Both were recorded with a single Audio-Technica ATR 25 stereo mic with a Canon HD10 camera. I always do a little Bo Diddley thing for these demos. That way you can focus on the drums, not the cymbals (or my playing)!
Regarding the snares used, here's a good chance to compare the much less expensive Pearl Sensitone Elite Aluminum with the famous Ludalloy Supraphonic. Honestly, if you just need a solid player's aluminum drum and don't care about resale value, consider the Pearl. Or try to hunt down an old Beverley Cosmic 21.
We tuned the Pearl MHX nice and low to bring out the characteristics of these drums: big and fat. We used the High Resonance relationship described in the Tune Bot Tuning Guide (bottom head slightly higher, but not too much). The tom hoops are Pearl die-cast.
- 13x9 with Ambassador X, tuned to a G with Tune Bot
- 16x16 with Ambassador X, tuned to a C with Tune Bot
- 22x18 with Powerstroke 3
- Pearl Sensitone Elite Aluminum 6.5" (SuperHoops) with Ambassador X14 tuned to F# with Tune Bot
My friend with the Ludwig puts moon gel on all heads, even the resonant side. The snare also has some. I wanted to demonstrate my friend's preferred sound. I wouldn't tune this way, but he does a great job and drums sound superb. His bottom head is quite a bit higher than the top. If we use the terms described in the Tune Bot Tuning Guide, he's at what they call Medium Resonance.
- 13x9 with Ambassador top and bottom, tuned manually to an A
- 16x16 with Emperor top, Ambassador (Ludwig) bottom, tuned manually to a D
- 22x16 with Powerstroke 3
- Ludwig Supraphonic Ludalloy 6.5" with Ambassador tuned manually.
