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

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!

Log in to download Adair and Dirk’s free plugin presets for tracking and mixing metal drums:

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