Take a deep dive into drum recording at Foo Fighters’ Studio 606 courtesy of Lauten Audio's in-depth video

Recording drums is a complex process, and one that requires a great sounding kit, in an appropriate environment with decent microphones. So, an opportunity to watch drums being recorded by season pros in a world-class studio is the source of invaluable insight, with plenty to apply to capturing the sound of our own kits.

That’s exactly what microphone brand, Lauten Audio has just delivered with DRUMS, dropping a 75-minute YouTube video following Grammy-winning engineer, Darrell Thorp as he records drummer Joey Waronker (Beck, Roger Waters, R.E.M) in Foo Fighters’ Studio 606 live room.

Less of a presented ‘how-to’ and more a fly-on-the-wall video with candid conversation and explanation of his mic choices, placement decisions and challenges, DRUMS is full of easy-to-follow advice for getting a great drum sound.

First, we get an explanation of Waronker’s $150, five-concert tom Pearl kit - acquired by Joey via Scott Liken of Istanbul Agop Cymbals, and nicknamed the Chemtrail kit after the Beck song of the same name.

Next, Darrell begins selecting and placing microphones around the kit, talking through his selection while also explaining the common sonic considerations - minimising potential bleed between the mics, capturing specific elements of a drum’s sound and positioning overhead and room mics to create the overall image and weight of a kit.

When he’s done, the camera moves to the control room, home to the former Sound City Studios Neve mixing desk, which Dave Grohl famously purchased and documented in his Sound City movie

Here we see Darrell’s process for squeezing additional colour out of the Neve 1084 preamps, blending microphones, checking phase coherency and more. Of course, the video was produced by Lauten Audio, and Darrell’s selection is based largely around Lauten’s mics.

Lauten Audio LA-120 V2: Hi Hat & Snare Bottom
Lauten Audio LA-220 V2: Stereo Overheads
Lauten Audio LA-320 V2: Stereo Drum Room
Lauten Audio LS-208: Kick in & Snare Top
Lauten Audio LS-308: Toms
Clarion FC-357: Kick Out
Atlantis FC-387: Mono Room
Eden LT-386: Mono Overhead

As a bonus, Lauten Audio is giving viewers who sign-up to its mailing list access to the Pro Tools session and associated audio tracks to experiment with too. Head on over to Lauten Audio to download it.

Stuart Williams
Drums

I'm a freelance member of the MusicRadar team, specialising in drum news, interviews and reviews. I formerly edited Rhythm and Total Guitar here in the UK and have been playing drums for more than 25 years (my arms are very tired). When I'm not working on the site, I can be found on my electronic kit at home, or gigging and depping in function bands and the odd original project.