the Wolf Man. Applied a bit of advice from him and am very thankful I cut my mobile interface down to 4x4, in most instances just as he mentioned: kick, snare, stereo mix,(that has been tweaked to the sky and back,) on everything else. I like how he drives the point home that after the latter was achieved, the didn't have to reset or change much as bands/albums came and went in that particular install and environment. I hate packing up and zeroing out my stereo mixer for live around shows, but you rebee the settings pretty well...its the cymbol-crashers and wvwr-changing kits that can still have you working on a board that previously sounded great on the "house kit." Everyone wants to sound awesome, Now. Ok...then play the right instrument well, ..."and not much has changed..."

[@chaserthe2406]

And he also talks about Geoff Emerick, beatles engineer...just top of the tops in this family...

[@cskg25]

The vid stops JUST WHEN IT GETS GOOD. WTH? Otherwise, yes, very interesting, thank you. Couldn't help notice AP was a little matter-of-fact and NM was even factually wrong at some point. Can't blame them - it's been FORTY years!

[@Musician_Robert]

A Great Drummer and Great Engineer!

[@burnradio9681]

Very nice info about the geeky stuff, which I love. And what a great album with great sound, Dark Side Of The Moon!! That said though... Am I the only one who senses some kind of uncomfortable energy going on in that room? Almost as if they had an argument just five minutes before the camera crew showed up.

[@p0llenp0ny]

Nah they're just English.

Cool for drummers! Thanks!

[@shookstylez]

i have a feeling the other engineers want to impress alan parson.

[@nickmenu]

8.48 "There's nothing like making decisions"... Well put, chef!

[@Redspeciality]

I’m scrolling thru the comments while watching and I read yours at the same instant he said it. Thats some real timing

[@mattseymour8637]

Great behind the scenes video. Nick is a cool guy and one of my top inspiring drummers. Im a drummer myself.

[@htimseel]

Fantastic! Really ace, can't wait to see the rest of it. I could watch all day.

[@TiqueO6]

i’ve been using a pair of RCA Varicoustic ribbon mics for overheads for a couple of years now, the warmth and realism of the symbols is unmatched, at least by condenser mics which tend to overhyped the high frequencies so much that the mids get very much “masked“ out. of course there is a place for that sound but I don’t think the shapely sounds Ribbons is achievable by most condenser mics. Speculating that some of that might have to do with the figure of a pattern/architecture of a ribbon Mike allows the element to move more freely than any backplate type microphone.

[@DaryllHurst]

Al doesn't want to be there and Nick loves his iPhone

[@wispa1a643]

Listen to Nick mason DSOM in 3d is another level. His kit sounds so clean, punchy

[@drampadreg1386]

I still love my AKG D330BT for my snare, and I never mic the bottom, it only complicates things. I don't like miking the front kick head at all though, treating them like the toms just makes more sense to me and sounds good. And it's best to tune your drums outside where there are no acoustic issues at all, takes much less time and it's bang on.

[@RecordProduction]

Some good thoughts there, thank you! :-)

[@sugarnap245]

First thing that's odd to me about this is that the actual physical layout sheets from the Dark Side sessions feature 84's on drums L, R, and C (presumably left, right, and center), not 4038's. It does show an 87 on snare, however.

[@LandonBalk]

"There's nothing like making decisions." word to the wise.

[@OverdriveMusic]

legendary

[@UserOfTheUnknown]

Who cares as long as we can see the legend that is Alan Parsons then that's all I care about.

[@James_Gilchrist]

Awesome.

[@RecordProduction]

Glad you think so!

[@soyboy29]

Nick Mason is the man!!

[@maximmaunz]

vbros7 Being realistic, Roger wasn't exactly a modest, good-hearted person.

[@christcomesalive]

Awesome, can't wait to see it!

[@ELI-qm6bx]

I HOPE TO WORK WITH ALAN IN THE FUTURE

[@scottmyers8911]

Pay close attention to the Neumann's and other classic choices; the distance from each drum, and the specific angles. My guess is their using classic console and outboard gear, but for sure this is where we should all start.

[@davidjonathan3854]

thank you for sharing this!

[@docscholl]

Mega-wow factor! I could have watched the full version of this video, over and over. Amazing to see these people at work, creating the magic we listeners take for granted.

[@scotthiggins7274]

when allen recorded with us he asked if we had a coles . we said "whats a coles?" he then said w" well than use what ever you like and didn't seem to care after that. Now i own a pair>

[@henryturner-ward3879]

+Scott Higgins What are Coles? :)

[@daleonov]

Microphones.

[@Btvstudio]

I love your intro. I'm a producer looking for knowledge. 41 Floyd fans wanted high vid production.

[@beyer66]

Was the silver sparkle Ludwig (or later painted to be the “waves” kit) used to record DSOTM? The same drums seen in the Pompeii movie ?

[@mariamery7025]

Es Muy Lindo ver el Como se hace la musica interesante grax X compartirlo

[@georgepbriles696]

Man what an awesome video! It doesn't get any bigger or better than these guys!

[@RecordProduction]

We are editing an interview with Alan Parson and Nick Mason at the moment. It may be a month but it is coming! :-)

[@MrRichiekaye]

I don't mind the moving camera at all. On the contrary, it makes me feel like I'm right there.

[@Bazukosoniko]

great video, but i dont understand why he doesnt aim the camera to the mic placement in the drumkit

[@soyboy29]

...Nick, when the music started, there in 65, I played with a set Premier, (eg Ummagumma ...) that change there in 75 or so, by a Ludwig set, with which I record milestones the band, Animals, the wall, the f. Cut with that particular sound, and beautiful, characteristic for example on issues such as another brick in the wall2, the thin ice, confortably numb, and at 90 he was hired by the firm DW as endorser ... many great drummers contratradas use only brand so no concert recordings, this is a secret, greetings!

[@Arlo360-Official]

wish I could understand what you're trying to say.

[@Rikenrocker]

Bravo!

[@todddrummer4350]

"they really make the cymbals shimmer".....cool.

[@Samos12]

Awesome video!!! Which mic does the "84" refer to? Thanks! :-)

[@blipblip100]

+Samos12 Hi - its Neumann pencil microphone -KM84 - A lot smaller than the U87 and similar models!!!

[@Kosmo999]

At 3:30 I said out loud “ holy fucking shit it’s Nick Mason !!!!!”

[@1111Paiste]

Cool! I see he's using all Paiste 2002s here. Can anyone identify the types and sizes? I guessing that's a 20"ride. Thanks!

[@sugarnap245]

Paiste cymbals featured Formula 602 15-inch Heavy Hi-Hats, plus four Giant Beats, an 18-inch Multi (Heavy), 18-inch Multi, 20-inch Multi, and a 24-inch Multi on the record.

[@horowizard]

This is about as standard a setup as you can get. He doesn't seem to be doing anything unique or unusual which just goes to show that the sound really comes from the performer.

[@RecordProduction]

Sorry for the delay but more will be coming soon :-)

[@Realife4life]

Way too much mics for my taste but I know Alan's methods so I respect that, especially the STC 4038 which will take the room and give more life but also a sort of "live" music playing while hearing. Good video nice tips and advice!

[@justinbebsmus121]

In relation to modern techniques, he's not using nearly as many as most engineers would today. lol

[@dr2926]

Does anyone know what I need to buy in order to use these drum samples? I know a need a computer, but I need help with the rest.

[@manifestgtr]

there's something inherently funny about nick mason standing on the background tapping away at his smart phone while they talk about drum mics...this session seems like a bit of a bummer to be honest...I guess when you've been doing the same exact thing decade after decade, the thrill tends to wear a bit thin

[@BrantleyAllen]

Where is the rest of the video?

[@beready992]

But Mason is correct: he only had two mounted toms for DSOTM. Watch Pompeii and you will see the kit he used.

[@markfuck182]

what microphone are on this drummer? please help me!

[@jakelerch3692]

Different styles of recording and tracking. It seems Allan wants that "airy" atmospheric sound. Which is why none of the mics are right on any part of the kit. Except the kick and probably the snare. Thats also why dynamic mics may be preferred.

[@northernbrother1258]

Allan Parsons could burp for an hour and i'd still find it interesting. definitely didn't need the lame rebuke to the haters at the start. Someone feeling defensive? 😭

[@Drumsticksmcgee]

Alan Parsons such an amazing musician, audio engineer, a delight to watch. But those toms don't sound the best, lol imo.

[@robinjohnson6301]

That's because you're hearing them close up through a low quality camera mic. If you heard them mic-ed up and mixed properly in the context of a track, you'd probably think they sound amazing.

[@MichaelLenz1]

And where is result?

[@Samos12]

Oh, I see now they are Neumann, just my luck! Someday, maybe...

[@Pupkin73]

All this technical talk as Nick stands in the background trying to figure out how to send a text message .

[@Sungodv]

At least Nick and David don't color their hair like so many aging rockers do. They look younger by not!

[@Catinthehackmatrix]

So Nick used traditional grip? I don't recall in the live performances, like Pomeli but this is about another recorded album.

[@TheLucaaw]

Anyone know what mics those are on the toms? Thanks

[@groselicain]

D19s on everything but the lowest tom-which looked like a 421-from what I saw.

[@TheLucaaw]

thanks!

[@klauthnavarone6033]

Seems like Alan is burned out, As his enthusiasm feels lacking. I'm sure he's discussed this situation a few hundred times by now though. sad that youtube wasn't around 40 years ago... when things were fresh.

[@conorm2524]

By not having a medium like youtube there was an air of mystery and magic around bands and album-making. There will never ever be another Zeppelin, Beatles, Floyd etc etc because everything is broadcast now. And everything is cancelled/censored if it doesn't align with certain ideologies. The 50s til 90s was the magic sweet spot for bands.

[@bassinblue]

I literally facepalmed when I heard the ringing of that kit...you just know it's gonna be a reeeaaaally long fucking day.

[@RubaiatGoesToInternet]

Shahriar Rafique

[@RubaiatGoesToInternet]

Rajiv Hassan

[@billpeart]

It's weird in that drums are the only instrument where the "real sound" of the instrument is not desired.

[@dmk_weaver]

So what's the "real" sound of an electric guitar?

[@billpeart]

I wasn't speaking about guitar.

[@JeromeHattKronen1664]

it's something like twang, twing, twang

[@billpeart]

+JeromeHattKronen1664 lmao

[@charles4hl]

Is it me or Parsons kinda sounds like Gilmour when he talks

[@blica1]

Nick Mason's Ludwig drum set ?..I thought he was now endorsed by DW, as they just featured an Iconic Snare drum in tribute to him, as well as Neil Peart, and Roger Taylor ..Hmm..Studio secrets revealed...Tours with DW, records with Ludwig..Makes sense..

[@Rickywisemusic]

I believe on dark side of the moon, he was still playing ludwigs, so I think they were trying to get as authentic as possible

[@utubehound69]

Those Drums Guitars Bass's are Custom NOT made Companies that endorses the Artist you can't go get the same gear as yer fav Artist.

[@cjmst3k]

The younger guy looks like he's waiting to be punched as if he told Alan that he slept with his daughter by accident, or something. Awkward.

[@InfiniteOasis]

No, he actually touched Alan's mixing board and was then filled with fear about Alan finding out. You can see him duck when Alan raises his hand at 1:02

[@funkbassful]

The Ludwig drum set sounds 1000 times better than any DW!

[@soyboy29]

...yes!!!!!!!

[@sylvainnavarro5570]

Please try to make sense. What Ludwig and what DW are we talking about? Vintage gear, new gear? I can understand that you would have a preference for vintage drums as regards tonal quality, but comparing a vintage Ludwig set and a modern DW set does simply NOT make sense. Incidentally, this particular Ludwig doesn't look vintage to me, and modern Ludwigs are JUST any other drumkits... sorry to shatter your childhood dreams... ;-)

[@Arlo360-Official]

Sylvain Navarro The badge on the kick and toms are vintage. I own vintage Ludwigs and that is the badge my kit has. The logo across the kick is not. Also, the reason for this recording was to capture vintage samples for sale by Sonic Reality. They don't pull in legends like these to play and record a kit just purchased at Guitar Center. By the way, my vintage Buddy Rich Super Classic kit from 1957 blows any modern DW kit away.

[@Pentoute45]

arlo4823 I own recent and used to own vintage ludwig gears. I'm pretty sure the badges on Nick's toms and kick on this very video are not the vintage "keystone" ones. Vintage ones were quite smaller. These are the Keystone badge that Ludwig released after the rounded edge Blue/Olive badges in the 80' until recently. I'm also pretty sure the whole Ludwig kit is not Vintage as you can spot a recent "elite" spur on the kick at 3:15 in the video.

[@Arlo360-Official]

ludovic leflon Good observation. You are right, this kit is not vintage. When you take the video to full screen you can see the difference in the badges. And especially the spurs. I went to the Sonic Reality website to obtain details about the samples they were selling. They described Mason's kit as Custom Ludwig "Black Kit" but that's it. I doubt they truly captured the sound from 40 years ago. Anybody could have played this kit and anybody could have set up the microphones. Most importantly, it's not the same kit he played 40 years ago. And if all they did was have him play along to tracks while they recorded, why can't they just isolate those tracks from the original tapes?

[@dhukhit]

Why is everyone so SIRIUS in this vid? -.- . . . 😉

[@JeromeHattKronen1664]

Dark Side was a miracle.Tthey're just pretending it was their own input that made the miracle.

[@CSavageSr]

probably.

[@DeaconsB]

Well, I have to say that was a bit disappointing, and I'm a long time fan of AP and Floyd. While in the hospital for my 2nd daughter's birth I watched "The making of The Dark Side Of The Moon". It's still on Netflix, and a really great video to watch.

[@MrDPdrum]

Does Nick even tune his own drums?

[@TheEnderBand]

Most drummers don’t, their tech or engineer often will but very hands on drummers especially earlier in their career before they get successful still will

[@thisnameiseitherrestricted6270]

Pink Floydapos;s, huh?

[@cengeb]

I think he just got lucky.

[@indiana7083]

nope. he's just British. The more experienced you are the more modist you become.

[@jarrah92]

I've never seen someone look so awkward adjusting mic stands and cables... I love how the receptionist doesn't trust anyone to return her tape so she tapes the drums her self.

[@GC-GrahamCollins]

How insulting! The "receptionist" was the very talented Manon Grandjean who was the engineer on the session.

[@mr.solodolo3000]

Have you ever adjusted mic stands and cables? LMAO i dont know anybody who ever found it to be an exciting experience. Oh and nice one with the receptionist comment...sexist tool...

[@warika1208]

I thought this was a "fly on the wall" documentary of Alan Parsons setting up and recording drums. This fly was everywhere but on the wall...

[@pthompson108]

+Warika Yeah ... but wall-flies have their own remote micro drones with cameras.

[@enriquetorres5863]

I don't understand why the toms have a high tune, but "In the production all is valid"

[@rickalexander9987]

This is dumb. The camera is on Alan the whole time. Not on where he puts the mic... isn't that is what it is all about?

[@peterhlinka4789]

Can we hear the results of this 11min waste of time?

[@justinbebsmus121]

Has a mixer as their profile picture but doesn't care about the awesome details about his recording process on Dark Side... yeah okay. Can you say... poser

[@CSavageSr]

it pisses me off that the guy asks questions that need an emotional answer.

[@CSavageSr]

he cant help himself...

[@cengeb]

his EARS have changed in 40 years, so has his ears been tested?

[@DedicatedCinema]

That's not what means. It means he like a different sound than he did 40 years ago

[@cengeb]

40 years, his ears have changed big time, everyone's do....REALITY check.

[@InfiniteOasis]

Yes, by the success of his albums and his 13 Grammy nominations...I think he passed the test.

[@cengeb]

this you tube recording is horrible, sssssshhhhhhh, nothing but SIBILANCE, so much for recording EXPERTS!

[@Rockunstank]

This guy got lucky....he is a HACK

[@peterhlinka4789]

Hey guess what? the drum sound is the weakest element on the whole album... consistently shit. were they even tuned or heads replaced, no. Please don't give me that "Oh it was 1971" garbage, either.