When Their Advice is Wrong (And it Usually Is…)

Wouldn't it be nice to have a reliable form of drum sound tech support? Context is everything, and yet it’s often left out or ignored when it comes to seeking assistance with a problem involving drum sound. We receive countless direct messages and see endless posts on forums and message boards on a weekly basis there individuals are looking for advice but without the details that make all the difference. We made this video to help you self diagnose sonic issues and, if needed, find the appropriate video within our resource library of hundreds of videos covering all sorts of specific topics in depth.
PATREON:
This video is made possible by our Patreon supporters. Join us on Patreon for access to exclusive content such as Cymbal Sounds, our long awaited cymbal series, and MUCH more: sladl.ink/Patreon
PRODUCTION PARTNERS:
GIK Acoustics (sonic treatment): sladl.ink/GIK
AKG Audio (microphones): sladl.ink/AKG
Evans Drumheads: sladl.ink/Evan...
ProMark Drumsticks: sladl.ink/ProM...
Signal chain:
Mics - Focusrite Clarett 8Pre USB- Mac Studio w/Pro Tools 2024.3.1
Recorded at 48kHz / 24bit
Microphones: Pair of AKG C314 in Recorderman Configuration
Toms: AKG C518M
Kick Drum: AKG D12VR
Snare: Lauten Snare Mic
Acoustic Treatment:
GIK 242 Acoustic Panels
GIK 4A Alpha Pro Series Diffusor/Absorber
GIK Evolution PolyFusor Combination Sound Diffuser/Absorber
GIK Tri-Trap Corner Bass Trap
Drums:
Pearl Masters Maple Custom Extra, 70s Ludwig Supraphonic
Cymbals:
22” Jesse Simpson clone of old Zildjian A, 15" Zildjian Prototype Hihats
Drumheads:
Snare: Evans G12 Coated / Snare Side 300
Toms: Evans UV2 Coated / G1 Clear
Kick Drum: Evans UV EMAD / EQ3 Coated Reso
Hosted by: Cody Rahn
Production & Consulting: Ben O'Brien Smith @ Cadence Independent Media
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*NOTE: Troll comments will be deleted. You're welcome to disagree with whatever you like but let's keep the conversation civilized and focused on drums.
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Sounds Like a Drum is a CADENCE INDEPENDENT MEDIA production
For more information, visit www.cadenceindependent.com
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[@chromebull884]

The first 10 seconds are wisdom that go beyond even just drums. ♥️

[@SoundsLikeADrum]

We've said it before and we'll say it again, those that are willing to experiment with this way of thinking and potentially shift their perspective will reap the benefits far beyond the context of music making.

[@camerondean6804]

Exactly.

[@ristretto24]

The room is very important. So much wisdom in this clip.

[@pongotv22]

Hands down the most helpful and informative drum channel on youtube, thanks to which my drums sound nice again 👍 10+ years of drumming and finally I know what I'm doing with my drum sound. Thank you!

[@nathanowens3]

I have learned so much from this channel just about opening my ears and my mind to the possibilities and my drum set and I thank you guys so much! I’m a former acrolite level supporter and I’m en route to sign up again after watching this!

[@user-fb4kz6ft5y]

Did you try turning them off and then back on again?

[@SoundsLikeADrum]

😂

[@stephentyler4352]

It starts with a nice gentle massage of the cowbell. 😂

[@DanGrossDrums]

After a lot of A/B testing at my drum shop, I bought a Ludwig Universal snare last summer. Brought it home, changed the heads, and in my 14x14x7 room, I just couldn't get it to sound right. It was in tune it just sounded meh. Fast forward to our next gig, outside on a flatbed stage, and that drum just sang without any adjustment. It was everything i wanted out of it when i got it. Bottom line: I don't tune in that room anymore. :)

[@47Robbi]

I got a small little clip of Stevie at the Anaheim Namm show 2024 Stevie is a bad mama jama!, nothing but love and respect for this man! 🥁🎸

[@BeatKasterG]

SLAD at its finest - concise, systematic and pertinent. Thanks guys, I'll be recommending this one to my drum students (already a big advocate for your channel!).

[@danzitoli2796]

Great approach!!! Saved and bookmarked! 🤓

[@DrummerRIP]

Fantastic! Thank you.

[@GillamtheGreatest]

were you continuing the cymbal series? i was under the perception that was what the next few videos at least would be on. or is that to be mixed in with other videos?

[@SoundsLikeADrum]

We'll be releasing episodes from Cymbal Sounds sporadically- likely once per month going forward. If you like to see them now, we have 30+ episodes available to watch ad free on our Patreon: sladl.ink/Patreon

[@goodtimejohnny8972]

Right on. Somebody get this man a steak!

[@benpeterson7530]

I have a theory that one of the main reasons high end drums usually sound so good is because of owner refusing to have their expensive kit sound bad. I know when I bought my DW performance set used, I just couldn't stand for it to sound bad. With my old cheapo set I didn't care as much if other people heard it and it didn't sound great, I wouldn't be blamed because my kit was a beginner set. Having the nice set, it's basically all on me if it sounds terrible. I've spent more time tuning, measuring (I measure what results I like with a drum dial), messing with dampening... I record down what I've done to each drum when I get a sound I like.

[@carlostorres1171]

Have you tried saying kind words to the drum?

[@matthewzagorski9161]

Did you guys get a new camera? This looks downright cinematic.

[@SoundsLikeADrum]

We've made some lighting and camera angle changes based on some other projects we've been working on. Thanks!

[@Ted_Swayinghill]

I see the Lauten snare mic 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@SoundsLikeADrum]

We’ve really been digging it! I use it all the time for other projects and decided to throw it in for the interludes today. Cheers! -Ben

[@Ted_Swayinghill]

@@SoundsLikeADrum Good stuff! I love mine too!

[@cfusilier2]

If Cody were a politician, he’d have my vote. 👍✌️

[@Claes_Isacson]

👏🥁

[@norbertrenner9364]

Well….nothing real new today….no Problem…every day can‘t be sunday….

[@SoundsLikeADrum]

We’ve never actually shared this approach for troubleshooting and, based on how many people send us questions on a weekly basis, this sure seemed to be needed. Glad to hear that you’re already feeling adept with the process!