drums from “they don't care about us” by michael jackson | ToneDB
they don't care about us
michael jackson
drums
Tone Profile
Aggressive and punchy drums, with a raw, slightly gritty edge, and a strong rhythmic drive. The overall vibe is energetic and commanding, fitting the song's protest theme.
The Story
The drums on "They Don't Care About Us" were recorded by engineer Bruce Swedien at Hit Factory in New York, with Teddy Riley producing. The session utilized DW drums with a combination of close and overhead mics including AKG D12, Shure SM57, and Neumann U87/U47 microphones. Heavy compression during tracking and mixing created the signature punchy, aggressive sound that drives the track.
Production Credits
Producer: Teddy Riley
Engineer: Bruce Swedien
Recorded at: Hit Factory, New York
Recreation Tips
- Start with a well-tuned DW drum kit and experiment with head selection.
- Use a combination of close mics (AKG D12 on kick, Shure SM57 on snare) and overhead mics (Neumann U87/U47) to capture the kit.
- Experiment with mic placement to find the sweet spot for each drum.
- Apply compression to individual drums and the drum bus to enhance punch and glue the kit together.
- Consider adding a touch of saturation or distortion to the kick and snare for added aggression.
- Use EQ to shape the overall tone of the drums, focusing on the low-end for punch and the high-end for clarity.
- Pay close attention to the groove and feel of the original recording and try to replicate it as closely as possible.
Original Gear
- DW Drums(drums)
- AKG D12(mic)
- Shure SM57(mic)
- Neumann U87(mic)
- Neumann U47(mic)
Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: AKG D12 kick drum mic
Modern successor to the D12 with enhanced low-end response and attack, perfect for capturing that punchy Michael Jackson kick drum sound
Alternative to: Neumann U87 overhead mic
Faithful recreation of the U87 circuit and capsule design at a fraction of the cost, capturing similar overhead clarity and presence
Alternative to: Neumann U47 overhead mic
Dual-capsule design with U47 modeling capabilities provides vintage tube warmth and compression characteristics of the original
Alternative to: Bruce Swedien's compression techniques
Accurate models of the 1176 compressors Swedien frequently used, essential for achieving that punchy, controlled drum sound
Alternative to: DW Drums
Quality birch/poplar shells that can be tuned for similar punch and attack as DW drums, budget-friendly option for the core sound
Frequently Asked Questions
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