Tone Profile

The drum sound is characterized by its massive, roomy, and slightly muffled quality, contributing to the song's epic and dramatic atmosphere. It's a sound that's both powerful and controlled, providing a solid foundation for the complex arrangement.

Production Credits

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• The drum sound for 'Bohemian Rhapsody' was recorded in multiple studios, including Sarm Studios, Roundhouse Studios, Scorpio Sound, and Rockfield Studios.
• It is believed that the drums were recorded with a combination of close mics and distant mics to capture the room ambience.
• The Glyn Johns mic technique may have been employed, to capture a balanced kit sound with minimal microphones.

Recreation Tips

• Start with a Ludwig Super Classic drum kit, or a similar vintage kit known for its warm and resonant tone.
• Use a combination of close mics (such as Neumann U67 on snare and toms) and room mics (such as AKG C12) to capture both the detail and the ambience of the kit.
• Experiment with microphone placement to find the sweet spot for your room.
• Consider using the Glyn Johns method for an authentic vintage drum sound.
• Use compression sparingly to maintain the natural dynamics of the kit.
• Add a touch of reverb to enhance the room ambience, but be careful not to overdo it.
• EQ the drums to taste, but aim for a balanced and natural sound.

Recommended Gear

• Ludwig Super Classic(drums)
• Neumann U67(mic)
• AKG C12(mic)