What drum kit did Neil Peart use on YYZ?

Neil Peart used his Tama Superstar drum kit when recording "YYZ" for Rush's Moving Pictures album in 1981. This kit was known for its punchy, articulate sound that became part of his signature tone throughout the early 1980s.

How to get Neil Peart's drum sound on YYZ?

Focus on precise drum tuning, especially the snare, and use close mics on each drum with overhead mics for the full kit sound. Apply compression and EQ during mixing to enhance punch and clarity, and ensure each drum cuts through the mix with proper balance.

What microphones were used to record YYZ drums?

The drums were recorded with a combination of mics including AKG D12 on kick drum, Shure SM57 on snare, and AKG C451 for overheads. Neumann U87 mics were also used in the recording setup to capture the overall kit sound.

Who produced and engineered YYZ by Rush?

"YYZ" was produced by Terry Brown and engineered by Paul Northfield at Le Studio in Morin Heights, Quebec. This team was responsible for the crisp, punchy drum sound that became synonymous with Rush's Moving Pictures era.

What studio recorded YYZ drums?

The drums for "YYZ" were recorded at Le Studio in Morin Heights, Quebec. This studio was known for its excellent drum room acoustics and was a favorite recording location for Rush during the early 1980s.

drums from "yyz" by rush | built with ToneDB

yyz

rush

drums

75% ai confidence

Tone Profile

The drums have a tight, punchy sound with a good amount of clarity and attack, typical of Neil Peart's signature sound. The snare is particularly prominent, with a crisp and cutting tone, while the kick drum provides a solid, driving foundation.

Shop This Rig

ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

Tama Superstar(instrument)
AKG D12(microphone)
Neumann U87(mic)
Shure SM57(mic)
AKG C451(mic)

The Story

Neil Peart's drum sound on "YYZ" was recorded at Le Studio in Quebec with producer Terry Brown and engineer Paul Northfield. The track features Peart's Tama Superstar kit captured with a combination of close mics including AKG D12 on kick, Shure SM57 on snare, and overhead mics like the AKG C451. The tight, punchy sound comes from meticulous drum tuning and careful microphone placement, with compression and EQ applied during mixing to enhance the clarity and attack that became Neil's signature sound.

Production Credits

Producer: Terry Brown

Engineer: Paul Northfield

Recorded at: Le Studio, Morin Heights, Quebec

Signal Chain

Instrument: Tama SuperstarShop on Reverb

Microphone: AKG D12Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a well-tuned drum kit, paying close attention to the snare drum's tuning.
Experiment with different microphone placements to find the sweet spot for each drum.
Use compression and EQ to shape the drum sounds and enhance their impact.
Pay attention to the overall balance of the kit in the mix, ensuring that each drum is audible and contributes to the overall sound.

Original Gear

ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

Substitutions & Recommendations

Shure Beta 52AShop on Reverb$150-$200

Alternative to: AKG D12 kick drum mic

Provides similar punchy low-end response and attack capture for kick drums with modern reliability

Audio-Technica AT4050Shop on Reverb$400-$500

Alternative to: Neumann U87 overhead mic

Large diaphragm condenser that captures kit ambience and cymbals with clarity similar to the U87 at a lower price point

Rode M5 Matched PairShop on Reverb$200-$250

Alternative to: AKG C451 overhead/room mic

Small diaphragm condensers that provide crisp overhead capture with the clarity and attack needed for this tight drum sound

Tama Starclassic Walnut/BirchShop on Reverb$1200-$2000

Alternative to: Tama Superstar drum kit

Modern Tama kit with similar shell construction and tone characteristics to achieve that punchy, articulate sound

Universal Audio 1176 Collection PluginPlugin Boutique$300-$400

Alternative to: Analog console compression

Emulates the fast attack compression used on Peart's drums for that tight, controlled punch and sustain

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Community Insights

No community insights yet. Be the first to contribute!

TONEDB...

drums from “yyz” by rush | ToneDB

yyz