Greg Wells shares his approach for adding depth and character to drum recordings using a mono kit mic, inspired by Eric Valentine. By positioning a mic like a U47 horizontally over the kick drum, angled towards the beater, Wells captures a focused, punchy sound.
He enhances this mono mic signal with EQ and compression, adding low-end frequencies around 60-100 Hz and using compressors like a 1176, Distressor or LA-2A to squash the signal liberally. This processing creates a sound that, while potentially unusable on its own, blends beautifully with the rest of the drum kit to add weight and depth.
Wells emphasizes the unique quality of mono mics, which can be cranked without becoming overwhelming, maintaining focus and clarity. They are particularly effective for enhancing the low-end of the kick drum, snare, and toms, providing a rich, full-bodied drum sound.