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drums from “livin' on a prayer” by bon jovi | ToneDB

livin' on a prayer

bon jovi

drums

75% ai confidence

Tone Profile

The drums have a big, gated reverb sound that is characteristic of 1980s rock. The kick and snare are punchy and prominent, with a clear and present overall tone.

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The Story

The drums on "Livin' on a Prayer" were recorded at Little Mountain Sound Studios by producer Bruce Fairbairn and engineer Bob Rock. The distinctive sound comes from Tico Torres's Tama Superstar kit processed through an SSL 4000 G+ console with heavy gated reverb from an AMS RMX16. The kit was captured using close mics including an AKG D12 on kick and Shure SM57 on snare, with Neumann U87s as overheads for the cymbals.

Production Credits

Producer: Bruce Fairbairn

Engineer: Bob Rock

Recorded at: Little Mountain Sound Studios, Vancouver, BC

Signal Chain

Instrument: Tama SuperstarShop on Reverb

Microphone: AKG D12Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a punchy drum kit, such as a Tama Superstar or similar.
  • Use close microphones on the kick and snare, such as an AKG D12 for the kick and a Shure SM57 for the snare.
  • Use overhead microphones, such as Neumann U87s, to capture the cymbals.
  • Apply EQ and compression to the individual drum tracks to shape the sound.
  • Add gated reverb using a plugin or hardware unit that emulates the AMS RMX16.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

FabFilter Pro-RPlugin Boutique$199

Alternative to: AMS RMX16 reverb unit

Features authentic gated reverb algorithms that can recreate the AMS RMX16's signature sound heard on the snare and toms

Solid State Logic SSL 2+Shop on Reverb$349

Alternative to: SSL 4000 G+ console

Provides SSL's signature sound with built-in Legacy 4K mode for that punchy SSL console character on drums

Shure Beta 52AShop on Reverb$179

Alternative to: AKG D12 kick drum mic

Modern dynamic kick drum mic that captures the punchy low-end and attack similar to the vintage AKG D12

Audio-Technica AT4050Shop on Reverb$699

Alternative to: Neumann U87 overhead mics

Large diaphragm condenser with similar frequency response to U87, great for capturing crisp cymbal detail

Waves SSL 4000 CollectionPlugin Boutique$179

Alternative to: SSL 4000 G+ console EQ and compression

Official SSL-endorsed plugin recreation of the 4000 G+ EQ and dynamics that shaped the original drum sound

Sources

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