 The band arrived with suggestions for the drum sounds. Primary concern was for the modern-sounding snare, with its 'boingy' tone and 'thwacky' attack. We asked Puig to bring out the snare's 'marchiness' factor, emphasizing the snap of the snare bands by reducing the compressor's release time. Puig immediately understood our request and suggested using a mic beneath the drum.
The drum doctor tuned the snare drum to increase its snare response while Puig added a bottom mic and adjusted the compressor settings. He eq'd the signal to further boost the snare band's metallic snap. The band was eventually satisfied.
By 2:00 we were ready to roll tape on the rhythm tracks for MISTER BROWN. Take 6 was best. |
 Puig tended to place several different mics on the same instrument to facilitate rapid comparison and selection in the control room. As Urbano hit the drums, Puig would audition each mic against the others by flicking switches on the mixing console. Whenever a band member voiced a complaint about a sound, Puig would select the group of mics that would produce the desired effect.
 Winegar and I urged Puig to compress the drums into submission. An exasperated Puig responded, "I'm trying to make it as wimpy as possible."
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