drums from “a forest” by the cure | ToneDB
a forest
the cure
drums
Tone Profile
The drum sound is defined by its cavernous reverb and slightly muffled attack, creating a sense of space and depth. It's both powerful and atmospheric, contributing significantly to the song's haunting mood.
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The Story
The iconic drum sound on "A Forest" was created using a Tama Superstar kit processed through a Boss CE-1 chorus pedal, recorded at Morgan Studios in London with Mike Hedges producing. The distinctive cavernous reverb and gated decay were achieved through a combination of room miking and studio reverb processing, creating the vast, haunting atmosphere that defines the track.
Production Credits
Producer: Mike Hedges
Engineer: Mike Hedges
Recorded at: Morgan Studios, London
Signal Chain
Instrument: Tama SuperstarShop on Reverb
Processing: Boss CE-1Shop on Reverb
Recreation Tips
- Start with a dry drum recording, focusing on a tight, punchy sound.
- Experiment with different reverb plugins or hardware units to find a suitable cavernous reverb. A plate reverb or hall reverb can work well.
- Use a gate to control the decay of the reverb, creating a more abrupt and rhythmic effect.
- Consider using EQ to shape the reverb, cutting some of the low-end rumble and boosting the high-end for a brighter, more ethereal sound.
Original Gear
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- Boss CE-1Shop on Reverb(pedal)
- Tama SuperstarShop on Reverb(drums)
Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Tama Superstar kit
Modern Tama kit with similar warm maple shells that provide the full, resonant tone needed for this atmospheric sound
Alternative to: Boss CE-1 chorus on drums
Modern recreation of vintage Boss chorus circuits, provides the subtle modulation and width that enhances the ethereal drum character
Alternative to: Studio gated reverb
Includes authentic 80s gated reverb algorithms that can recreate the abrupt, rhythmic reverb decay characteristic of this track
Alternative to: Morgan Studios room reverb
Professional hall and plate reverbs that can create the vast, cavernous space heard on the original recording
Alternative to: Studio gated reverb
Hardware reverb unit with gating capabilities for recreating the controlled reverb decay without plugins
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
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