What drum machine did Massive Attack use on Teardrop?

Massive Attack used a Roland TR-808 drum machine on 'Teardrop' to provide the low-end foundation and rhythmic backbone. This was layered with acoustic drums to create the track's distinctive hybrid sound.

How to get Massive Attack Teardrop drum sound?

To recreate the 'Teardrop' drum sound, blend acoustic drums with TR-808 samples, keeping the acoustic drums relatively dry. Use compression with harmonic saturation (like a Distressor) on the acoustic elements and carefully balance the electronic and organic elements.

Who produced Teardrop by Massive Attack?

Neil Davidge produced 'Teardrop' with engineering by Lee Shephard. Davidge was a key collaborator with Massive Attack during this period and helped shape their signature sound.

What compressor was used on Teardrop drums?

An Empirical Labs Distressor was used on the acoustic drums in 'Teardrop' to add punch and harmonic distortion. SSL console compressors were also used in the signal chain for additional dynamics control.

How were Teardrop drums recorded?

The drums were recorded using a combination of acoustic drums captured with microphones like the Neumann U87, then blended with Roland TR-808 drum machine sounds. The acoustic drums were kept relatively dry to maintain the tight, controlled character of the track.

drums from "teardrop" by massive attack

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Tone Profile

The drum sound in "Teardrop" is characterized by its dry, punchy, and somewhat lo-fi quality. It provides a solid rhythmic foundation with a slightly gritty edge, blending acoustic and electronic elements.

Shop This Rig

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Ludwig Drum Kit(instrument)
Neumann U87(microphone)
Empirical Labs Distressor(processing)
Roland TR-808(drums)
SSL EQ(eq)
SSL Compressor(compressor)

The Story

The drum sound on 'Teardrop' was created by producer Neil Davidge and engineer Lee Shephard through a combination of acoustic drums and the classic Roland TR-808 drum machine. The acoustic drums were processed through an Empirical Labs Distressor for punch and harmonic saturation, while the TR-808 provided the low-end foundation. The overall approach emphasized a dry, controlled sound that blended organic and electronic elements seamlessly.

Production Credits

Producer: Neil Davidge

Engineer: Lee Shephard

Recorded at: Christ Church, Clifton, Bristol

Signal Chain

Instrument: Ludwig Drum KitShop on Reverb

Microphone: Neumann U87Shop on Reverb

Processing: Empirical Labs DistressorShop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a dry-sounding acoustic drum kit, focusing on tight snare and kick sounds.
Layer in a Roland TR-808 for the low-end thump and rhythmic drive.
Use a high-pass filter on the acoustic drums to remove excessive low frequencies and prevent muddiness.
Apply the Empirical Labs Distressor for punch and harmonic distortion, particularly on the snare and kick.
Mix the acoustic and electronic elements carefully, balancing their levels and EQ to create a cohesive sound.
Consider adding a subtle reverb to the overall drum mix to create depth and space, but keep it minimal to retain the dry character.

Original Gear

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Ludwig Drum KitShop on Reverb(drums)
Neumann U87Shop on Reverb(mic)
Empirical Labs DistressorShop on Reverb(compressor)
Roland TR-808Shop on Reverb(drums)
SSL EQShop on Reverb(eq)
SSL CompressorShop on Reverb(compressor)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Roland TR-8SShop on Reverb$400-$450

Alternative to: Roland TR-808

Modern hardware drum machine with authentic 808 samples and the ability to layer with acoustic drums

Klark Teknik EQP-KTShop on Reverb$150-$200

Alternative to: Empirical Labs Distressor

Affordable hardware compressor that can add punch and harmonic saturation to drum tracks

SSL Native X-EQ 2Plugin Boutique$150-$200

Alternative to: SSL Console EQ and Compressor

Official SSL plugin recreation of their classic console EQ and dynamics for shaping drum bus

Audio-Technica AT4040Shop on Reverb$300-$350

Alternative to: Neumann U87

Large diaphragm condenser mic suitable for drum overheads with similar clarity characteristics

XLN Audio XOPlugin Boutique$180-$220