What drum kit did Dave Grohl use on Lithium?

Dave Grohl used a Ludwig drum kit when recording Lithium at Smart Studios. The specific model hasn't been definitively documented, but it was a Ludwig kit that provided the warm, punchy tone heard on the track.

What mics were used on Nirvana Lithium drums?

The drums on Lithium were recorded using Shure SM57s for close-miking individual drums and Neumann U87s as overhead mics. Room microphones were also used to capture the ambient space of Smart Studios.

Who recorded the drums on Nirvana Lithium?

Butch Vig recorded and produced the drums on Lithium at Smart Studios in Madison, Wisconsin. Vig was known for his ability to capture powerful, punchy drum sounds that balanced direct attack with room ambience.

How to get Dave Grohl drum sound on Lithium?

Start with a well-tuned Ludwig kit, dampen the kick drum for controlled attack, and use a combination of close mics (SM57s) and overhead condensers. Add subtle compression for punch and include room mics for ambient depth.

What studio was Lithium recorded at?

Lithium was recorded at Smart Studios in Madison, Wisconsin with producer Butch Vig. The studio's room sound contributed significantly to the controlled yet spacious drum tone on the track.

drums from "lithium" by nirvana

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Tone Profile

A raw and powerful, yet somewhat controlled, drum sound with a good balance of attack and sustain. The drums are punchy and present without being overly aggressive, fitting the dynamic shifts of the song.

Shop This Rig

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Ludwig Drum Kit(instrument)
Neumann U87(microphone)
Shure SM57(mic)

The Story

The drum sound on Nirvana's "Lithium" was recorded by Butch Vig at Smart Studios in Madison, Wisconsin, using Dave Grohl's Ludwig kit. The recording utilized a combination of close-miking with Shure SM57s on individual drums and Neumann U87s as overheads, plus room mics to capture the ambient space. The kick drum was dampened to control sustain and emphasize attack, while subtle compression was used to enhance the overall punch and control dynamics.

Production Credits

Producer: Butch Vig

Engineer: Butch Vig

Recorded at: Smart Studios (Madison, WI)

Signal Chain

Instrument: Ludwig Drum KitShop on Reverb

Microphone: Neumann U87Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a well-tuned drum kit, focusing on a balanced and resonant sound.
Experiment with different microphone placements to find the right balance of direct sound and room ambience.
Use subtle compression to control dynamics and enhance the overall punch of the drums.
Consider using EQ to shape the tone of individual drums and create a cohesive sound.
Use samples of similar-sounding drum kits for reference, and be prepared to make adjustments to your recording and mixing techniques to achieve the desired result.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Ludwig Classic Maple 4-Piece Shell PackShop on Reverb$1200-$1500

Alternative to: Ludwig Drum Kit

Matches the tonal characteristics of Dave Grohl's original Ludwig kit with maple shells that provide the warm, punchy sound heard on Lithium

Audio-Technica AT4050Shop on Reverb$350-$400

Alternative to: Neumann U87

Multi-pattern condenser mic that captures overhead cymbal detail and room ambience like the original U87 at a more accessible price point

Shure SM57Shop on Reverb$90-$110

Alternative to: Shure SM57

The exact same dynamic mic used for close-miking individual drums, still manufactured and essential for that direct, punchy drum sound

Steven Slate Drums 5Plugin Boutique$149-$199

Alternative to: Smart Studios room sound

Includes samples recorded with vintage Neve consoles and similar mic techniques to recreate that controlled room ambience and punch

Universal Audio 1176 Classic Limiter PluginPlugin Boutique$199-$299

Alternative to: Butch Vig's compression technique

Provides the subtle compression characteristics used to enhance punch and control dynamics on the original recording

Sources

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drums from “lithium” by nirvana | ToneDB