What drums did Aerosmith use on I Don't Want to Miss a Thing?

While Ludwig drums are commonly associated with the recording, the specific drum kit details for this track haven't been definitively confirmed in official sources. The sound suggests a large rock kit with deep toms and a powerful kick drum.

How to get Aerosmith drum sound from I Don't Want to Miss a Thing?

Focus on a well-tuned kit with medium-deep tuning, use multiple microphones including close mics and overheads, and apply solid compression to glue the kit together. The sound is polished but retains natural drum character without excessive processing.

What studio was I Don't Want to Miss a Thing recorded at?

The track was recorded at The Record Plant in Los Angeles with producer Matt Serletic. This legendary studio has hosted countless rock recordings and provided the professional environment needed for the song's polished sound.

What microphones were used on Aerosmith drums?

Sources suggest a combination including Neumann U47, AKG D12, and Shure SM57 microphones were used. This represents a typical high-end rock recording setup with condensers for overheads and dynamic mics for close-miking individual drums.

drums from "i don't want to miss a thing" by aerosmith

i don't want to miss a thing

aerosmith

drums

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Tone Profile

A powerful, stadium-sized rock drum sound with a blend of punch, depth, and controlled sustain. The tone is polished and sits well within a dense mix, providing a solid rhythmic foundation.

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Ludwig Drum Kit(instrument)
Neumann U47(microphone)
AKG D12(mic)
Shure SM57(mic)
SSL 4000 G+ Console(channel_strip)

Production Credits

Producer: Matt Serletic

Engineer: David Campbell

Recorded at: The Record Plant (Los Angeles, CA)

Signal Chain

Instrument: Ludwig Drum KitShop on Reverb

Microphone: Neumann U47Shop on Reverb

Recording Notes

Multiple microphones were likely used on the kit, including a combination of close mics and overheads to capture both detail and room ambience.
The drum sound is polished and compressed, indicating use of console compression during tracking and mixing.
Consider the room: large space but not too reverberant.

Recreation Tips

Start with a well-tuned drum kit, focusing on getting a full and resonant sound.
Experiment with microphone placement to find the sweet spot for each drum.
Use compression to glue the kit together and add punch.
Consider adding a touch of plate reverb or short room ambience for additional depth, but avoid excessive reverb that could muddy the mix.