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Ask Rudy

September 12, 2000

Q: How can I get a more defined kick drum sound?

Hi, Brian:
There are two ways to attack this problem. First, at the source -- the way you strike the drum will affect the sound. Second, in the mix -- careful processing can bring the sound into focus. I'll address each in turn below.

Note: To help answer Brian's question, I asked him to send an MP3 of his kick drum without any processing. (Folks, please don't send me sound files unless I request 'em!) To illustrate the sound he's striving for, Brian also included a clip by Creed.

Let's listen to Brian's kick straight off the mic. Not a bad sound, but we can hear the "thud" Brian wants to remove.

Listen:

Brian's MP3 (71.5 KB)

Now, here's the sound he wants. This is an excerpt of the song "Wrong Way" from Creed's latest CD, Human Clay. This kick has a very sharp attack. While Brian is using a felt beater, I'm guessing Creed's drummer Scott Phillips uses a wood or plastic beater to get that "snap." Still, we can get Brian's sound closer to his goal with some signal processing.

Listen:

Creed MP3 (214 KB)

Start with EQ. Add +10dB at 5kHz, for more snap. Cut -4dB at 125Hz to reduce the thud. Here's the curve from the Waves Renaissance EQ I used for this step.

Now, listen to the kick with the EQ. Much snappier, no?

Listen:

EQ MP3 (71.5 KB)

Next, lets add a bit of compression. Use a medium-fast attack to let the drum's "click" sound come through before the compressor clamps down. I used a 10ms attack, medium release, and a ratio of about 2.5:1. The threshold was set for -4 to -6dB gain reduction. The compression takes the sound to the next level, adding a bit more snap and fullness. But listen closely: The squeaking kick drum pedal is getting louder, and there is some hiss because of our large 5kHz boost.

Listen:

EQ and Compression MP3 (71.5 KB)

Last step: gate that puppy! A gate with a fast attack time and moderate release helps tighten the sound by shortening the drum's ring. It also eliminates the squeaking pedal sound and will help control leakage from other drums.

Listen:

EQ and Compression and Gate MP3 (71.5 KB)

Moral of the story: Start at the source (I'd still try a harder kick drum-beater), but a little signal processing can take you a long way!

-- Rudy

Q: Can I rewire my guitar cabinet for stereo operation?

Hi, Matt:
A fine idea! I performed that mod on my 2x12 Fender Bassman cabinet a while back. Stereo is super-fun onstage and cool for the first few rows of the audience. But the further your audience gets from the stage, the less obvious the effect will become.

A cab with four 16-ohm speakers is probably wired for either a 4- or 16-ohm load. Regardless, after this mod you'll have two input jacks on the cab. Each will provide an 8-ohm load.

Here's what to do:

1. Add a second 1/4" input jack to the back of your cabinet, near the existing speaker input jack. I suggest using a connector similar to the Switchcraft 151 shown below.

2. Rewire the speakers using 14- or 16-gauge cable. It's best to use solder to connect the wires to the second input jack, but I suggest using crimp connectors to wire individual speakers -- this makes it easier to replace blown speakers in the field.

3. Wire the speakers as two individual "parallel" pairs, following the illustration below. Parallel wiring combines the two 16-ohm speakers into a single 8-ohm load. (For more about speakers, ohms, and amps, click here!) Make sure to wire the red "plus" leads to the respective "tip" connector of the dual input jacks. Otherwise, your cabinet's left and right speakers will be out of phase (more properly called "polarity reversed").

4. Close the back of the cabinet, and unleash true stereo mayhem to your heart's content.

-- Rudy

Q: Where can I find information about the Talk Box?

Hi, Bill:
Sure! But first, for those unfamiliar with this gadget: The Talk Box creates a unique "talking guitar" effect. Prime examples include the Frampton Comes Alive version of "Do You Feel Like We Do," and the trippy introduction of Aerosmith's "Sweet Emotion."

A Talk Box sends your amp's output through a flexible tube that -- no joke -- you stick in your mouth. Then, you "mouth" the words you'd like your guitar to sing. Your vocal cavity creates all sorts of interesting, changing resonances, which are picked up by your vocal mic and run through the PA for the audience.

Another device that creates a "talking" sound is the vocoder, which combines two sounds electronically, modulating one sound with the changing frequency content of the other. The synthesized "robot voice" heard in a lot of dance music is typically created with a vocoder, while talk boxes provide a more organic sound.

Try these links to locate new units and other information:

• Jim Dunlop (new units)
• The Talk Box FAQ
• A DIY project

-- Rudy

Q: How can I exchange files between and Mac and Windows computers?

Hi, Franky:
Here's the deal: Macs running System 7 and later can automatically read PC-format floppies, thanks to the PC Exchange control panel. However, Windows machines can't read Mac-formatted floppies unless you install special software. So, format a floppy on your PC and give it to your Mac-based pal. When he/she inserts the floppy, it should appear on the Mac desktop with the letters "PC" on its icon. (You can also choose to create a PC-format floppy on the Mac itself.) Copy the SMF to that disc and you should be able to read the files on your PC.

Here are a couple related links for more info:
http://til.info.apple.com/tilarchive.nsf/artnum/n55007
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q129/8/09.asp

Note that you may need to change the file's extension to ".smf," or perhaps ".mid" in order for your Windows sequencer to recognize that the file as contains MIDI data.

-- Rudy