drums from “everybody wants to rule the world” by tears for fears | ToneDB

everybody wants to rule the world

tears for fears

drums

75% ai confidence

Tone Profile

The drum sound is characterized by its gated reverb, punchy attack, and overall spaciousness, contributing significantly to the song's iconic 1980s pop sound. It's a blend of electronic and acoustic elements, creating a unique and memorable rhythmic foundation.

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The Story

The drum sound on 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World' was recorded at Townhouse Studios in London, combining acoustic Ludwig drums with Simmons SDS-V electronic drums. The signature gated reverb effect was achieved using an AMS RMX16 reverb unit with noise gating, creating the characteristic punchy yet spacious 1980s drum sound.

Production Credits

Producer: Chris Hughes

Engineer: Dave Bascombe

Recorded at: Townhouse Studios, London

Signal Chain

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Ludwig drum kit and a Simmons SDS-V drum module.
  • Use a Neumann U47 as overheads to capture the kit's overall sound.
  • Apply a generous amount of gated reverb using a plugin modeled after the AMS RMX16. Experiment with the gate's threshold and release time to achieve the desired effect.
  • Blend the electronic and acoustic drum sounds to taste, paying attention to the balance between the punchy electronic elements and the natural ambience of the acoustic kit.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Alternative to: Simmons SDS-V electronic drums

Provides authentic 80s electronic drum sounds with the punch and character needed to blend with acoustic elements

Alternative to: AMS RMX16 reverb with gating

Includes classic gated reverb algorithms that recreate the AMS RMX16's signature sound with precise gate controls

Alternative to: AMS RMX16 reverb

Accurate emulation of classic Lexicon reverbs with built-in gating, perfect for recreating 80s gated reverb effects

Alternative to: Neumann U47 overhead mic

Multi-pattern tube condenser that captures drum overheads with similar warmth and presence as vintage Neumann mics

Alternative to: Ludwig acoustic drum kit

Includes meticulously sampled vintage Ludwig kits recorded in professional studios with multiple mic positions

Alternative to: Simmons SDS-V

Features authentic 80s electronic drum samples and the ability to layer with acoustic sounds for hybrid setups

Frequently Asked Questions

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