EQ experiment

Sound check 2

Out of the box sound check

A simple sound check for the PreSonus FireStudio's maiden voyage. I literally threw on some Shure mics, connected them to the audio interface, connected it to my computer, launched an Adobe Audition multitrack session and started tracking. Very little EQ was added. There's a bit of snare ring but overall, not a bad start I think.

Studio Acoustics

 Spending the weekend installing a drop ceiling and a slapping on a little paint. I'm debating whether or not to purchase acoustic foam tiles (expensive little f*ckers) or DIY my own using wooden frames, rigid fiberglass insulation and some breathable fabric. I think for now, I will finish the space, mic the drums and see what kind of sound i get. A little natural room reverb can be a good thing sometimes. Maybe I'll get lucky.

Recording gear on its way!

I've been wanting to record drum tracks at home for a while. While there are many ways to record musical instruments, I've been limited to using just a single condensor microphone that I typically use for voice over and foley work. Using the USB mic for recording an entire drumset works relatively well, but when compared to the quality you can get recording individual drums with quality microphones, the difference is night and day. In order to track drum grooves for collaborative projects or just for my own personal portfolio, I decided that better hardware was going to have to be obtained. After a lot of research and advice from some very talented and knowledgeable friends, I just placed an order for some juicy recording toys. Huge thanks to Chris McCartney over at American Musical Supply!

PreSonus FireStudio Audio Interface

This was the hardest choice to make as there are so many different audio interfaces available. Deciding between FireWire or USB 2.0 was the biggest step. I have a new MacBook Pro running 10.8 Mountain Lion. Apple did away with the FireWire port because the MBP's chassis is now too thin to allow for it. USB 2.0 seemed like the obvious choice based on longevity and compatibility, but was it fast enough in terms of latency? If I chose FireWire then I'd need Apple's FW to Thunderbird adapter, and if so, is it guaranteed to work? So many questions, so much googling.
Thanks to Johnny Geib (producer/engineer) for providing some invaluable insight. I found him roaming around the PreSonus community forums where he graciously provided his contact info for anyone needing a little hand-holding through the murky waters of digital audio. I emailed him a few questions and his reply came about an hour later! Yes, the interwebs are still a place where one can seek the generous wisdom of others. Thanks again Johnny for recommending the FireWire Studio and ensuring it will work fine with Apple's Thunderbolt adapter.

Shure DMK5752 Drum Microphone Package

The next piece of the puzzle to solve was microphone selection. My choice of mics was by far easier than all audio interface issues combined. I went with Shure 57s for snare and toms and a Shure Bets 52 for the kick. I already have an old AKG Perception condensor mic to use as an overhead. Dave Green (musician, photographer, videographer) recommended getting the Shure DMK5752 set of microphones as it would save money in the long run. These microphones are an industry standard and will last me a long time. The kit includes tom mounts for the 57s. All I needed beyond this was a short boom stand for mic-ing the kick drum.

Of course with all of this comes the need for cables and maybe a stand for the overhead microphone, which is easy enough to obtain given the plethora of music stores in my area. But there's still a single small piece of hardware (it's really mostly plastic) that stands between me having a killer little home recording studio and a lot of expensive paper weights is the FireWire to Thunderbolt adapter.

Without this adapter, I can't connect the FireStudio interface to my MacBook Pro. It's the most important link in the chain. If you are looking for the same adapter, the Apple part number is MD464 and can be purchased from Apple or Amazon.

It's Friday as I write this and all orders have been placed and all items should be on my doorstep by end of day Monday. Look for a future post(s) with more detailed photos and information as to my setup and of course, recordings!

DW5000 Chain to Strap drive conversion

After a year of rehearsals and performances, the chain on my DW5000 pedal came loose. I didn't notice the problem until I unpacked the pedal from its travel bag at home. The pin that secures the chain to the footboard wore out just enough to slide completely out of its housing. I thought about replacing the chain but decided to take this opportunity to convert the chain drive to a strap drive instead. I grew up using strap drive pedals but the last 2 decades I have been using chain drives. After several google and drum forum searches, I came up empty trying to find a conversion kit for this specific pedal. I finally emailed Drum Workshop directly and asked them if such a product exists. Today I received a reply from DW with the news that the parts needed to convert the pedal from chain to strap drive existed. I'm ordering the parts as soon as possible and I will document the entire process and post it here.