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drum from “toxicity” by system of a down | ToneDB

toxicity

system of a down

drum

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Tone Profile

The drum sound on "Toxicity" is exceptionally punchy, tight, and aggressive, defined by a clicky, powerful kick, a cracking snare with significant body, and articulate toms, all driven forward by heavy compression and expert sample layering.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Kick Drum

Amp: Tama Starclassic Kick Drum (likely Maple or Bubinga/Birch, e.g., 22"x18")

Microphone: AKG D112 (inside, near beater) & Neumann U47 FET (outside)

Processing: SSL 4000 G+ Console EQ (boost highs for click, cut low-mids, boost lows for weight), SSL 4000 G+ Console Dynamics (compression for punch, gate for tightness), Likely blended with or replaced by samples by Andy Wallace during mixing (e.g., from his personal library)

Other: Recorded in Cello Studios, Studio 1. Tuned for attack and low-end punch. Evans EQ3/EMAD batter head.

Recording Notes

  • Drums were recorded by David Schiffman at Cello Studios (now EastWest Studios), Hollywood, CA, in Studio 1, primarily using its SSL 4000 G+ console.
  • The album "Toxicity" was mixed by Andy Wallace at Enterprise Studios, Burbank, CA, on an SSL G Series console.
  • John Dolmayan played a Tama Starclassic kit with Paiste cymbals.
  • A key characteristic of the drum sound is Andy Wallace's extensive use of drum samples (kick, snare, toms) from his personal library, which were blended with or replaced the original acoustic drum recordings to achieve extreme punch, consistency, and his signature sound.
  • The large live room at Cello Studio 1 played a significant role in the captured room ambience.
  • Meticulous tuning and fresh drum heads were likely used to maximize attack and tone from the acoustic kit before any sample replacement.

Recreation Tips

  • To emulate this sound, prioritize high-quality, punchy drum samples, especially for kick and snare. Consider libraries known for modern rock sounds (e.g., Steven Slate Drums, GetGood Drums, Toontrack Superior Drummer with appropriate EZX/SDX).
  • Blend these samples carefully with well-recorded acoustic drums or use them as full replacements, focusing on phase coherency.
  • Use aggressive EQ, typically SSL-style: boost high frequencies on kick (click) and snare (crack), scoop low-mids on kick and toms to remove boxiness, and enhance fundamental low frequencies.
  • Apply tight gating to kick and toms to eliminate bleed and unwanted sustain, contributing to the overall tightness.
  • Employ significant compression on individual drums (especially snare and kick) with fast attack times to shape transients and increase sustain/body. Consider 1176-style compression.
  • Heavily compress room mics (e.g., Urei 1176 'all buttons in' or Distressor 'Nuke' setting) and blend them into the mix to add size, energy, and depth.
  • Utilize parallel compression on the main drum bus or individual elements like the snare to add power and density without losing transient detail.
  • If using acoustic drums, tune them for maximum attack and clarity. Use appropriate heads like Remo CS Coated Black Dot on snare and Evans EQ3/EMAD on kick.

Sources