What drum kit was used on Sultans of Swing?

The drums on "Sultans of Swing" were recorded using a Ludwig Super Classic kit. This vintage Ludwig series was known for its warm, punchy sound that worked well in studio settings.

What microphones were used on Sultans of Swing drums?

The drum sound was captured using an AKG D12 microphone on the kick drum and a Shure SM57 on the snare drum. Overhead microphones were also used to capture the overall kit sound and room ambience.

How to get Dire Straits drum sound?

Focus on careful microphone placement, tune the snare high and tight, and use minimal processing during recording. The key is capturing a clean, controlled room sound with punchy close-miked drums and balanced overheads.

Where was Sultans of Swing recorded?

"Sultans of Swing" was recorded at Pathway Studios in London with producer Muff Winwood. The studio's well-treated rooms contributed to the clean, controlled drum sound on the track.

What reverb was used on Sultans of Swing drums?

The drums feature minimal reverb processing, with most of the ambience coming from the natural room sound at Pathway Studios. Any additional reverb was likely added subtly during mixing to enhance the snare's presence.

drums from "sultans of swing" by dire straits

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Tone Profile

Clean and crisp vintage drum sound with a tight, controlled room ambience. The kit has a balanced sound with a clear snare and punchy kick.

Shop This Rig

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Ludwig Super Classic(instrument)
AKG D12(microphone)
Shure SM57(mic)

The Story

"Sultans of Swing" was recorded at Pathway Studios in London with producer Muff Winwood. The drum sound was built around a Ludwig kit with careful microphone placement, using an AKG D12 on the kick drum and Shure SM57 on the snare. The approach focused on capturing a clean, controlled room sound with minimal processing during tracking, allowing the natural character of the drums and room to come through.

Production Credits

Producer: Muff Winwood

Engineer: Gregg Geller

Recorded at: Pathway Studios, London

Signal Chain

Instrument: Ludwig Super ClassicShop on Reverb

Microphone: AKG D12Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a vintage Ludwig Super Classic or similar kit with coated heads for a controlled resonance.
Tune the snare drum high and tight for a crisp, cutting sound.
Use a combination of close mics (AKG D12 on kick, Shure SM57 on snare) and overheads to capture the kit's overall sound.
Experiment with microphone placement to find the sweet spot for each drum.
Use minimal compression and EQ during tracking.
In the mix, use subtractive EQ to remove any unwanted frequencies and further shape the sound.
Add a touch of plate reverb to the snare to enhance its presence and sustain.

Original Gear

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Ludwig Super ClassicShop on Reverb(drums)
AKG D12Shop on Reverb(mic)
Shure SM57Shop on Reverb(mic)

Substitutions & Recommendations

AKG D112Shop on Reverb$150-$200

Alternative to: AKG D12 kick drum microphone

Direct descendant of the D12 with similar frequency response optimized for kick drums, maintaining that vintage punch and clarity

Shure Beta 52AShop on Reverb$120-$160

Alternative to: AKG D12 kick drum microphone

Budget alternative that delivers tight, punchy kick drum sound with good low-end control similar to the D12's characteristics

Shure SM57Shop on Reverb$100-$120

Alternative to: Shure SM57 snare microphone

Still manufactured and unchanged - the exact same microphone used on the original recording

Ludwig Classic MapleShop on Reverb$1200-$2500

Alternative to: Ludwig Super Classic drum kit

Modern Ludwig kit that captures the vintage warmth and punch of the original Super Classic series

Waves Abbey Road ChambersPlugin Boutique$30-$80

Alternative to: Pathway Studios room sound

Provides controlled vintage room ambience that matches the crisp but not overly dry character of the original

Sources

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drums from “sultans of swing” by dire straits | ToneDB