How to Track and Mix Natural-Sounding Metal Drums with Plugins

Feb 25, 2020 | 58,086 Views

Watch producer/engineer Adair Daufembach record and mix acclaimed metal drummer Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth, Cadaver), using Waves plugins to get authentic metal drum tones without samples and drum replacement, for both tracking and the final mix.

When recording a drummer, it’s critical to provide the right monitor mix so that the performer can hear subtle nuances of their own playing, especially in heavy genres like metal where the mix is busy. In Metal mixes, drum replacement has become the standard, but it can often sound too artificial.

In this video, Adair explores using Waves plugins to overcome both issues: giving the drummer that punchy, tight monitor mix, and achieving an impactful heavy drum sound without using sample replacement. We’re also offering free drum presets below!

[{"nodeGUID":"45f5c2c5-9bcf-45c6-a874-964a77c10332","nodeID":282,"documentName":"SSL G-Master Buss Compressor","documentUrlPath":"/plugins/ssl-g-master-buss-compressor","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/ssl-g-master-buss-compressor.png","msrp":249.000000000,"skuPrice":39.990000000,"discount":84,"mainOrder":10011,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":329,"skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"SSLGMBTDM","note":"","documentPageDescription":"Modeled on the master buss center compressor of the SSL 4000 G console, the SSL G-Master Buss Compressor plugin captures every nuance of the original\u2019s unique sound.","tagline":"\u201CGlue\u201D tracks into a smooth, cohesive mix","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Modeling","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demo":false,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":1,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":946,"rating":4.85307,"saleEndDate":"2022-12-08T08:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""},{"nodeGUID":"58f99d60-7bbe-4800-85cd-0d3b5cee7805","nodeID":199,"documentName":"L2 Ultramaximizer","documentUrlPath":"/plugins/l2-ultramaximizer","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/l2-ultramaximizer.png","msrp":299.000000000,"skuPrice":35.990000000,"discount":88,"mainOrder":10019,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":132,"skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"V5-L2T4A","note":"","documentPageDescription":"With look-ahead brickwall peak limiting, level maximization, and ultra high resolution, the L2 peak limiter plugin is a powerful tool for mixing, mastering, and more. ","tagline":"Classic look-ahead brickwall peak limiter and level maximizer","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Mastering \u0026 Limiters","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demo":false,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":2,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":521,"rating":4.85029,"saleEndDate":"2022-12-08T08:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""},{"nodeGUID":"f3dd0689-4c8c-4074-b1ff-7e086c118779","nodeID":278,"documentName":"SSL E-Channel","documentUrlPath":"/plugins/ssl-e-channel","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/ssl-e-channel.png","msrp":249.000000000,"skuPrice":35.990000000,"discount":86,"mainOrder":10021,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":325,"skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"SSLECHTDM","note":"","documentPageDescription":"Developed under license from Solid State Logic, the SSL E-Channel strip plugin delivers the incomparable sound of the SSL 4000 Series console dynamics and EQ.","tagline":"The classic SSL console sound: 4-band EQ, compressor/limiter, expander/gate","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Modeling","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demo":false,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":2,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":885,"rating":4.85763,"saleEndDate":"2022-12-08T08:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""},{"nodeGUID":"bcb68b0e-4d67-4ef9-9fbc-b3f75ae1c01e","nodeID":92,"documentName":"Abbey Road Chambers","documentUrlPath":"/plugins/abbey-road-chambers","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/abbey-road-chambers.png","msrp":199.000000000,"skuPrice":35.990000000,"discount":82,"mainOrder":10025,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":708,"skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"ABRDCHB","note":"","documentPageDescription":"Get the reverberating sounds of the legendary Abbey Road Studio Two echo chamber, complete with Abbey Road\u0027s long-lost S.T.E.E.D. setup \u2013 create everything from beautiful natural chamber reverb to surging delay cascades.","tagline":"Immerse your music in historic chamber reverbs","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Reverb","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demo":false,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":1,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":570,"rating":4.70526,"saleEndDate":"2022-12-08T08:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""},{"nodeGUID":"780e005f-f8c6-4a2c-9162-e6b94e9fa19a","nodeID":235,"documentName":"NLS Non-Linear Summer","documentUrlPath":"/plugins/nls-non-linear-summer","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/nls-non-linear-summer.png","msrp":299.000000000,"skuPrice":29.990000000,"discount":90,"mainOrder":10034,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":361,"skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"NLSTDM","note":"","documentPageDescription":"NLS Non-Linear Summer plugin delivers the ultimate analog summing sound in-the-box, featuring three legendary virtual consoles with over 100 individually modeled channels in all.","tagline":"Mix through 3 high-end analog consoles","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Modeling","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demo":false,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":1,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":490,"rating":4.79796,"saleEndDate":"2022-12-08T08:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""},{"nodeGUID":"d291df9d-afd8-4e0d-ba5e-f46a046ac6cc","nodeID":276,"documentName":"Smack Attack","documentUrlPath":"/plugins/smack-attack-transient-shaper","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/smack-attack-transient-shaper.png","msrp":79.000000000,"skuPrice":29.990000000,"discount":62,"mainOrder":10047,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":624,"skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"SMATCK","note":"","documentPageDescription":"Add smack and bite to drums, loops, synth hits and all percussive sounds by designing the level, shape and duration of their transients\u2019 attack and sustain \u2013 from surgical tweaks to savage effects.","tagline":"Emphasize, tame, and shape drums and percussion","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Compressors","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demo":false,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":1,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":330,"rating":4.83636,"saleEndDate":"2022-12-08T08:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""},{"nodeGUID":"7c2ee68e-48f4-48e2-b8c3-970c9335dbb4","nodeID":281,"documentName":"SSL G-Equalizer","documentUrlPath":"/plugins/ssl-g-equalizer","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/ssl-g-equalizer.png","msrp":199.000000000,"skuPrice":29.990000000,"discount":85,"mainOrder":10059,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":327,"skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"SSLGEQTDM","note":"","documentPageDescription":"Modeled on the SSL G Series EQ292, the 4-band SSL G-Equalizer EQ plugin includes a pre-boost dip and a pre-cut rise as well as a broad Q for extreme equalization.","tagline":"4-band equalizer models the SSL G Series EQ 292","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Modeling","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demo":false,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":1,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":163,"rating":4.82822,"saleEndDate":"2022-12-08T08:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""},{"nodeGUID":"267e6e6f-1bcb-43cd-815b-e173d568e7b1","nodeID":124,"documentName":"CLA MixHub","documentUrlPath":"/plugins/cla-mixhub","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/cla-mixhub.png","msrp":199.000000000,"skuPrice":35.990000000,"discount":82,"mainOrder":10060,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":744,"skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"CLMH","note":"","documentPageDescription":"The first plugin of its kind, CLA MixHub captures the smooth console workflow and rich analog sound of legendary mixer Chris Lord-Alge. Mix up to 64 tracks \u2013 all from the same plugin window \u2013 using channel strips modeled from CLA\u2019s personal console.","tagline":"Mix with classic console sound and a fast, efficient workflow","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Channel Strip Plugins","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demo":false,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":1,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":407,"rating":4.62408,"saleEndDate":"2022-12-08T08:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""},{"nodeGUID":"3887064b-6daf-4a42-bd7e-d8083371960e","nodeID":114,"documentName":"C4 Multiband Compressor","documentUrlPath":"/plugins/c4-multiband-compressor","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/c4-multiband-compressor.png","msrp":149.000000000,"skuPrice":29.990000000,"discount":80,"mainOrder":10073,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":79,"skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"V5-C4D40","note":"","documentPageDescription":"A uniquely powerful dynamics processor, C4 Multiband Compressor plugin features 4 bands of up and down expansion, limiting, and compression plus dynamic EQ and standard EQ.","tagline":"4-band multiband dynamics and equalization","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Compressors","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demo":false,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":2,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":240,"rating":4.825,"saleEndDate":"2022-12-08T08:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""},{"nodeGUID":"6e87da58-7bde-4b9f-9719-96b040f9a231","nodeID":118,"documentName":"CLA Drums","documentUrlPath":"/plugins/cla-drums","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/cla-drums.png","msrp":99.000000000,"skuPrice":35.990000000,"discount":64,"mainOrder":10114,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":424,"skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"CLDRSG","note":"","documentPageDescription":"Created in collaboration with Grammy\u0026reg;-winning mixer Chris Lord-Alge, the CLA Drums plugin delivers the radio-ready rock drum sound of Green Day, Nickelback, and Lifehouse.","tagline":"Multi-effects for 6 different drum miking positions","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Signature Series","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demo":false,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":1,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":186,"rating":4.63441,"saleEndDate":"2022-12-08T08:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""},{"nodeGUID":"dfa0e177-5ad9-4b89-ba7f-6fd3b428a6af","nodeID":265,"documentName":"Renaissance Equalizer","documentUrlPath":"/plugins/renaissance-equalizer","thumb":"https://media.wavescdn.com/images/products/plugins/600/renaissance-equalizer.png","msrp":79.000000000,"skuPrice":29.990000000,"discount":62,"mainOrder":10121,"includedInSBS":0,"skuid":192,"skuParentSKUID":0,"skuEnabled":true,"skuNumber":"V5-RQD40","note":"","documentPageDescription":"An intuitive, analog-style 6-band paragraphic EQ, with variable filter types, vintage-sounding curves, and a real-time frequency analyzer. A favorite for countless Grammy-winning producers and engineers.","tagline":"6-band equalizer with multiple curve options ","departmentID":2,"gsfCategory":"Equalizers","fixedPosition":false,"expectedShipping":"","productID":0,"upgrades":false,"demo":false,"isInventory":false,"manualPDF":"","sbsIncludedIn":2,"addToCartStatus":0,"isWishlist":true,"couponCode":"","couponCampaignID":0,"couponPrice":0.00,"couponStripeHTML":"","numberOfLessons":0,"courseDurationHours":0.00,"numberOfPlugins":0,"upgradeTargetID":0,"parentSKUNumber":"","categoryDisplayName":"","isProductOptions":false,"variantsMinimalPrice":0.000000000,"isVariantsPriceSame":false,"isPreorder":false,"optionOrder":0,"optionName":"","reviewsTotal":101,"rating":4.81188,"saleEndDate":"2022-12-08T08:00:00","badgeClass":"","badgeText":""}]

Loading....