Drum EQ Techniques | Drum EQ Live Presets for Fast Drum Sounds

Download "How to Lead Your Church Sound Team" here - bit.ly/leadyourchurchsoundteam
Get great sounding drums FAST! Use presets on your EQ to be ready for whatever drum sounds come your way. Keep your ears fresh, and make decisions fast, and keep your sound check going.
In this tutorial, I'll show you how to EQ drums before the drummer even shows up, so you can make your drums sound huge for mixing worship.
Mixing at church is typically in a time crunch. You've got to get your console prepped and ready to go before the drummer gets there, so the worship team doesn't have to wait on you.
Connect with me on social:
Twitter: / attawayaudio
Instagram: / attawayaudio
Facebook: / attawayaudio
Intro and bumper music composed by Judah Earl. Check out his latest album on Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/0lpe8...

[@YonahSky]

Mr Attaway, your comprehensive and detailed understanding of the technical aspects of sound systems combined with your amazing ability to present information to others in a way that is understandable is extraordinary.. exceeded only by your generosity in sharing this information freely with others - thank you for this life changing information to all of us who love music and in turn the effect that our music has on others !!

[@AttawayAudio]

Wow, what kind words YonahSky! Thank you!

[@uriahocean6968]

Dido

[@tshephishosimon]

Been using your tips and I got to say so far with vocals I'm getting better I sound like I know what I'm doing. Thank you for this drum eq tut, definitely going for the kill now

[@promisenwokocha9469]

Mr. ATTAWAY, this is very beautiful. You just made my day and I do not take it for granted. God bless you

[@ogori-peterjunior7521]

I’m blessed with your videos. My mix now sounds amazing with the knowledge of all I learnt from here

[@theoffbeats1890]

You have the best sound tips on the web. Precise and very well explained!

[@ericchristensen2389]

Preparation fuels inspiration. Super handy presets to get a useful, musically supportive drum sound quickly. Those polarity switches were really ear opening.

[@AttawayAudio]

Sweet! Yeah polarity is a game changer 🙌🏼

[@amiblu1505]

Good Sir, thanks for sharing your knowledge, especially in a sea of information - your videos are so clear and to the point, and completely eye opening and free, but mostly the type of videos that can save us all years of experimentation and wasting time going in circles .. Thanks A - Lot

[@audityaishak985]

Mr. Attawayaudio... your comprehensive and details for me to understanding. Thank u very much

[@wksou]

Preparation Fuels Inspiration, I try it in our church and it definitely improved my church sound on my acoustic drums. Thanks for great tip. God bless you.

[@AttawayAudio]

I receive that blessing! Thanks Wai k Sou!

[@chandlerkessler9871]

Preparation fuels Inspiration!!! Thank you for these very insightful tips. I am a sub for a chain of churches so when I fill In I only get about 20-30 minutes to get a decent sound! I am looking forward to using these eq settings next time I mix!

[@nathanfuerte4253]

Thanks Mr.Attaway ,this tutorial is very informative..so much appreciated!!!🤓

[@sinekayambasan1147]

Thank you so much for these tips and tricks. Preparation fuels inspiration.

[@AttawayAudio]

You’re welcome! Keep creating 😀

[@aleksanderszafraniec5380]

Start watching your films 3 years ago, and always when i have problem wtih my live mix, i try some on your tips. U rescue my mix's more than one time. Thx

[@AttawayAudio]

Nice! Glad I could help you out of a pinch :)

[@ericheyer3296]

Preparation Fuels Inspiration. Thanks for the great tutorial!

[@AttawayAudio]

You bet! Thanks for being awesome Eric!

[@jdk23322]

Preparation fuels Inspiration!!! Lots of great content!!

[@Henminlul]

If I can like this video 1000 times..I will do it. I really found what I need. It will changed every mix from my next project. Thank you so much🙏🙏🙏

[@marcos-od6xg]

Brasil aqui!. Parabéns pelo vídeo, muito bem explicado. Deus abençoe sua vida e seu ministério.

[@topa1798]

Peperation fuels insperation You made drum sounds good entire world 😍🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@AttawayAudio]

Thanks a lot Topa King!

[@helbertqa]

Awesome content! Thanks for sharing!

[@AlihoJustusRugo]

Thank you Am just getting started to a digital mixer, this has been helpful

[@michaellemus2441]

Preparation Fuels Inspiration You are Brilliant! thank you.

[@AttawayAudio]

Thank you very much! Happy mixing!

[@joelglaser5657]

Preparation Fuels Inspiration Excellent and informative video. Thank you for sharing.

[@AttawayAudio]

Glad you liked it Joel!

[@KL-wo6fl]

Preparation Fuels Inspiration - Amen!!

[@AttawayAudio]

Yup! 🙌🙌🙌

[@frankservant5754]

Those drums sound great

[@jjones7837]

Great detailed info. Thx.

[@opokuapaucharles4343]

Hi Sir, whoosh I’m really happy taking time to hear you couple of times, your demonstration and explanations got me some confidence. I use the M32 and I love to practice what you teach here, I love compression and at a point I thought I was doing something wrong until your videos taught me to do it and do it the right way. Thanks Sir, I’m grateful. Can you please teach us how about compressing the stage n BVs monitors. I appreciate

[@AttawayAudio]

Glad it helped!

[@Mars170790]

Wow, these're so amazing advices, thank u!!! 😳😳😳

[@AttawayAudio]

You're so welcome Mars!

[@paulmorrey733]

Thanks James

[@edtsch]

LOL! Loved the advice for the toms: "get in, get out, nobody gets hurt."

[@SamuelStephen]

Preparation fuels inspiration!

[@kle0515]

Preparation fuels inspiration ... awesome motto

[@AttawayAudio]

Hey thanks! It’s a mouthful to say though 😂

[@ocrix]

preparation fuels inspiration!

[@PepeEspinosa101]

Thanks, thanks & THANKSSSSS!!!

[@Henminlul]

Thank you so much❤😊

[@dheegutz9827]

Does this video apply to electronic drum kits? Thank you for all your expertise and good humor. You’ve been a great help to my church!

[@SachinKhatri]

Finally Something worth watching

[@THAT-I-MAY-KNOW-HIM-PODCAST]

Thanks that was very helpful

[@AttawayAudio]

You’re very welcome! Glad to help you mix better 💪🏻

[@misaelhonorato]

muito bom. explicação completa. parabéns!

[@AttawayAudio]

Thanks Misael! My very first video :)

[@SethRocksYou]

I appreciate your videos. Thank you. It may be helpful to mention the target curve you have your PA tuned to, as it may effect how the channels are EQ'd. Just a thought. Thank you again! Great content and you're easy to listen to and understand! So much appreciated!

[@AttawayAudio]

You bet! "To taste" definitely applies

[@chelosegura]

Preparation Fuels Inspiration!

[@AttawayAudio]

absolutely! you'll never regret being prepared :)

[@samirpurohit5064]

Superb! Can you create video explaining about all frequencies in detail for example, lows, mid, high,sub bass, bass, lower mid,upper midd frequency range, speaker, subs, monitor and how we can take care of each frequencies and make a great sound output !! Also a video on how to select a microphone ? Thanks.

[@atleengelstad5303]

Inspiration fuels perspiration! :)

[@ReturnoftheCreator]

Great info thanks

[@AttawayAudio]

You bet Alex B!

[@natemusician1401]

Preparation fuels Inspiration ❤️

[@AttawayAudio]

Yaaaasssss 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@dav.trinch8643]

I love this mixer

[@AttawayAudio]

Me too David!

[@faronmclurkin1103]

What console is that?

[@AttawayAudio]

SSL L200!

[@SONORSQ2guy]

Great video thanks for sharing. 👍

[@AttawayAudio]

You're welcome!

[@italianbirdvideos6190]

Thank you!

[@AttawayAudio]

You’re very welcome! Thanks for watching 😀

[@musicbaybee7861]

This is so helpful.. Weldone

[@AttawayAudio]

Thanks Miah!

[@soundofbluesthing]

Sounds good!!!😎👍

[@AttawayAudio]

Thank you! 👊🏼

[@simonedeangelis]

Amazing video!

[@AttawayAudio]

You are so kind Simone! Thanks for watching

[@michaeldia2164]

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one you says girths! lol! Great information.

[@AttawayAudio]

Haha we’re in this together 😂

[@beataddiktgodd]

Great job 👌🏽

[@AttawayAudio]

Thanks Elevation Productionz Grand Daddy Frost! Nice avatar

[@1shannonleggette]

Prep fuels inspiration

[@mybromedia.9192]

really helpful

[@AttawayAudio]

Glad it helped!

[@itownmusicians]

Preparation fuels inspiration!!! I know this eq tutorial but do you often use gate in your mix?

[@SteveWatsonMusic]

Thank you for all of it - and especially 14:00-14:07! Preparation Fuels Inspiration, indeed!

[@AttawayAudio]

You bet! Thanks Steve!

[@fejones84]

Preperation Fuels Inspiration

[@ALeBleuMusic]

Preparation Fuels Inspiration! 🔊🎧

[@AttawayAudio]

Yaaassss! Love those emoji bro

[@prasadalbert1498]

Very good

[@AttawayAudio]

Thanks Prasad Albert!

[@langdontroy]

Preparation fuels inspiration

[@SliserMusic]

Sin Estudio, buscándome la vida en el estudio ♪

[@AttawayAudio]

Don't glamorize the studio. Lots of long hours in dark rooms wondering where the sun is. 😂

[@Dicoboomtime]

Thanks for creating these videos. Can you tell me how many db you are cutting? Is the 1st marker on the scale 3db and the 2nd 6db so you are cutting 250hz by 3db and 500hz by 6db for the kick drum for instance? Thanks

[@JohannesBraunias]

For me at 7:25 I can't hear as *big* a difference. Since you obviously mixed in the room and not with headphones, I was wandering if this difference could make a difference in how strong we notice the change at specific frequencies. Anyways I am very happy about this video. Exactly what I was looking for! Thank you, also for all the other instruments shown.

[@JohnR-wf2hh]

preparation fuels inspiration! definitely gonna take these ideas into my studio mixes, but do you have any tips for live mixing on consoles that only have 3 bands for EQ? like, what are the things i should be prioritizing with my more limited range. thanks!

[@AttawayAudio]

If I only had one mid-band, I’d prioritize cutting 500ish on toms and kick, and prob cutting 250 on snare. But sometimes you have to boost more to get what you want when you’re limited in your tools

[@aa1bb2cc3dd4]

Fun video. You got my sub

[@AttawayAudio]

nice! my first video ever 😃

[@AdamBouhout]

merci beacoup

[@rooseveltbowens5784]

Preparation Fuels Inspiration

[@Fazfarrar]

preparation fuels inspiration

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

When you said you'd go for a gate, I would too, but specifically with toms I like to bring the Range up so that it only cuts it by 10 or so dB when the gate is shut, rather than using it like an "off/on" switch. It'll just cut off that ring, and yeah, it'll be quiet if he starts playing really quietly, but it won't be GONE. After if he's playing quietly, and it's quiet, that's fine!

[@AttawayAudio]

Absolutely, it's a trade-off. I just hate riding gate thresholds for dynamic playing. If it's going to be full-out playing or nothing, yeah, I'll gate. Or if I want it to sound more 80s🤣🤣

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

@@AttawayAudio 100%. It’s like you said in your video the best thing to do is fix it at the source but like you also said, that’s not always a quick or practical option

[@jcsoundguy]

Now I wonder... where did that "Its all about the low end." come from. Thank you my friend. And great job on the video.

[@AttawayAudio]

Thank YOU, Jason! It’s rare that a person gets such wisdom that stands the test of time. Thanks for teaching me “it’s all about the low end”!

[@lovecraftmusic8717]

I really like the snare, even the raw sound...it's dry and thick. What drumhead was used and what about the mic position?

[@JadeLiao515]

Hi Mr. Attaway, I've been watching your videos and would like to know how to eq e-drum on a digital mixer? Thanks!

[@jjones7837]

Preparation fuels inspiration.

[@jonathangeorge7417]

Hey James can you do a eq and compression video on the electronic drums. Roland TD’s

[@kbaskarahan]

why RTA is not shown clearly there is no video,I found the video you shared useful, thank you.

[@thekid8963]

Preperation Fuels inspiration

[@AttawayAudio]

Yaaaaaaaassssss 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@_esohjey649]

Preparation fuels inspiration....

[@bharatpatel-xr6db]

Sir good

[@danielvernonlee6781]

Perspiration fuels instigation 👍

[@danielvernonlee6781]

I think I got that right... 😎 great vid man!

[@AttawayAudio]

lol close enough 🤣🤣🤣

[@onzkicg]

Pls post also how to eq on electronic drums. I don’t know how to eq such because it comes out with sound preset already like Garageband or good mp3 recording. I’m thinking of bypassing my console eq. if that’s the proper way to do it. thanks

[@narayan..7518]

Kick Drum : Cut 250Hz. Cut 500Hz to cut off the cardboard sound. Fundamental of the kick drum - start at 50Hz and move up. Attack - 4k boost shelf. Snr Top : Cut 250Hz, HP at 150Hz Snr Btm : cut 250 and listen to the sound to adjust. Toms : cut 250 Hz, cut around 400-600 on each to from high to low toms .just have the fundamental. OH : use as a cymbal sound HP 2k

[@albertopalos9093]

Hi Mr, this was a very good video, I’ve got a question 🙋 how highly would you recommend the Allen & Heath SQ7 console?

[@AttawayAudio]

Very highly. Great desk.

[@kashrudy3366]

Its all about that bass reference took me out 😂 great video tho! Learned alot

[@jacobphilip1942]

thanks bro

[@AttawayAudio]

You bet Jacob!

[@AttawayAudio]

You bet Jacob!

[@Princearyeemusic]

What console are you using

[@ourmail9044]

Hi, thanks for a very helpful video. How many db are you cutting and boosting typically? 5? 10? Thanks!

[@AttawayAudio]

As much as it takes! You've gotta go too far and too little to get it dialed in

[@NaturalGrupo]

Preparaciones fuel inspiration

[@AttawayAudio]

Yaaaaaassssssssss. Or.... sssiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii 😂

[@philmedeiros3519]

Preparation Fuels Inspiration - agreed

[@johnnysilva2994]

what´s up, bro? i am from Brazil and i love watching you videos. they help me a lot. sometimes i do the worship and sometimes i am the sound guy. do you gate the drum? what´s the corect way to do that? blessings!

[@AttawayAudio]

Hey Johnny! Thanks for serving Jesus on the worship team there in Brazil! I don't typically gate drums, but here's a video all about how gates work. kzbin.info/www/bejne/joqupK2MhbSHeJo

[@johnnysilva2994]

Thank you!

[@matheusPMAVieira]

Tbm sou do Brasil, achei esse canal há pouco tempo. É excelente!

[@johnnysilva2994]

@@matheusPMAVieira que legal! que parte dp brasil vc e? eu sou Curitiba

[@jasonwestbrook5271]

If I want to play with it at home how can I get those different drum sounds separate and then bring them in together like it's live and how do I separate it on my mixer

[@boobo3763]

How would you say these same settings/ principals apply for studio recording/ mixing??

[@srenjepsen2290]

Hey James. Got your eBook and enjoy it. A question: I don't see you mentioning the 250 Hz in the drums section of the book. Can you elaborate?

[@AttawayAudio]

I ran out of room with that font size :) 250 Hz is a flabbyness that happens with drum heads, banjo heads, etc. Some people think it sounds cleaner with that frequency cut, and I tend to think so too. But I hear lots of mixers get great drum sounds WITHOUT cutting that frequency, so it's not absolutely essential

[@dadadrumz]

nice

[@AttawayAudio]

🙌🏼😁🙏🏼

[@mikebrenner4119]

Preperation fuels inspiration

[@ItzTooSik]

Do you have a video regarding how to EQ the master buss (for live sound)?

[@AttawayAudio]

Not yet!

[@yamansitar6153]

what kind of desk is that you use ? love the videos ,thanks

[@AttawayAudio]

SSL L200. I ❤ it

[@ccdrums1290]

Great tips....but how did you address the floor tom? You mentioned not using a gate, but that was about it. Overheads?

[@AttawayAudio]

Rolled up high pass filter til the lower note went away I think...

[@willhaul5581]

I didn't know the guy from Everybody Loves Raymond is also a sound guy. LOL great video dude thanks.

[@onzkicg]

Hi thanks for all your tutorials! I’m confused about the eq part (I see many expert do this as well)- at the kick eq where you first cut 250 (#2), and somewhere 400-500 (#3) you pulled down more and since it has wide a Q, it bleed/ overlaps (pulling down part of 250 you already pulled down earlier). So does it mean the previous 250 is pulled down 2x? Apologies for misunderstanding when I see this overlaps- because when I do cut or boost, I “graphically” ensure I cut only a tight spot thus looks like a McDo logo 😂 Maybe because my background is graphics design- I ensure that eq on screen looks neat curves no overlaps? But maybe in audio it’s different? Thanks!

[@queenpurple8433]

The overlap doesn’t matter if it still sounds good

[@onzkicg]

@@queenpurple8433 Good that’s what I’m hoping to hear

[@craZivn]

@1:35 Amen brother!

[@AttawayAudio]

It's a saying that stands the test of time

[@uduakej]

🤣🤣🤣🙌🙌