drums from “roxanne” by the police | ToneDB
roxanne
the police
drums
Tone Profile
The drums have a tight, dry sound with a focused attack, characteristic of 1970s/80s rock recordings, but with more upper mid frequencies emphasized. The overall vibe is punchy and controlled, fitting perfectly within the band's signature reggae-influenced rock sound.
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The Story
The drum sound on "Roxanne" was recorded at Surrey Sound Studios with engineer Nigel Gray using a Tama Superstar kit. The drums were close-miked with AKG D12 on kick, Shure SM57s on snare/toms, and Neumann U87s on cymbals, creating the tight, punchy sound that fits the song's reggae-influenced rock style. Stewart Copeland's playing technique, including his use of rimshots and cross-sticking, contributed significantly to the distinctive character of the recorded drums.
Production Credits
Producer: The Police
Engineer: Nigel Gray
Recorded at: Surrey Sound Studios (Leatherhead, Surrey)
Signal Chain
Instrument: Tama SuperstarShop on Reverb
Microphone: AKG D12Shop on Reverb
Recreation Tips
- Use a Tama Superstar drum kit or similar maple-shelled kit for a comparable tonal foundation.
- Opt for coated drumheads on the snare and toms to dampen sustain and focus the attack.
- Tune the drums slightly higher to achieve a tight, resonant sound with a clear fundamental pitch.
- Experiment with close-miking techniques, placing microphones a few inches from the drumheads, to capture the direct sound and minimize bleed.
- Apply compression to individual drum tracks to control dynamics and enhance sustain, aiming for a punchy and consistent sound.
- Use a short, tight room reverb or plate reverb to add a subtle sense of space and ambience without washing out the clarity of the drums.
- Apply EQ to enhance the attack and presence of the snare, kick, and toms, focusing on frequencies between 2kHz and 5kHz for added cut and clarity.
- Experiment with gate settings to further tighten up the drum sounds, reducing sustain and minimizing unwanted noise or spill.
Original Gear
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Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: AKG D12
Provides similar focused low-end response and attack characteristics for kick drum, offering that tight punchy sound at a budget-friendly price
Alternative to: Neumann U87
Delivers comparable warmth and detail for overhead cymbal capture without the premium price of the U87
Alternative to: Tama Superstar
Modern evolution of the Superstar line with similar maple shell construction and tight, focused tone characteristics
Alternative to: Recording chain compression
Provides the classic FET compression character that helps achieve that controlled, punchy drum sound from the era
Alternative to: Room reverb
Recreates the tight, controlled room reverb sound typical of late 70s productions without washing out clarity
Sources
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