Fix Your Soundcheck! (For Drummers)

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Do you need to fix your soundcheck?
Drummers are notorious for taking the longest to get ready on stage. If you want to throw that stereotype out the window and surprise your fellow musicians and sound engineers, here’s how to optimize your soundcheck so it’s quick, efficient, helpful, and stress-free:
Step 1: Introduce yourself to the engineer 0:11
Step 2: Check your tuning 1:00
Step 3: Check each microphone 1:49
Step 4: Listen to the engineer 3:02
Step 5: Stay focused and relaxed 13:30
Own your soundcheck
The drummer can make a big difference in how smooth soundcheck goes. Introduce yourself to the engineer, come prepared, and communicate. Listen and follow the engineer’s routine so they have time to adapt your drum sound to the PA system. You’re working together. There should be no yelling and no competition - only synergy. Do this and you’ll be fine for the rest of the day!
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[@jamodrummer]

You forgot: “Don’t hit the snare, the bass, or a crash while the sound guy has his head close while adjusting the mics.”

[@oed84]

AMEN to thàt!!

[@joshblake8656]

dont hit anything when the sound guy is on stage at the kit

[@kevinonthedrums7495]

I love the energy and really great interpersonal tips. Some corrections from my experience: 1. 10-15 minute soundcheck? Unless you are a national act and you soundchecked before playing and you leave your drums on stage, most drummers here get a 1-2 minute soundcheck in front of the crowd that they'll be playing for. The drummers that need this video are new who will only get 1-2 minutes. By the time they have enough experience for a 10-15 minute soundcheck, they'll already know what to do. 2. As for tapping the mics, most sound guys have your monitor muted until after you have soundchecked. 3. No sound guy has ever said to play Bass/Snare/Hihats. It will always be Bass -> Snare -> 1st Tom -> 2nd Tom -> 3rd Tom -> Maybe HiHat -> Full Kit 4. You are going to get yelled at and people will think you are stupid if you play a cymbal when the sound guy asks for you to play a tom. 5. Don't change what tom you are soundchecking until they tell you. They will get annoyed. They will think they need to rush because they are taking so long. The whole tone of the video was spot-on. I just wanted to offer the experience that most drummers watching this video would run into.

[@LeSensuel]

KevinOnTheDrums Absolutely, I have assisted to plenty high profile soundchecks to know that a good drummer only plays what the soundman is asking for. Nothing more, nothing less. Also, they never do the monitor levels before because they have to do the gain at first. I’m guessing what he’s talking about with tapping the mics to check his in ears is only because they’re using the same show file every show and the in ear mixes are already done.

[@Christopher-md7tf]

Couldn't agree more. These tips don't reflect my personal experience with small bands at all. Also this guy heavily contradicts himself. He gives the most important advice right at the beginning to cooperate with the sound engineer, then tells people to just add stuff or switch to a different drum to "speed up the process". What do you hope to gain by speeding things up, a worse drum sound? I feel like I would be insulting the sound person's intelligence if I reminded them of how many toms I have. They mic'd the toms up and have the channels in front of them on the mixing console, they're probably going to remember...

[@esroberto1]

Lots of sound guys ask for kick-snare-hats if they have more than ten minutes to do a line check.

[@zekdiaz8012]

too real

[@Killenmachine05]

I couldn't agree more, I've been gigging since I was 14 and I'm now 26, 6 minutes in I found my self screaming "NO!" at this video.

[@RoeShamBoe]

You guys should do a follow up video where a sound engineer reacts to this video

[@Detritus0311]

was thinking the exact same thing! Please do!!!

[@melvinspringer5486]

I'm not volunteering! I would sure love to see that video though. 🤣

[@666takecover]

Sound engineer here. >>>DO NOT

[@michaelschack]

Wouldn't you agree careful "finger" touching to check if those signals are patched through to your (the drummers') monitoring cans or in-ears won't really move those mics, unless they're hanging on a string?

[@schaddalton]

@@michaelschack Or you could, you know, play the drum the mic is over to see if its coming through the monitor mix. If the sound tech took his/her time to put the mics in exacting positions, then, if for no other reason than professional courtesy, don't touch them.

[@ramicksrameka3449]

When i get to on stage and check the kit, mics arent even placed properly and they forgot to place the overheads, then it doesnt even matter if you move or even place them properly for the engineer. In my experience. But I definitely agree with what your saying as well. Hands off if they have been placed strategically. But typically i prefer to make the engineer wait before i quickly setup my kit first. And actually, dont tap the mics man.

[@DroctorKloebner]

well drummer here. >>>DO NOT

[@PainFullyUNcool14]

Some good tips in here with some sketchy ones. 1. Don't feel the need to ask them what mics they're using, it can come off as interrogating 2. Don't. Tap. Microphones. They're made to withstand acoustic energy, not getting physically rattled. If you really have to check on a mic then lightly scratch the grill. 3. Don't hit anything the engineer doesn't tell you to. 4. A lot of these "helpful suggestions" (e.g. reminding the engineer about the floor tom so they "don't forget") will actually bug them out in real life

[@dashwig]

Agree. Plus, many of these "helpful suggestions" are only great in theory. But, e.g. it rarely happens that you think the sound guy is "taking a little bit too LONG for that single rack tom". On many gigs there simply isn't time at all. Many times you wish you actually had the time to do soundcheck a bit longer & more detailed. So, if the sound guy is taking his/her time to get things right in detail- don't rush, be grateful and enjoy/relax! Reality is: if you're a new, unexperienced band opening the night for 2 or 3 other bands, you likely will do a line check of 5-10 minutes, that's it. Plus, the person behind the mixing board will (not always but unfortunately often enough) have only very little interest about your sound since they soundchecked the other 3 bands for hours already + the owner just told them that "doors will open in 5 minutes". So you better be even more focused about what you're doing ;-).

[@llock3hart]

I would suggest snapping your fingers in front of the microphone in lieu of touching, tapping, or scratching.

[@keselekbakiak]

so . . you're the sound guy

[@PainFullyUNcool14]

@@llock3hart yes, this is even better

[@PainFullyUNcool14]

@@keselekbakiak you caught me ;)

[@RoeShamBoe]

Ace a sound check: 1. Be on time. 2. Have all your gear ready and in good condition. 3. Don't noodle. 4. Give the engineer exactly what is asked for; no more, no less. 5. Continue not noodling. 6. If you don't have an aviom/personal monitoring solution, don't waste time trying to dial in a perfect monitor mix. Get the couple things you need for reference and move on. 7. Continue to discontinue noodling. 8. EDIT: forgot to say play with the same energy and volume you will during the show/recording. They are trying to set levels accurately, give them accurate information. You're done.

[@tickbox_]

Ok I’m sorry but speaking as somebody who has been on both sides of this (sound engineer and regularly gigging drummer) half of what this guy is saying is wrong. Sound engineers are very busy and have to work very fast, do not start asking them questions about cymbal panning while they’re are trying to sort everything out. 9 times out of 10 they’re not going to appreciate it, they’re not going to think “whoah this guys paying attention”, they’re going to think “why is this guy interrupting me to tell me how to do my job”. If you have a question about panning or anything like that then either ask before the soundcheck or wait until they ask if you’re happy (which all good sound engineers will do). DO NOT START TAPPING YOUR SOUND ENGINEERS MICS. Can’t actually believe that has to be said. It’s going to make you look like a dick. It’s going to frustrate and stress out your sound engineer cos they’re going to think you’re trying to speed him up, and that you think you know better. Chances are they have you muted until it’s your turn to play anyway. Also definitely don’t start adding in drums on top of what they’ve asked for. If they’ve asked for the kick, they want ONLY the kick. Adding in snare is not going to impress them or be helpful to them, they’re just going to ask you to stop or put up with it but not be able to do their job as well. Sound check each element of your kick in the exact order they’re asking for, for as long as they ask for. Don’t do things like if you’re checking the rack tom “suggesting” moving on by starting to play the next drum. That’s a genuinely terrible piece of advice. The sound engineer doesn’t need your help speeding things up, they’re not stupidly (mostly), if they haven’t asked you to move onto the floor tom it’s for a reason, all you’re doing by moving on is wasting people’s time and making yourself seem arrogant. Don’t start doing cymbals before toms unless they ask for that. Good bit of advice for any drummer that I can give is to come prepared with a “soundcheck song”. He partially covers this in the video but I wanted to expand on it. This is for when they ask you to play the whole kit. A lot of drummers at that point will start just randomly soloing or playing something that doesn’t incorporate the whole kit, so come to your soundcheck with a beat prepared. Make it something fairly loud, the point of them asking you to do that is so they can balance everything and get a good overall level, if you play something super quiet it’s going to make thing difficult for them later when you break into some blast beats. And make sure it involves every element of the kit in some way. Also make sure it’s something that is similar to what you’re going to play in your set, whether that’s one of your songs or somebody else’s within a similar drumming style. My go to for this when I’m the drummer is the main verse beat from “Song For The Dead” by Queens of the Stone Age. It’s fairly loud, it’s similar to my usual playing style, and it involves every element of the kit (including the hi hat foot pedal if you’re playing it right). Plus usually half the other drummers in the room look up when they hear it because they recognise it which gives a nice conversation starter later. But yeah anyway, this is an excessively long comment. No offence at all to the guy in this video but a lot of his advice is legitimately bad.

[@currentlykent4593]

tickbox ok

[@esroberto1]

This is EXACTLY RIGHT. Especially about asking the sound guy about the mics. Don't fucking bother the guy with stupid shit like that -- he doesn't need a new friend.

[@XXxxABHxxXX]

You know what you are talking about. I am a sound engineer and a drummer too... And for the love of God, play with the dynamics of the actual show in the he check!!!

[@joshblake8656]

all the points I was gonna say, the sound engineer just wants you too do what he asks, nothing more nothing less. If he wanted you to do something he would say its his job

[@Studio42dotCom-Real]

As a live sound engineer, DO NOT tap my mics. First thing you do is set your stuff up when you get there. After that, my team and myself will do the basic line check so we know if things are working or not. After that, I do a quick "this, that, the other thing" around the kit as a basic re-test of the line check, then I tell the drummer to just play the kit as if playing a song but with fills every 2 bars. and then I bring up a basic mix. Then I'll go into specifics again to fine tune, re-play to re-check mix(it will need tweaking). DO NOT speed up my process, I will let you know when to move on. Typically, a drum set can end up being anywhere from 5-15 minutes. Once the basic mix is done, then it's into the drummer's specific mix for his drums only. All monitor checks will need to be adjusted once the rest of the band is done as well. As a sound engineer, I'm fine with dialing in the monitor mix as we add elements. I can typically run an entire 4-7 piece band in 30 minutes or less, and then another 5-10 minutes for the monitor adjustments.

[@DrummerCAS]

Hey man, I have only had one soundcheck before and I told the sound guy that I hadn't done a soundcheck before so he could just tell what to do whenever he needed me to to whatever. When playing extreme metal with fast double bass does the same rules apply when you say "play the kit"? Should it be as it is gonna be live with the fast drumming or just a chill/mid tempo beat incorporating all the pieces of the drum kit? 🙂

[@BionicleSaurus]

JESUS that 16 floor tom is utter THUNDER. What a sound, maaan.

[@FanaticDrummer]

BionicleSaurus Tama I believe. The best.

[@BionicleSaurus]

Tama does fantastic work. It's a shame that all their Bubinga stuff is being discontinued.

[@FanaticDrummer]

BionicleSaurus Thanks to China. But thats just for non domestic sales. They can still sell them in Japan, Europe and NA, just not as international border sales. But whose to say a drummer going to Japan couldn’t have it shipped back since it was bought in country. Im glad I got mine when I did, only gonna retain their value more. But yea, since China wants to mass consume everything, international laws have to be enforced. Bubinga is a tier 2 protected species simply because of its color, nothing else. Shame.

[@BionicleSaurus]

Damn, I thought it had to do with the species of tree being endangered or something. That's too bad.

[@MrLR94]

As a sound engineer myself, I really don't agree with this video. If drummers started doing what you have suggested during my sound check, I would get very annoyed, very quickly.

[@mikel.laughridge9480]

I think what he is trying to say is .......be nice and friendly to the sound engineer. Respect his time and he will do favors for you. In other words dont act like you know how to do his job.

[@kunns123]

Okay, so what do you suggest? His point is be kind to the sound engineer. Is there anything you would like to add?

[@MrLR94]

@@kunns123 be nice. Absolutely. But start by tapping the mics, it's unlikely they will be gained up at the very beginning of a sound check, and if they are, the Tom mics would be gated anyway. So you wouldnt hear a small tap. Don't move onto another Tom before the sound engineer has told you to move on. If the engineer hasn't told you to move on, they haven't finished checking it. Basically just make sure your drums are tuned correctly and let the engineer run the sound check.

[@kunns123]

@@MrLR94 that is true. The sound engineer knows what he is doing. So instead of trying to help, just listening to what he has to say would be more beneficial.

[@angellruiz6646]

@Leyton Russell, I'm with you. He's saying be nice which is fine, but even though his intentions seem to be in the right place, it'd definitely come off the wrong way. Even starting with set up, if I'm still setting up mic's and d.i.'s and anything else that's needed i probably don't have the time for anything other than a brief introduction.

[@schaddalton]

10-15 minutes? I've never had a drums sound check last more than 4-5. Tech: "Ok, give me some snare." Me: *gives some snare* Tech: "Rack tom." Me: *plays rack tom* Tech: "Floor." Me: *Floors* Tech: "Kick" Me: *plays kick* Tech: "Hats* Me: *plays for 10 seconds or so closed hats, 10 with alternating open notes, 10 with wide-open hats* Tech: "Ok, play me something on the whole kit." Me: *plays something involving crashes, ride, open and closed hats, and any auxiliary percussion* Tech: "Great man, sounds good. Me: "Cool. If you didn't hear anything that grabbed your attention, I'm happy if you are." Tech: "Cool." Sound check = Done.

[@jerrychao7361]

Same. It's amazing that some of this had to be said.....

[@jeremiahmcdonald3936]

I think this was more for Concerts/studio where it’s not set already and you need to eq and add gates and gain from scratch

[@jeremiahmcdonald3936]

But as a drummer and sound guy I wouldn’t like it if the drummer did a lot of this stuff because I want him to do what I ask him to do,I will have a process in my head and a list and go through that list 1 by 1 and it’s easiest and fastest doing exactly what I say,but most important staying consistent when I say hit the drum and only hit the drum I say

[@andoryuu3936]

From my experience the best way to do a soundcheck is just to do what the sound guy ask you to do, as simple as that. Every sound engineer have slightly different work flow, the best you can do is let him do his work the way he used to. Unless something is really really wrong then you can politely ask them.

[@FeatherzMcG]

I don't know, man. At all the gigs I've been at (small ones albeit), just do what the sound guy says. In soundcheck, he's the boss. At small and medium sized gigs, the sound guy is usually rushed/miserable/sick of dealing with dickhead musicians for the past 20 years, and just wants to get set up and then get his beer (and rightly so). He might be soundchecking five bands that night. Don't second guess him, don't try to be more helpful beyond what he asks of you. Just be on time, be efficient, be attentive, and most importantly, if you're not doing anything else, be QUIET. And DON'T touch the snare mic. Say hello on the way in, thank him when your sound check is finished, and thank him on your way out of the venue. Maybe catch a beer with him later on in the night and make friends if you get the chance. Make yourself memorable by making his job easy and smooth, and being a cool guy afterwards. ...AND DON'T FUCKING TOUCH THE SNARE MIC.

[@samuelredjono]

Sound engineer here. Thanks for the mention of not touching the snare mic and "in soundcheck, he's the boss"

[@angellruiz6646]

Another sound guy here, yes the last thing we want to hear is suggestion well intended or not. We normally have a system and are ocd about the order things are done.

[@AidanMmusic96]

This should be the start of a whole video series on stage etiquette!

[@charliecontrino1626]

Absolutely on the money with this advice!! Years ago i remember uncasing my 82 Yamaha RC kit and the sound guy got really happy!! LOL!

[@LenardAdams]

The first thing you said is the KEY! Connection and synergy. RESPECT

[@oed84]

from my own experience as a live sound-engineer, I can appreciate musicians who introduce themselves and are friendly and patient. they'll wait their turn to play their instrument(s) as I am moving down the line on my mixing desk and they play only that one instrument when asked to play. musicians who listen to what you tell them to do, are awesome to work with, because as an engineer, it's all about creating a balance in the music and turning your guitar amps up to eleven isn't helping anyone, when there are vocals to be dealt with. most engineers that I've met over the years seem to work in a specific order of assigning instruments to channels and for the drums, usually it goes: kick (in and out) snare (top and bottom) high-hat after checking these 3(or 5), I ALWAYS ask for a kick-snare-hh- combo, then I move on to the toms tom 1 (rack-tom) tom 2 (rack-tom) floor-tom overhead left overhead right personally, I don't appreciate when musicians start playing their instruments while I'm checking other instruments and I absolutely hate it when I'm on-stage checking or setting up mics and they start blasting or banging right next to my head. tune your stuff either before you go on-stage or when there are no engineers in the near proximity of your amps or drums. as for monitors, I always do those last and I maintain a system where I ask everyone who needs an instrument in their monitor to raise their hand until they're good and at the same time I ask that the musician who plays that instrument plays that instrument until everyone's good. I use the same order as I did for the soundcheck. this usually works fine for me. tapping microphones is not a good thing to do. if you want to test them, only do so if the engineer asks you to and then scratch them with your fingernails.

[@michaelschack]

Word! Scratching microphones can work too, but please go back into the clip : for a drummer sound checking his drums, which is a loud instrument, checking incoming microphone levels into your monitoring in ears or speaker is the way to go just to make sure the microphone signal is fed back into your monitoring feed instead of bashing a way on the drums and not being sure the feed is coming in.

[@jorgelopez9620]

Loved this very much, thanks

[@theofanisd.2295]

One of the most helpful video i have ever show...tnx Man...

[@JulianFernandez]

THIS IS HUGE!!!! Thanks guys!

[@julianbennett4157]

Michael, always entertaining and so engaging. Fantastic mate cheers from Australia

[@mariuszslawik59]

Thank you! So many good points here

[@michaelschack]

Thank YOU!

[@lloydietvprosoundslightsse1769]

This video is so amazing

[@21Mrwhatshisface]

Man I love this dude

[@LithEatsBacon]

"listen to the soundguy"... this is probably the most important one. we don't want to hear your amazing drumskills. we want to hear how your kit sounds. keep the solo's for during the show! :p

[@banjomango145]

Toffe video! Heeft mij echt al superveel geholpen

[@sdjohnston67]

Excellent!

[@coiLz0r911]

Honestly a great video that sets the tone right: the sound engineer and the drummer are on the same team. But what I know from years of experience in metal gigs: play what the sound guy tells you to play. If he wants you to play the kick for 10 mins: play that. Also I recently learned that when they tell you to play "the full kit" they don't mean "please go absolutely bananas and butcher the intro to Painkiller horribly". It is much more helpful to play a simple rock beat with some fills few and far between. The sound guy really meant his "thank you" after those types of sound checks.

[@pastorraul9034]

Love this🤘🏽

[@ori1406]

Great video thaks!!!

[@souravmandalguitar9789]

Nice sir. very helpfull

[@TronciM]

Nice drumming

[@sherminator2221]

What I've learned when checking toms is; hit the tom, and let it ring out until it dies. This way, they can get the gate dialed in if they're using one. Usually "1-rest-2-rest" is enough.

[@rockinordinary]

really good and also important video to watch !!!! thank you for making this

[@michaelschack]

Thank you for the appreciation!

[@topa1798]

This is there best soundcheck lesson video ever.🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@michaelschack]

Thank you!

[@JeremiahFernandez]

i thought the title was "FIX YOUR SOUNDCHECK, NOPE"

[@SKragseth]

Great!!

[@FanaticDrummer]

Engineer: Ok dont play im going to place and adjust the mics around the kit Drummer: Yes

[@alamakluke]

Great video, good advice... coming from a sound guy :)

[@benjalyd]

And learn your Soundengineers Goddamn name!! I hate being called Dude, Cheif, Bro or whatever. Personally, I've always asked the drummer to play the first verse of Highway to Hell. It has a great tempo for soundcheck. It really clues you in to how the drummer plays. I really don't like doing sound on the kick and snare bit by bit..... too much time wasted. And smile at the grumpy soundguys, often we're not even angry... usually we just need some sleep, and sometimes we just need a hug :)

[@colesisler582]

From a drummer to a sound guy, mad respect brother.

[@Bricameron]

Touchy breed, sound engineers.

[@esroberto1]

Insensitive, situationally unaware bunch, drummers.

[@riomariucci]

Two stories: First: I once had a soundguy say "Alright, play it all" after we had individually done each drum and whatnot... So, I played the intro to "Painkiller" by Judas Priest (Hey, I thought it was a good idea so they could hear how it all sounded.) The guy ended up saying "No, no, no, I wanted you to just go: kick, snare, tom, tom, then tom again." Needless to say, we didn't like that guy very much....the younger dude with him was super chill though. Second: I had just bought a Double Bass kit (From Dan Carle of After the Burial actually) and I was gonna use all of it, so prior to the show starting I said to the sound guy that "I'm actually gonna be using both kick drums, and I brought a second kick mic and stand because I knew you wouldn't have two." (Most bands that come through Duluth, Minnesota don't have two kick drums.) He made both kicks sound just like each other, even with two different mics! We've all had horror stories of some sound guys, but when one is supplied I'm trying to be as helpful as possible for them since they're still working while the band is having fun. Don't get me started on doing your own sound live...haha

[@rhythmista7707]

Rio Mariuccci- First off, there was nothing wrong with your sound guy. What he asked you, and the way he asked you to play the kit, is actually the way it should be. When a sound tech says "play everything", he means : hit each drum one at a time so he can hear the drum on its own in order to tweak any inconsistencies in the sound. Only someone who's inexperienced would start a sound check by playing pile driving double bass drum patterns and snare during a tune like "pain killer" . That is NOT how a sound check is done. The real way to sound check a drum kit, is to hit each drum individually until the sound man tells you to move on to the next drum, and so on. When he determines that the overall sound of the drums sound good, he'll then tell you to "play everything", which is when you are now free to pile drive double kick patterns and fills as much as you want, or for as much time as has been given to you for a sound check. Trust me. I've been playing theaters for many years and this is usually how it goes. So, what I see here is that you misunderstood that sound man and had some miscommunication.

[@riomariucci]

You misread my comment. Carefully read through it again, because yes, I DID do the individual drums before the sound guy said "Play everything."

[@KEVBOYMUSIC]

@@riomariucci Is your first story sarcastic or a joke, because it reads like one?

[@riomariucci]

@@KEVBOYMUSIC How did you know?!

[@KEVBOYMUSIC]

​@@riomariucci You've honestly made it hard to tell.

[@Fleetato]

I'm not sure about the tapping on the mics tip because a lot of the time they might have them muted untill they bring them up also I've had multiple sound engineers tell me tapping on the mics aren't good for the microphones

[@Fleetato]

Unknown010799 true true, I was thinking more of a studio environment so you’re right

[@jmcintire1188]

Tapping lightly on dynamic mics (usually snare and tom mics) doesn't hurt them at all. The condenser mics (typically overheads) are a lot more sensitive but if you tap on the side instead of the front they should be ok as well. Of course if the soundguy is worried about it, I wouldn't do it at all. Another option would be to snap your fingers in front of the mic.

[@DrumeoOfficial]

If you can, it doesn't hurt to double check with your sound engineer before hand. :)

[@michaelschack]

Check out my precise point in the video : mic tapping is to check on mic signals coming through your monitoring feed / in ears! Slight tapping with fingers didn't ever damage any microphone made for drums!

[@jts400hp]

I loved this guy when he was singing with Midnight Oil

[@benniez14]

Schack is a beast

[@Dewabarasunderan]

5:10 "Ey dumbass! I told you to play the kick!” xD

[@NitroMedic]

Fantastic tutorial! Thanks for sharing.

[@DrumeoOfficial]

You are very welcome!

[@Christopher-md7tf]

"Listen to the engineer. If he asks you to play the bass drum, play the bass drum ONLY" Next tip: "Just start adding shit even though no one asked you to LMAO"

[@somethingscantbefixed5933]

Sound man: floor tom Drummer: wipeout it is

[@Killenmachine05]

as someone who only gets to soundcheck in small clubs and various gigs im doing, this gave me a hearty chuckle, aint nobody got time for any of this.

[@bennymalone]

Another tip, hit at the velocity you are going to use when playing the show! I’ve done a lazy soundcheck hitting softly thinking when I play louder I’ll be louder in the gif! 🤦🏻‍♂️ Also don’t show off, it’s a sound check not a chop check

[@TrungDrum]

Bài học rất có giá trị.

[@AzziDrummerThai]

U have to respect all people ; but for us who are on the road, i always says ''Be gentle with the Waiters and the Sound Engineers and u'll be in heaven'' ! LOL !

[@jameskirkbydrums]

great video and explanation, specailly for those new to gigging or those who need a refresher. on a more personal note, through full-range speakers, the rack tom sounds slightly dead to me?

[@sodorth]

Very good flenglisch speaking

[@michaelschack]

Melci!

[@valent666]

Quadrolls and Blast beats soundchecks the best :D

[@BobSchoepenjr]

Michael is probably a Very good sound engineer as well.

[@18JR78]

5:59 Was waiting for NIN Closer to start playing

[@pelletmobile2]

Nice one mike :) don't forget to buy him a pint of beer!

[@marcioroberto5983]

Nice, be friendly 👍 that's it me and my band do, so, we always have a god sound

[@TheWitchOvAgnesi]

This would be hilarious in a "Don't vs. Do" format (like Chris Rock's "How to deal with the police" video)

[@ivankaspeadsforquincyjones9273]

I would always bring Danny who was the sound guy for The Mad Monk a huge joint. My drums always sounded amazing and got some really nice soundboard recordings from him. Be prepared follow directions and try and be helpful.

[@WouterVandersyppe]

Don’t blame Michael, he’s used to just sending a stereo-jack to the FoH from his E-drum...

[@teckendrums]

nice Video, i Would suggest that you Play the way you Play during the concert. if you gonna Play high volume deathmetal Dont Play Boss Nova Style at the Soundcheck. i go for the highest Dynamic Level i have to play that gig. this way the soundguy can Set the right gain Level and others settings. Simply speaking, if you Play Low volume during Soundcheck an High volume at the Show or the others way around you will ende up with distorded signals, Bad Sound and worth.

[@ramicksrameka3449]

When i get to on stage and check the kit, mics arent even placed properly and they forgot to place the overheads, then it doesnt even matter if you move or even place them properly for the engineer. In my experience. But I definitely agree with what your saying as well. Hands off if they have been placed strategically. But typically i prefer to make the engineer wait before i quickly setup my kit first. And actually, dont tap the mics man.

[@dirkvanrietschoten6587]

can you also do a video for when you have a 20 minute change over

[@michaelschack]

Why? That wouldn't change the core message/point at all.

[@NEALBABBITT]

What do you do if the sound check lasts 5 hours?

[@michaelschack]

You leave the audience in as soon as possible before they all go home in the end.

[@earthling808]

Years ago I tried the Dave Rat method and have stuck with it. Tell the drummer to play his whole kit with a medium tempo. My headphones give me enough isolation to solo what I need and the drummer plays more like he will during the show. Which leads to less of the OMG gain adjustments when the show starts. Its easier for the drummer and any others that have to listen.

[@drumfanatik316]

I’m fortunate enough to work with guys that don’t play anything until our sound guys ask them too. Same with me. I only give the sound guys what they want! I never move to another drum or add something until they ask!

[@dbmusic8323]

If he asks for a kick give him a snare. If he asks for a crash give him a cowbell. Need to test the sound mans sense of humor. You may have lost the gig but it was fun.

[@kkthedrummer8999]

Mich is dope

[@TwoScoopsOfTubert]

Yeah.. the vibe I've gotten from soundpeople in my area was not one of taking suggestions well. For instance asking to pan something differently? They take that as an insult rather than constructive.

[@kendaldavis1664]

Is it me or was that an awkward handshake at the beginning?😂 Great video guys!

[@krioni86sa]

not at all

[@EightiesTV]

For a video on soundchecks, there sure is a lot of audio level pumping.

[@FasterToTheEnd]

if i ever soundchecked my drums the way this dude does, i'd get yelled at by every engineer around. when they ask for kick, i give them kick. when they ask for snare, i give them snare. i do give them heads ups like "hey, my ride is a bit on the loud side, how would you like to go about that?" because i use a 23" K Sweet Ride. from there, i let the engineer do his thing and give him exactly what he needs and asks for. simple.

[@michaelschack]

Go back to the beginning of the clip : it all starts with giving him or her what he/she wants FIRST. Think synergizing instead of discussing.

[@yoitsched]

Hey so I got a question, what/ why is gaffer tape needed for on a drum set?

[@GageDrums]

Muffling toms or taping mics/wire

[@elexserac6017]

It can be used to dampen both cymbals and drums. With cymbals, it can help with unwanted freq in the wash of a ride or crash. With drums, it works like moongels and whatnot.

[@KaShM7R]

Preview: "Fix your soundcheck" - t-shirt print: "NOPE"

[@DrumeoOfficial]

The perfect shirt. :)

[@claysmell]

Giving the sound man $20 doesn't hurt either.

[@lollz666]

Michael Schack! One of the best Belgian drummers in the world! You absolute legend

[@Mr713819]

Maybe if it's a really professional engineer but the guys I work with would take a lot of this as a hit to the ego

[@stripedfrog1122]

Maybe it would be better just doing the exact thing what is being asked by the sound engineer. Not less, not more.

[@JulianFernandez]

¿? Newbie wanna give tips to a world touring pro. Gotta love the interwebs.

[@stripedfrog1122]

If you are not a touring pro, than you don't need to behave yourself like a touring pro.

[@JulianFernandez]

@@stripedfrog1122 You´re SOOO wrong I can´t even begin to tell you. Hope no ones follows your advice. You need to behave like a PRO before been a PRO. Moving on.

[@stripedfrog1122]

@@JulianFernandez tapping on the mics and starting to hit the next tom before being asked and stuff like that doesn't make anybody a pro... makes a dusche with a massive Ego who always thinks he knows better. So yeah, move on!

[@JulianFernandez]

@@stripedfrog1122 Nothing make you more of a douche (dusche! haha) than upvoting your own posts. Go shed man (and keep quiet if you trying to tip a pro musician)

[@NEALBABBITT]

What do you do if you have an incompetent sound guy who refuses to give you a monitor? What do you do if your sound guy has your levels so high that the drums feedback?

[@michaelschack]

You fire him. And you tell him that he should start his own band:)

[@Detritus0311]

6:52 This was my favorite... haha

[@carlosenciso9415]

Something that all drummers and engineers should know. Great video!!

[@LaurenceCaudwell]

Awesome work Michael. Clearly well informed content here. How do you deal with the ever common grumpy sound engineer even after you've tried to build rapport?

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Keep the positivity going and don't let it ruin your day. :)

[@LaurenceCaudwell]

@MarsHolst20 PAHAHAH LEGEND

[@LaurenceCaudwell]

@@DrumeoOfficial Wise words. Thanks :)

[@marceugeni]

Actually how to end up fucking with the soundguy in the bathroom after the soundcheck

[@mikelonjr831]

This guy likes to play drums

[@nvprocision]

Rename. Sound check in studio.

[@dissaorlavey6943]

BUT, there are some sound enginer, that say "play only kick, only snare, only tom 1, 2, floor, only cymbals, all drums"... not every sound enginer in the world, are like the video :V

[@jasonschooler4450]

I have a feeling this guy is talking about European soundcheck verses American soundcheck. European 15 min, American 3 min tops unless you are a national headliner.

[@michaelschack]

I must disagree, I did tour Canada and US often and in lots of cases just saying "hi" and synergizing with the sound guy or sound girl changes those 3 mins in 5 to 10 mins, at least.

[@Claire443]

He vontz ze kickdrum. Geev heem ze kickdrum.

[@peterselie6500]

you should see his clinics....

[@NeoShark32]

Since when Devin Townsend is a drummer ?

[@jorgelopestrigo1303]

I think he forgot to mention the purpose of that gaffer tape. Is it to shut someone up? Abducting the sound technician and replacing him/her with your mother?

[@kevinasir76]

Def don't ask a sound guy to fix his panning lol. Bad idea. Not all sound engineers pan their overheads hard left and right anyways, but if they do, they will get to it.

[@XXxxABHxxXX]

I am Sound Engineer and a drummer myself. Just be polite and try to learn about others job to understand what is going on. Done. And play with the dynamics of the actual show...

[@satanicum6666]

Alot of real DIY gigs: Me: Excuse me, I think this cymbal should come out of that speaker instead of that one. Can you maybe reverse the paning? Sound dude: STFU! This is my show, I tell you stuff. You know shit! Everone is here for me and my skills. Who the F is you anyway? I have done this for 20 years. *smokes a joint*

[@carlosturciosolivera1899]

Is it me or he looks like those Russian hitmans from the movies?

[@djmsong]

NEVER tap a microphone! You're putting a ton of sudden pressure on the diaphragm and it could pop a speaker on the other end. They weren't designed to be tapped. Also, I've learned from my experience not to be too proactive with a soundman. This guy is too much like an eager puppy dog, and I can see him rubbing some sound people the wrong way. You need to be ready and cue off of his lead. If you are being overly proactive, you're probably going to be making the sound man feel like he's being rushed.

[@michaelschack]

David, check the video again : it's to check the incoming signals to the drummers' monitoring before front of house sound checking. I say this literally. "Woofy!" (eager puppy dog sound)

[@mikefuchsdrums]

🤘🏽