drums from “billie jean” by michael jackson | ToneDB

billie jean

michael jackson

drums

85% ai confidence

Tone Profile

Tight, punchy, and somewhat dry electronic drums with a distinct 80s vibe, characterized by a prominent kick and snare with gated reverb. The sound is clean and impactful, designed to drive the rhythm of the song.

Production Credits

Producer: Quincy Jones

Engineer: Bruce Swedien

Recorded at: Westlake Recording Studios, Los Angeles

Signal Chain

Instrument: LinnDrum

Recording Notes

  • The drum sounds were primarily synthesized using a LinnDrum machine, which provided the core rhythmic elements.
  • The kick drum was heavily processed to achieve a tight, punchy sound, likely involving EQ and compression.
  • Gated reverb was applied to the snare drum to create a characteristic 80s sound with a short, abrupt decay.
  • Additional synth elements, possibly from a Yamaha CS-80, were used to augment and fatten the drum sounds.
  • Multiple passes and layers of synthesized percussion were likely used to create a full and dynamic arrangement.

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a LinnDrum sample library or virtual instrument to get the basic drum sounds.
  • Use a compressor to tighten up the kick drum and make it punchier.
  • Apply a gated reverb to the snare drum, adjusting the gate time for the desired effect.
  • Experiment with synth layers to add depth and complexity to the drum sounds.
  • Pay attention to the overall mix, ensuring that the drums are prominent but not overwhelming.

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