Ep05 - Kick, Snare, and Bathroom Mics: Our Drum Recording Philosophy

Kick, Snare, and a Bathroom Mic: Our Drum Recording Philosophy | Studio Stuff Podcast #05

Recording drums in a small studio can feel like a mix of science, art… and sometimes total chaos. So how do you get great drum sounds without a million-dollar room or a warehouse full of gear?

In this episode, Chris and Steve break down their drum recording philosophy—covering everything from choosing the right kick and snare to getting creative with room mics (including one placed in the bathroom!). Whether you're working with a full kit or just a couple of mics, this episode is packed with real-world tips and personal studio stories.

You'll hear how we approach everything from mic placement to room treatment, the gear we use, and the philosophy behind why we record the way we do.

Oh—and yes, we do talk about the legendary butt-shaker for the drummer’s throne. Don’t worry, it all makes sense in context. 😄

You'll Learn:

✅ Why the drummer matters more than the drum kit or mic locker.
✅ The performance-first mindset that shapes our drum recording.
✅ How to record drums in a small room without sounding small.
✅ Why we sometimes use a bathroom mic for natural ambiance.
✅ What to prioritize when you’re limited to just a few inputs.
✅ How shell materials, drum heads, and mic choices affect tone.

Topics & Stories:

📌 Chris’s Bathroom Mic Trick: How a washroom became his favorite "room mic."
📌 Session vs. Loud Drummers: Why playing dynamically matters more than you think.
📌 Kick vs. Snare: What’s the most important part of the kit?
📌 Old Pearls & Cheap Kits: Why expensive drums don’t always sound better.
📌 Recording in Tight Spaces: How Chris adapted his studio setup with hallway and stair mics.
📌 Steve’s Live Room Take: Why he prefers tight recordings with reverb added later.
📌 The “Talkback Mic That Made the Mix”: A happy accident that became a drum room staple.
📌 Glyn Johns & Classic Techniques: Do they still work for modern productions?

Listener Q&A:

🎙️ “What exactly do you send to the mastering engineer? One stereo file or stems?” Chris and Steve break down the difference—and when sending stems might actually be the right move.

🎙️ “What level should I send my mix to mastering?” We talk about limiter use, mix bus gain staging, and why peaking digitally is never a good idea.

Final Takeaway:

You don’t need a massive space or expensive gear to get great drum sounds. Start with a great performance, make smart choices with your mic placement, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your environment—even if that means putting a mic in the bathroom.

📢 Join the conversation!

How are YOU recording drums in your home studio? Have you tried unusual room mic setups? Share your approach in the comments!

Got a Question for a Future Episode?

We love hearing from you!
If you have a question about mixing, recording, mastering, or home studio gear, send it our way.

📩 Submit your question here: Form Link
We’ll do our best to answer as many as possible in upcoming episodes!