drum head suggestions for low tones

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro (More info?)

"Phil Oliver" <aardvarkgraphics_removespam@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:aardvarkgraphics_removespam-86EBFF.17511130082005@comcast.dca.giganews.com...
> Hi folks,
> This is not a micing question...
> I've got an upcoming session where we're looking for a big, really low
> tom sound. So, I'm looking for suggestions on drum heads that can get
> real low with decent sustain, lots of fundamental, minimal overtones,
> without sounding flabby (for lack of a better word).
>
>
> Thanks
> Phil


Always had good luck with coated pin stripes on the batter side with clear
ambassadors on the bottoms of the larger toms. I like diplomats on the
smaller shells bottoms. Tune the bottom heads a fourth higher than the top
works for me. ymmv.

jepp

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro (More info?)

"Phil Oliver" <aardvarkgraphics_removespam@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:aardvarkgraphics_removespam-86EBFF.17511130082005@comcast.dca.giganews.
com...
> Hi folks,
> This is not a micing question...
> I've got an upcoming session where we're looking for a big, really low
> tom sound. So, I'm looking for suggestions on drum heads that can get
> real low with decent sustain, lots of fundamental, minimal overtones,
> without sounding flabby (for lack of a better word).
>
>
> Thanks
> Phil
>

With Remo, stick with a clear Ambassador on the bottom, tuned medium-low,
and a coated Emperor, PS4 or Pinstripe on top, tuned wayyy low (just before
it starts going flappy). Seat the head first by cranking it up and applying
pressure to it, like slow CPR, then detune it. Don't be afraid to tune too
low - you can always tune up again if it sounds bad! The only caveat is that
low tunings make it easier for drummers to dent the heads if they have bad
technique.

If you prefer Evans/Aquarian, ask your drum shop for their equivalents.

HTH

TJ

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro (More info?)

Phil Oliver wrote:
> Hi folks,
> This is not a micing question...
> I've got an upcoming session where we're looking for a big, really low
> tom sound. So, I'm looking for suggestions on drum heads that can get
> real low with decent sustain, lots of fundamental, minimal overtones,
> without sounding flabby (for lack of a better word).
>
>
> Thanks
> Phil
>

Remo pinstripes on top, single skin on bottom.

Tuning:

Buy a "Drumdial" tuning aid. Yeah, they're about sixty bucks, but you'll be able to literally tune
the head perfectly. Ears get fatigued (a sad reality); using this to tune the heads removes your
ears from having to listen to the constant tap tap tap as you tune around the head to even out the
pressure.

For example, I have a six piece Yamaha World Studio kit, 5 ply maple; the low tom is tuned to 78 lbs
on the top head and 76 lbs on the bottom head. No flab, nice and tight and good tone. You play
around with it to get the "note" you want, but once you get it, you just have to remember the
pressure setting on the gauge -- particularly when changing heads -- and it will always be the same.

--fletch

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro (More info?)

Phil Oliver wrote:
> Hi folks,
> This is not a micing question...
> I've got an upcoming session where we're looking for a big, really low
> tom sound. So, I'm looking for suggestions on drum heads that can get
> real low with decent sustain, lots of fundamental, minimal overtones,
> without sounding flabby (for lack of a better word).
>
>
> Thanks
> Phil
>
> --
> Phil Oliver
> Aardvark Graphics & Sound
> remove _removespam for email replies

I recommend Aquarian heads. I endorse them and believe that they are a
superior head due to more consistent mylar and better bonding in the
outside collars. I got fed up with Remo heads pulling out and sounding
different from head to head even when they were supposedly the same
size and thickness.

The Aquarian equivalent (better than equal to) of an Emperor 2-ply head
is the "Response 2". Aquarian's version of the Pinstripe is called
"Peformance 2". It has less overtone than the Response 2. I prefer the
normal 2-ply head without the ring for damping. By the time it is
mixed, you rarely hear any overtone if the drum is tuned and mixed
properly.

I disagree with the concept of tuning the bottom head a fourth higher.
Use a single ply head on the bottom and tune it close to the top head
to avoid phase cancellation. Why would you want a membrane in the same
cabinet to vibrate at a much faster rate the other membrane. When
speaker cabinets use "passive drivers to accentuate the low end of the
active speaker, they are complimentary in flexibility, not a whole lot
tighter.

For big low sounds, choose big diameter drums with a depth the same or
slightly less than the diameter. Birch drums are universally
recognized as having a deeper tone than Maple. Mahogany has still
different characteristics. Tune the top double ply head low but not low
enough to distort. Tune the single ply bottom head near the same
tightness as the top head. If you have to use a tightness gauge, you
are probably not the best person to tune the drums. EQ-ing the toms is
also critical. Drop the EQ at 400-500 Hz and it will bring out the
bottom below those frequencies. Then try adding a little at 4K for
attack. Micing can make a difference in the depth of the drum if the
proximity effect of the mic is pronounced. Sennheiser 421's are hard to
beat (no pun intended).

I tune my toms in 3rds 4ths 5ths or octaves apart from each other
whenever I can so that the overtones of the toms do not form "beats"
like a perfect 2nd or half-step do. I have had many compliments on my
tuning, recorded several major label albums and hundreds of demos and
independent albums. I am a Pearl, Zildjian and Vater endorser as well.
This is not to brag (OK, I guess I bragged) but to lend validity to my
rants.

Recently I recorded numerous takes of the same drum beat using
different ribbon mics for engineer Lynn Fuston using one mic at a time
in exactly the same position. When he added some compression to certain
mics, it was amazing! It sounded very John Bonham-ish. You can hear
some of that at Lynn's website 3daudio.com. His reviews are also in the
current EQ magazine.

You can also check me out at http://home.earthlink.net/~peakester

Good Luck,
Andy Peake