drums from “around the world” by red hot chili peppers | ToneDB
around the world
red hot chili peppers
drums
Tone Profile
Punchy, driving rock drums with a tight, slightly dry sound, emphasizing the snare and kick drum impact. The overall vibe is energetic and propulsive, fitting the song's upbeat tempo.
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The Story
The drums on "Around the World" were recorded by Jim Scott under producer Rick Rubin at Ocean Way Recording in Hollywood. Chad Smith's DW drums were captured using close-miking techniques including an AKG D112 on the kick drum and Shure SM57s on the snare, creating the tight, punchy sound. The controlled room ambience suggests the use of Ocean Way's well-treated studio spaces combined with careful microphone placement and processing.
Production Credits
Producer: Rick Rubin
Engineer: Jim Scott
Recorded at: Ocean Way Recording (Hollywood, CA)
Signal Chain
Instrument: DW DrumsShop on Reverb
Microphone: AKG D112Shop on Reverb
Recreation Tips
- Start with a DW drum kit known for its focused and punchy sound.
- Use close-miking techniques on each drum to capture a direct and detailed sound. A Shure SM57 on the snare and an AKG D112 on the kick are good starting points.
- Experiment with drum dampening (e.g., Moongel) to control sustain and overtones, achieving a tighter, more focused sound.
- Use compression sparingly to enhance the punch and impact of the kick and snare, but avoid over-compressing, which can flatten the dynamics.
- Consider using a console or preamp with a slight saturation to add warmth and character to the drums.
Original Gear
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- DW DrumsShop on Reverb(drums)
- Shure SM57Shop on Reverb(mic)
- AKG D112Shop on Reverb(mic)
Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: DW Drums
Modern birch shells provide similar punch and focus as DW drums with excellent tuning stability for tight rock tones
Alternative to: AKG D112
Direct successor to the original D112 with the same frequency response that captures tight, defined kick drum attack
Alternative to: Shure SM57
Still manufactured unchanged - the exact same mic used on the original recording for snare drum capture
Alternative to: Ocean Way Recording console
Provides the analog console warmth and saturation character of professional recording environments like Ocean Way
Alternative to: DW Drums
Same manufacturer as Chad Smith's kit with maple shells delivering the focused, punchy DW sound at a more accessible price point
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