Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "Alan Ault" <Slash18104@y...> wrote:
> Hey Guys! I've been working on a demo for some time now. Since I 
> haven't had much luck with other drummers, I've started playing the 
> drums myself and got a DTXPRESS III. Now that I'm getting ready to 
> start laying down some drum tracks (for more demos) I've been trying 
> to listen to various albums to try to pick up how the drums are 
> recorded. My question is for all you recording guys.. if you record 
> straight in to your recording system do you still pan all the 
> different drums like they have on the presents or do you bring them 
> back closer to center? I've experimented several ways (also miking 
my 
> amp) but thought since you guys have more experience I'd see what 
you 
> say. I'd appreciate any feedback! Thanks!

Alan,

Welcome to the group. Although stretching the boundaries in certain 
situations can add depth to a recording, my preference would be to 
keep the drum kit centered on the kick and snare and to line up the 
rest of the kit to the left and right of center. Too wide a soundstage 
dilutes coherence and strains credulity, unless the percussion isn't 
kit-oriented in the first place. Playing back a recording on good 
stereo monitors can create an image that more or less represents what 
you'd see/hear on stage. A fairly large band would allow a broad 
spread between, and even beyond, the speakers, with instruments nicely 
separated, but a small setting has its own sense of space, which can 
be compelling if the recording is otherwise good. On a demo, I'd keep 
the music in the forefront and avoid any distractions.

Ed