What reverb was used on Money for Nothing drums?

The drums used an AMS RMX16 digital reverb unit, specifically the "NonLin 2" patch which creates the signature gated reverb effect. This was a key element of the 1980s drum sound pioneered by engineers like Hugh Padgham.

How to get Money for Nothing drum sound?

Start with a punchy drum kit recorded with both close and room mics, then apply gated reverb using an AMS RMX16 or plugin emulation. The key is the "NonLin 2" setting which creates the distinctive cut-off reverb tail that defines the sound.

What drums did Dire Straits use on Money for Nothing?

The drums were a Tama Superstar kit, which was popular in the 1980s for its punchy birch shell sound. The kit was recorded at AIR Studios in London by Neil Dorfsman.

Who created the gated reverb sound on Money for Nothing?

Producer/engineer Neil Dorfsman created the drum sound, though the gated reverb technique was pioneered by Hugh Padgham. Padgham famously discovered the effect accidentally through a console's reverse talkback circuit and used it on Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight."

What mics were used on Money for Nothing drums?

The drums were recorded using Shure SM57 microphones for close-miking and Neumann U87 condenser mics for capturing the room sound. This combination provided both the punch and the ambient space that defines the sound.

drums from "money for nothing" by dire straits

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Tone Profile

A driving and powerful drum sound with a mix of tight, punchy close mics and roomy ambience, characterized by a gated reverb effect.

Shop This Rig

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Tama Superstar(instrument)
Shure SM57(microphone)
AMS RMX16(processing)
Neumann U87(mic)

The Story

The iconic drum sound on "Money for Nothing" was created by producer/engineer Neil Dorfsman at AIR Studios, London using a Tama Superstar drum kit. The signature element is the gated reverb effect achieved with an AMS RMX16 reverb unit, specifically using the "NonLin 2" patch. The drums were recorded with both close mics (Shure SM57) and room mics (Neumann U87), with the gated reverb applied to create the distinctive punchy, spacious sound that became synonymous with 1980s rock production.

Production Credits

Producer: Neil Dorfsman

Engineer: Neil Dorfsman

Recorded at: AIR Studios, London

Signal Chain

Instrument: Tama SuperstarShop on Reverb

Microphone: Shure SM57Shop on Reverb

Processing: AMS RMX16Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a well-tuned drum kit, focusing on a punchy kick and snare.
Experiment with different microphone placements to capture both the direct sound and room ambience.
Use an AMS RMX16 (or a plugin emulation) with the "NonLin 2" setting to achieve the gated reverb effect. Adjust the gate threshold and reverb time to taste.
Consider using compression to further shape the drum sounds, focusing on attack and sustain.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Universal Audio AMS RMX16 PluginPlugin Boutique$149-$299

Alternative to: AMS RMX16 with NonLin 2 patch

Official UAD emulation of the original RMX16 including the exact NonLin 2 patch used on the recording

Eventide SP2016 Reverb PluginPlugin Boutique$199-$249

Alternative to: AMS RMX16 with NonLin 2 patch

Includes authentic vintage digital reverb algorithms including gated reverb patches similar to the RMX16

Shure SM57Shop on Reverb$99-$109

Alternative to: Shure SM57 on drums

The exact same microphone model used in the original recording, still manufactured today with identical sound

Audio-Technica AT4050Shop on Reverb$399-$449

Alternative to: Neumann U87 room mics

Large diaphragm condenser that captures room ambience similarly to the U87 at a more accessible price point

Tama Starclassic Performer B/BShop on Reverb$899-$1299

Alternative to: Tama Superstar drums

Modern evolution of Tama's birch shell drums with similar punchy attack and sustain characteristics

Sources

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drums from “money for nothing” by dire straits | ToneDB