Tone Profile

A massively punchy and iconic 80s drum sound, defined by the innovative and heavy use of gated reverb on a Linn kick and a specially treated live snare, creating a huge yet tightly controlled percussive foundation.

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• Recorded primarily at Peter Gabriel's Ashcombe House studio (Somerset, UK) and The Townhouse Studios (London).
• Engineered by Kevin Killen and David Bascombe; Produced by Daniel Lanois and Peter Gabriel.
• The core beat combines a Linn LM-1 kick sample with a heavily processed live acoustic snare played by Manu Katché, made to sound like a Linn snare.
• The AMS RMX16 digital reverb, particularly its 'NonLin 2' preset, is the signature gated reverb sound applied to kick, snare, and toms.
• The Solid State Logic (SSL) 4000 E console was integral, used for its EQs, dynamics, and the famous Listen Mic Compressor (LMC) which created the explosive, gated room sound.
• Manu Katché overdubbed full acoustic drum parts, including fills and cymbals, adding dynamics and a human element to the programmed foundation.
• Extensive use of synchronization between the Linn drum machine, Fairlight CMI (for other samples and sequencing), and multitrack tape.

Recreation Tips

• Start with a punchy Linn LM-1 kick sample. For the snare, use a live acoustic snare and process it with EQ and a tight gate to emulate a Linn snare sound before applying gated reverb.
• The AMS RMX16 'NonLin 2' preset is key. Use a plugin emulation (e.g., UAD AMS RMX16, Valhalla VintageVerb's 'NonLin' mode, Arturia Rev INTENSITY) with a very short decay, no pre-delay, and a sharp gate to cut off the tail abruptly.
• Apply this gated reverb generously to the kick and snare. Experiment with it on toms as well.
• Use an SSL-style Listen Mic Compressor (LMC) plugin, either on a dedicated room mic track or in parallel on the drum bus, triggered by the kick and snare, to achieve the explosive, pumping room sound.
• Shape individual drums with SSL-style E-series EQs: boost highs for snare crack, add low-mid punch to the kick, and sculpt toms for clarity.
• Blend the programmed Linn kick with the processed live snare and Manu Katché-style acoustic fills and cymbals. The interplay is crucial.
• Ensure the kick and snare are very forward, punchy, and relatively dry apart from the distinct gated reverb effect.
• Use SSL-style bus compression on the overall drum group for cohesion and punch.

Recommended Gear

• Linn LM-1 Drum Machine (or high-quality samples/emulations like Aly James Lab VProm)(drum machine)
• AMS RMX16 Digital Reverb(effects unit)
• Universal Audio AMS RMX16 Plug-In(plugin)
• Valhalla DSP ValhallaVintageVerb(plugin)
• Solid State Logic SL 4000 E/G Series Console(console)
• SSL Native Channel Strip 2 & Bus Compressor 2 Plugins(plugin)
• SSL LMC+ Listen Mic Compressor Plugin(plugin)
• Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit (or similar high-quality acoustic drums/samples)(drums)
• Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphone(mic)
• Sennheiser MD421-II Dynamic Microphone(mic)
• AKG D112 MkII Bass Drum Microphone(mic)
• Neumann U87 Ai Condenser Microphone(mic)