Toontrack Death and Darkness SDX
DEATH & DARKNESS SDX A MATTER OF DEATH AND DARKNESS. Two studios. Two engineers. All the death and darkness you can take. The Death & Darkness SDX merges two world-class studios wi th two of today’s most in-demand modern metal producers: Mark Lewis (Cannibal Corpse, Whitechapel, Coal Chamber) and Tue Madsen (Meshuggah, Behemoth, Hatesphere). Combined, it gives you a truly diverse and all-encompassing collection of drums designed to cater to any facet of today’s fragmented scene – from the most brutal, blast beat-ridden and breakneck-speed death metal to hard-hitting metalcore, hardcore and all the fusion-inspired hybrids of progressive metal. The SDX was configured as two separate libraries, one for each studio. The ‘Death’ portion of the SDX was recorded by Mark Lewis at his choice studio, the Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas. The Ranch’s perfectly crafted Vincent van Haaff-designed main room offers second-to-none acoustics – pristine and distinct but still dense and with a warm, resonant and balanced natural reverb. To contrast, the ‘Darkness’ part of the SDX offers a completely different experience – a darker, less polished and more raw-natured tone of drums. It was recorded in the empty swimming pool in Tue’s longtime and much-legendary Antfarm Studio in Aarhus, Denmark. With the reflective surface of the hard tile walls and floor in the pool combined with the surrounding room’s brick structure and high ceiling, the ambience of this unique room heard on countless albums is unlike any other. Welcome to two studios, two schools of modern engineering and an almost insurmountable amount of drums ready for you to hone, mold and shape to literally anything you can imagine sound-wise. Get ready to produce drum mixes that have the power to pierce and cut through any thick wall of guitars or extremely layered production. FEATURE SPOTLIGHT Nine (9) complete kitsA total of 19 bass drums, 19 snare drums, 35 cymbals and moreRecorded at two different studios: Sonic Ranch, TX, (by Mark Lewis) and Antfarm Studios, Denmark, (by Tue Madsen)Sampled with extreme attention to detail and articulationConfigured as two sound libraries, one for each studioIncludes custom mix presets engineered by Mark Lewis, Tue Madsen and ToontrackSampled by drummers Sean Reinert and Michel SvaneIncludes MIDI performed by Sean Reinert and Jay Postones (TesseracT) FACTS & FIGURES. DEATH. Size: Approx. 114 GBKits: 4Bass drums: 10Snare drums: 9 (plus alternative configurations)Cymbals: 17Hi-hats: 3 DARKNESS. Size: Approx. 70 GBKits: 5Bass drums: 9 (plus alternative configurations)Snare drums: 10 (plus alternative configurations)Cymbals: 18Hi-hats: 3 THE STUDIOS. Welcome to two studios on opposite side of the Atlantic: the Sonic Ranch and Antfarm. DARKNESS. ANTFARM. By the sheer look of this regular two-story house in the suburban outskirts of Aarhus, Denmark, you wouldn’t guess that behind its modest facade is a studio where countless metal classics have been immortalized. At the helm was and has always been the biggest mojo of the place – Tue Madsen. We were lucky to capture his unique room before he just recently moved to a new location. NOTABLE METAL MOMENTS.Here is a small selection of albums tinted by that unmistakable Tue Madsen and Antfarm mojo ever-so-present in the ‘Darkness’ sound library. Heaven Shall Burn “Invictus” (2010)Sick of It All “XXV Nonstop” (2011)The Haunted “Unseen” (2011) THE POOL STORY. “The whole pool/studio thing started mostly by accident. I had a much smaller studio back then that I re-arranged so I didn’t have a drum room anymore and therefore nowhere to put my drum kit…and since the pool was empty I just put it there. One day I thought I would set it up for my son to play with and when I hit that bass drum the first time it was the most amazing feeling. It sounded like every Scorpions/Bon Jovi ’80s record played at the same time. Huge stadium sound! I started to talk about it to a few of my friends and did a short test recording for a local hardcore band, which was in theory a horrible idea, but turned out pretty awesome sounding. From there the idea was taking form. My friend Alex from Heaven Shall Burn liked the idea so much that he wanted to record the drums for the band’s next album “Invictus” in it, and the first album was recorded. The studio wasn’t even in the same building, so we had to open a window and run a multi cable down the stairs outside through the door to do the recording. It was a mess, but the sound was amazing. In fact. we also did the next album “Veto” there. Since then, many albums were recorded using the pool as a drum room: The Haunted, Moonspell, Sick of It All, HateSphere, Illdisposed, Ektomorf, Mnemic, Cataract, Born from Pain, Velvet Volume, The Boy That Got Away, I’ll Be Damned. The pool gives you a very hard and aggressive attack, but can also provide a much softer “wishy-washy” sound if you play with the room microphones. It has been a constant inspiration over the years. Due to the measurements of the room, some frequencies get crazy and can be used to get some extreme sounds. I always had a set of Røde NT 1000 mics in the corners behind the drum kit, and if you ever wanted 49 Hz on your drums – that was where to get it.”Tue Madsen DEATH. SONIC RANCH. In the midst of pecan orchards, grape vines and breathtaking panoramas, the Sonic Ranch has a truly a one-of-a-kind setting for a recording studio. Bordering the Rio Grande and Old Mexico, located on a a 2,300 acre secluded property, this is not just a place to record, it’s a place to create. “Sonic Ranch has been one of my favorite places to work since I first did a record there. It’s one of the world’s premiere studios with the best gear, incredible rooms and the most focused and inspiring work environment I’ve ever been in. From the equipment to the people and the food to the vibe, it was a no-brainer to create this important project there. I am thrilled with the results,” commented Mark Lewis. NOTABLE METAL MOMENTS.Here are just some of the albums on which you can hear the sonic fingerprint of the Sonic Ranch. Bullet for My Valentine “Scream Aim Fire” (2008)DevilDriver “Beast” (2011)Cannibal Corpse “Torture” (2012) FUN FACTS. The Sonic Ranch is the world’s largest residential recording studio complex (the property is 2,300 acres!)The ‘Neve Room’ (in which we recorded) has the largest Neve console in the world (80 channels of 31105 mic pre/EQs and flying faders). The left hand side of this vintage Neve 8078 was the original West Coast Motown console. It later found its home in Madonna’s “Brooklyn” studio. The console has since been combined with another 8078 and now permanently resides at the Sonic Ranch.There are over 80 guitars available in the studios, all labeled by year. Some notable guitars include a 1951 Fender Nocaster as well as a Gibson Les Paul Goldtop (that was previously owned by G.E. Smith). THE DRUMS. The drums for each session were handpicked respectively by Mark and Tue together with the Toontrack team. The aim was to supply the broadest possible palette of tones and difference in materials. In addition to the regular kits and cymbal collections, a large selection of additional instruments were recorded. DARKNESS. THE WHITE LIGHT. Brand: YamahaModel: Recording Custom 1980sShell construction: Six-ply birchFinish: Stage WhiteTool recorded: Vater 5B Hand Selected Hickory drumsticks KICK Size: 16×22”Batter head: Remo Powerstroke 3 ClearFront head: Generic Black Smooth w/ 6” holeBeater: Plastic SNARE Brand: MapexModel: Black PantherShell construction: SteelShell finish: Black nickelSize: 5.5×14”Batter head: Remo Emperor CoatedResonance head: Remo Ambassador Hazy RACK TOM 1 Size: 9×10”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear RACK TOM 2 Size: 10×12”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear RACK TOM 3 Size: 11×13”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear FLOOR TOM 1 Size: 14×14”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear FLOOR TOM 2 Size: 16×16”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear HI-HAT Brand: StringsiteModel: FireSize: 14” RIDE Brand: StringsiteModel: Black Dust Medium HeavySize: 20” CRASH 1 Brand: PaisteModel: Giant BeatSize: 18” CRASH 2 Brand: Istanbul AgopModel: XistSize: 17” CRASH 3 Brand: PaisteModel: 2002 (Red Label), chippedSize: 18” CRASH 4 Brand: StringsiteModel: Medium Heavy RideSize: 18” CRASH 5 Brand: StringsiteModel: WindhammeredSize: 16” CHINA 1 Brand: PaisteModel: 2002 (Red Label)Size: 20” SPLASH 1 Brand: StringsiteModel: FireSize: 8” SPLASH 2 Brand: StringsiteModel: WindhammeredSize: 8” DARKNESS. THE METALWORKS. Brand: Slingerland (with additional rack toms from Pearl and Premier)Model: Chrome over Wood 1970sShell construction: Chrome over three-ply maple with reinforcement ringsShell finish: ChromeTool recorded: Vater 5B Hand Selected Hickory drumsticks KICK Size: 14×26”Batter head: Remo Powerstroke 3 ClearFront head: Slingerland Factory w/ 6” holeBeater: Felt SNARE Brand: LudwigModel: Black BeautyShell construction: Black nickel over spun brassShell finish: Black nickelSize: 6.5×14”Batter head: Remo Controlled Sound Coated Black DotResonance head: Remo Ambassador Hazy RACK TOM 1 Brand: PearlModel: ExportShell construction: Six-ply poplarFinish: Mirror ChromeSize: 9×12”Batter head: Remo Emperor CoatedResonance head: Gretsch Powertone RACK TOM 2 Shell finish: ChromeSize: 9×13”Batter head: Remo Ambassador CoatedResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear RACK TOM 3 Brand: PremierModel: OlympicShell construction: Chrome wrap over three-ply mahogany with reinforcement ringsShell finish: ChromeSize: 10×14”Batter head: Remo Ambassador CoatedResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear FLOOR TOM 1 Size: 16×16”Batter head: Remo Ambassador CoatedResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear FLOOR TOM 2 Size: 16×18”Batter head: Remo Ambassador CoatedResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear HI-HAT Brand: PaisteModel: 2002 (Red Label) MediumSize: 14” RIDE Brand: PaisteModel: 2002 (Red Label)Size: 20” CRASH 1 Brand: PaisteModel: 2002 (Red Label)Size: 18” CRASH 2 Brand: PaisteModel: 2002 (Red Label)Size: 16” CRASH 3 Brand: PaisteModel: 2002 (Red Label)Size: 17” CRASH 4 Brand: PaisteModel: 2002 (Red Label)Size: 20” CHINA 1 Brand: PaisteModel: Signature ThinSize: 18” SPLASH 1 Brand: StringsiteModel: FireSize: 10” SPLASH 2 Brand: StringsiteModel: Black DustSize: 10” DARKNESS. THE BLACK BEAST. Brand: PearlModel: Masters Premium LegendShell construction: Six-ply mapleShell finish: BlackTool recorded: Vater 5B Hand Selected Hickory drumsticks KICK Brand: PearlModel: Masters Premium LegendShell construction: Six-ply mapleFinish: BlackSize: 18×22”Batter head: Remo Powerstroke 3 ClearFront head: Pearl Factory w/ 6” holeBeater: Felt SNARE Brand: Drum GearModel: SnareWorksShell construction: BronzeFinish: Black nickel plated/sandedSize: 7×13”Batter head: Remo Powerstroke 3 CoatedResonance head: Drum Gear Snare Side RACK TOM 1 Size: 8×10”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear RACK TOM 2 Size: 9×12”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear FLOOR TOM 1 Size: 14×14”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear FLOOR TOM 2 Size: 16×16”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear DARKNESS. THE AARHUS ABYSS. Brand: TamaModel: Starclassic Performer EFXShell construction: Birch plyShell finish: Champagne sparkleTool recorded: Vater 5B Hand Selected Hickory drumsticks KICK Size: 18×22”Batter head: Remo PinstripeFront head: Tama Factory w/6” holeBeater: Felt SNARE Brand: TamaModel: Swingstar SteelConstruction: Chrome over steelFinish: ChromeSize: 5.5×14”Batter head: Remo Emperor CoatedResonance head: Remo Ambassador Hazy RACK TOM 1 Size: 8×10”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear RACK TOM 2 Size: 9×12”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear FLOOR TOM 1 Size: 16×16”Batter head: Remo Emperor CoatedResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear FLOOR TOM 2 Size: 16×18”Batter head: Remo Emperor CoatedResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear DARKNESS. THE DARK WATERS. Brand: DWModel: Collectors Maple StandardShell construction: Six-ply mapleShell finish: BlackTool recorded: Vater 5B Hand Selected Hickory drumsticks KICK Size: 16×24”Batter head: Remo Powerstroke P3Front head: DW Factory w/ 6” holeBeater: Felt SNARE Brand: DWModel: Collectors BrassShell construction: Black nickel over brassShell finish: Black nickelSize: 6.5×14”Batter head: Remo Emperor CoatedResonance head: Remo Ambassador Hazy RACK TOM 1 Size: 8×10”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear RACK TOM 2 Size: 9×12”Batter head: Remo Pinstripe ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear FLOOR TOM 1 Size: 14×14”Batter head: Remo Pinstripe ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear FLOOR TOM 2 Size: 16×16”Batter head: Remo Pinstripe ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear DARKNESS. ADDITIONAL INSTRUMENTS KICKS Brand: LudwigModel: Classic mapleShell construction: Six-ply mapleShell finish: Black sparkleSize: 16×22”Batter head: Remo Powerstroke P3Front head: Ludwig Factory w/ 6” holeBeater: Felt Also available as a separately recorded ’Damped’ option Brand: LudwigModel: Classic mapleShell construction: Six-ply mapleShell finish: Black sparkleSize: 14×26”Batter head: Remo AmbassadorFront head: Generic Clear w/ 11” holeBeater: Felt Brand: LudwigModel: Stainless Steel 1970sShell construction: Stainless steelShell finish: Stainless steelSize: 14×24”Batter head: Remo AmbassadorFront head: Generic Clear w/ 11” holeBeater: Felt Also available with a separately recorded ‘Alt. Miking’ version Brand: PremierModel: OlympicShell construction: Three-ply mahogany with reinforcement ringsShell finish: Checker plate wrapSize: 16×22”Batter head: Remo Powerstroke P3Front head: Generic w/ 8” holeBeater: Felt SNARES Brand: YamahaModel: Recording Custom BrassShell construction: BrassShell finish: Lacquered brassSize: 6.5×13”Batter head: Evans Hybrid CoatedResonance head: Remo Ambassador Hazy Brand: YamahaModel: Piccolo BrassShell construction: BrassShell finish: Lacquered brassSize: 3.5×14”Batter head: Remo Emperor X CoatedResonance head: Evans 300 SNARE Side Brand: PearlModel: Sensitone Custom Alloy SteelShell construction: Chrome over steelShell finish: ChromeSize: 6.5×14”Batter head: Remo Emperor X CoatedResonance head: Remo Ambassador Hazy Brand: PearlModel: Free Floating Piccolo SteelShell construction: SteelShell finish: Matt black lacquerSize: 3.5×14”Batter head: Evans Genera DryResonance head: Remo Ambassador Hazy Brand: LudwigModel: LM400 SupraphonicShell construction: Chrome over LudalloyShell finish: ChromeSize: 5×14”Batter head: Remo Ambassador CoatedResonance head: Remo Ambassador Hazy HI-HAT Brand: PaisteModel: Signature Traditionals Medium LightSize: 15” CRASH 5 Brand: ZildjianModel: A Medium ThinSize: 17” DEATH. THE BIRCH BEHEMOTH. Brand: SonorModel: Designer SeriesShell construction: Birch (9-12-ply depending on drum size)Shell finish: Gloss yellow lacquerTools recorded: Regal Tip Naked 5A X Series by Calato drumsticks (hi-hat and ride)and Vic Firth American Classic 5B drumsticks (the rest) KICK 1 Size: 16×24”Batter head: Remo Powerstroke 3 ClearFront head: Remo Powerstroke 4 w/ 12” holeTuning: MediumBeater: Wood KICK 2 Size: 16×24”Batter head: Remo Powerstroke 3 ClearFront head: Remo Powerstroke 4 w/ 12” holeTuning: Medium (slightly lower than Kick 1)Beater: Wood SNARE Brand: TamaModel: Bell BrassShell construction: 3 mm bell brassShell finish: Lacquered brassSize: 6.5×14”Batter head: Remo Controlled Sound Coated Black DotResonance head: Remo Ambassador Hazy RACK TOM 1 Size: 8×8”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear RACK TOM 2 Size: 9×10”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear RACK TOM 3 Size: 10×12”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear FLOOR TOM 1 Size: 16×14”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear FLOOR TOM 2 Size: 16×16”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear HI-HAT Brand: ZildianModel: K Custom Special DrySize: 15” RIDE Brand: ZildjianModel: K Dark MediumSize: 22” CRASH 1 Brand: ZildjianModel: A CustomSize: 18” CRASH 2 Brand: ZildjianModel: A Custom FastSize: 18” CRASH 3 Brand: ZildjianModel: A CustomSize: 19” CHINA 1 Brand: MeinlModel: ByzanceSize: 18” CHINA 2 Brand: ZildjianModel: A Ultra HammeredSize: 19” SPLASH 1 Brand: ZildjianModel: A CustomSize: 8” SPLASH 2 Brand: ZildjianModel: A CustomSize: 10” DEATH. THE METALLIC BLACK. Brand: GretschModel: USA Custom 1980s Square BadgeShell construction: Six-ply maple/gumwood (Jasper shells)Shell finish: Burnt orangeTool recorded: Vic Firth American Classic 5B Drumsticks KICK 1 Size: 16×24”Batter head: Remo Powerstroke 3Front head: Remo Ambassador w/ 8” holeTuning: MediumBeater: Wood KICK 2 Size: 16×24”Batter head: Remo Powerstroke 3Front head: Remo Ambassador w/ 8” holeTuning: Medium (slightly lower than Kick 1)Beater: Wood SNARE Brand: TamaModel: Bell Brass 1980sShell construction: 3 mm Bell BrassFinish: Lacquered brassSize: 6.5×14”Batter head: Remo Controlled Sound Coated Black DotResonance head: Remo Ambassador Hazy Also available as a separately recorded ‘High Tuned’ option RACK TOM 1 Size: 8×10”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear RACK TOM 2 Size: 10×12”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear RACK TOM 3 Size: 12×14”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear FLOOR TOM 1 Shell finish: WalnutSize: 14×16”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Emperor Clear FLOOR TOM 2 Model: Stop Sign BadgeShell finish: BlackSize: 16×18”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Emperor Clear HI-HAT Brand: MeinlModel: Byzance MediumSize: 15” RIDE Brand: ZildjianModel: K CustomSize: 20” CRASH 1 Brand: MeinlModel: Byzance Medium ThinSize: 18” CRASH 2 Brand: ZildjianModel: K Dark ThinSize: 17” CRASH 3 Brand: MeinlModel: Byzance Medium ThinSize: 19” CHINA 1 Brand: ZildjianModel: K Custom DarkSize: 17” CHINA 2 Brand: PaisteModel: Signature HeavySize: 18” SPLASH 1 Brand: PaisteModel: SignatureSize: 8” SPLASH 2 Brand: ZildjianModel: K Custom DarkSize: 12” DEATH. THE BATHYAL BLUE. Brand: YamahaModel: Recording Custom 1990sShell construction: Six-ply birchShell finish: Deep aquaTool recorded: Vic Firth American Classic 5B drumsticks KICK 1 Size: 18×22”Batter head: Remo Powerstroke 3Front head: Yamaha factory w/ 12” holeTuning: MediumBeater: Wood KICK 2 Size: 18×22”Batter head: Remo Powerstroke 3Front head: Yamaha factory w/ 12” holeTuning: Medium (slightly higher than Kick 1)Beater: Wood SNARE Brand: DrumcraftModel: Bell BrassShell construction: 6 mm bell brassShell finish: Lacquered brassSize: 6.5×14”Batter head: Remo Ambassador X14 CoatedResonance head: Drumcraft Hazy RACK TOM 1 Size: 9×10”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear RACK TOM 2 Size: 10×12”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear RACK TOM 3 Size: 12×14”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear FLOOR TOM 1 Size: 14×16”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear FLOOR TOM 2 Size:16×18”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear DEATH. THE MAPLE MONSTER. Brand: DWModel: Collectors All-MapleShell construction: Six-ply mapleShell finish: Natural mapleTool recorded: Vic Firth American Classic 5B drumsticks KICK 1 Size: 18×22”Batter head: Remo Powerstroke P3Front head: DW Factory w/ 6” holeTuning: MediumBeater: Wood KICK 2 Size: 18×22”Batter head: Remo Powerstroke P3Front head: DW Factory w/ 6” holeTuning: Medium (slightly higher than Kick 1)Beater: Wood SNARE Brand: DWModel: Collectors Cast BronzeShell construction: 3 mm bell bronzeShell finish: Lacquered brassSize: 5×14”Batter head: Remo Ambassador CoatedResonance head: Remo Diplomat Hazy RACK TOM 1 Size: 8×10”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear RACK TOM 2 Size: 9×12”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear RACK TOM 3 Size: 11×14”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear FLOOR TOM 1 Size: 16×16”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear FLOOR TOM 2 Size: 16×18”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear DEATH. ADDITIONAL INSTRUMENTS KICK 1 Brand: GretschModel: USA Custom 1980s Square BadgeShell construction: Six-ply maple/gumwood (Jasper shells)Shell finish: BlackSize: 14×24”Batter head: Remo Powerstroke 3Front head: Gretsch Factory w/ 6” holeTuning: MediumBeater: Wood KICK 2 Brand: GretschModel: USA Custom 1980s Square BadgeShell construction: Six-ply maple/gumwood (Jasper shells)Shell finish: BlackSize: 14×24”Batter head: Remo Powerstroke 3Front head: Gretsch Factory w/ 6” holeTuning: Medium (slightly higher than Kick 1)Beater: Wood SNARES Brand: DWModel: Collectors SteelShell construction: Chrome over steelShell finish: ChromeSize: 6.5×14”Batter head: Remo Ambassador X14Resonance head: Evans 300 Snare Side Brand: SonorModel: Artist Series Cast BronzeShell construction: 3 mm cast bronzeShell finish: Lacquered Bronze, black hardwareSize: 6×14”Batter head: Remo Controlled Sound Coated Black DotResonance head: Remo Ambassador Hazy Brand: DunnettModel: Cast IronShell construction: Cast ironShell finish: Aged ironSize: 7×13”Batter head: Remo Emperor CoatedResonance head: Remo Ambassador Hazy Brand: LudwigModel: Black BeautyShell construction: Black nickel over spun brassShell finish: Black nickelSize: 6.5×14”Batter head: Remo Controlled Sound Coated Black DotResonance head: Remo Ambassador Hazy Also available as a separately recorded ‘High Tuned’ option Brand: YamahaModel: Brass PiccoloShell construction: Seamless brassShell finish: Lacquered brassSize: 3.5×14”Batter head: Remo Controlled Sound Coated Black DotResonance head: Remo Diplomat Hazy HI-HAT Brand: ZildjianModel: K Custom SessionSize: 14” RACK TOM 1 Brand: YamahaModel: Recording Custom 1990sShell construction: Six-ply birchShell finish: Deep aquaSize: 8×8”Batter head: Remo Emperor ClearResonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear CRASH 3 Brand: ZildjianModel: A CustomSize: 20” THE ENGINEERS. DARKNESS. TUE MADSEN. Tue produced his first record in 1997 and hasn’t looked back since. With a production style that is distinctly personal, organic and with a strong pathos for musical vision, he’s helped shape the sound on anything from seminal hardcore classics to modern metal masterpieces. You have been making records for 20+ years and recorded anything from rock to punk, hardcore and extreme metal. Is there any genre you prefer over the other?I prefer to make music over anything else, genre is not important to me. Electronic, hip-hop, metal, pop. I do think there should be more punk in everything. Some dirt in the machinery to make the whole picture we are painting more real and pretty. I am amazed at how real the drums sound here but also know it is because everything was played by humans and kept the way the humans played it. In a mix, where do you usually start: the drums, guitars, vocals or something else?I always start with the drums. Get the whole kit up and going, but I quickly move on to bass, then guitars and even vocals – because when a new instrument is introduced in the mix, it changes everything else and then I need to go back and change those I already worked on… It is kind of like trying to get balance while standing on small ice flakes in the water – maintain your cool so you don’t fall in…and when all the elements have been brought to their right place, I can finally stand securely and enjoy the view…. Am I making ANY sense here? You are a big believer of bands actually playing live in the studio, which is somewhat rare in this day and age. What do you think it adds to a song or an album?Even when it is not the whole band playing live, I try to keep the live feeling. Let people play rather than me programming and beat detecting and copy pasting… I believe all that dirt that occurs helps to build something unique and special that will never be the same for any other record. And making unique records is what it is all about. Bringing out something that only THIS band could do right now. You recently moved out of your studio and one of the last sessions was actually capturing the drums for this Toontrack SDX. Why did you move and where do you currently work?The Toontrack session was the very last one! I cut the multi-cable the day after they left, so no turning back. I wanted to move to the country for years now and we (family included) finally found the perfect house. This whole summer I have been building a new studio. I already did a few productions and I am very pleased with how it is sounding and now I still have the pool with me forever thanks to Toontrack. In fact those sounds are already on a few albums that are going to hit the charts very soon all around the world. If you weren’t making albums, what do you think you’d do for a living?Well the house we bought came with a huge garden, so I guess I would be cutting trees and mowing lawns… No actually I have no idea. I would feel completely useless if I couldn’t record drums and guitars anymore. I have to make music with good people. The pool is your previous studio has a really unique ambience when it comes to drum tones. Listening back to the SDX sounds, what are your thoughts of how it translated to the “digital” realm?I was really shocked at how much it sounded like the real thing when I got the first draft of the plugin. First hit on a cymbal or tom and I am right back there in the pool. It sounds exactly like I have gotten used to over the years. I hope people will enjoy getting sounds out of it too. Best studio moments so far in your career?Best studio moments…are simply too many. Being one of the first fans of Meshuggah, of course recording them at PUK studio was incredible not only for me as a fan boy, but also because those guys can play and are aware of so many things that influence the way the finals will sound. Mixing the Metal God (Rob Halford) was incredible. Working with the greatest Hardcore bands Sick of It All, Madball, BillyBio etc. and feeling that it is mutual. I think that is really the big moment for me – when the bands are as happy with me as I am with them, and we strive for the same goal AND reach it. I have some lifetime relationships with some bands such as Ektomorf, Heaven Shall Burn, Moonspell etc. where grow together, change together, explore together. That is really fulfilling for me. A SELECTION OF TUE’S DISCOGRAPHY Born from Pain “Sands of Time” (2003)Sick of It All “Death to Tyrants” (2006)Suicide Silence “The Cleasing” (2007)Dark Tranquillity “We Are the Void” (2010)Meshuggah “A Violent Sleep of Reason” (2016) DEATH. MARK LEWIS. Mark Lewis is originally from the Southern Maryland area but spent a big portion of his recording career in Orlando, FL, working out of Audiohammer Studios. Today, he has relocated to Nashville, TN, and works in studios all over the world as well as from his own room. How did you get started in the business and how come you ended up behind the console as opposed to on stage?I was always fascinated with how things sounded once i started playing guitar. Growing up, my dad had a pretty amazing stereo system with some old JBL 4311 studio monitors as his main setup. I would listen to his records all the time and eventually, they started buying me my own at a pretty young age. Once I really started getting serious about guitar, I got deeper and deeper into how things sounded and how those things were achieved. Between my dad pointing things out to me and my guitar teachers really schooling me on production and tones, I really got deep into the audio world pretty early. I would spend hours tweaking my amps and trying all kinds of different things. I would probably have been a much better guitar player if I hadn’t been so fascinated with audio! In reality, I always wanted to be a performer, but when people started noticing how seriously I took sounds I sort of became the person they would go to about tones and recording advice. I figured out I could actually make a living doing this instead of relying on four or five other crazy people to keep a band together. So far it’s worked out OK, I think. There are tons of engineers and producers out there doing records with mid-sized bands, but only a handful of go-to, A-level guys producing the bulk of what’s topping the US modern metal scene. You’re definitely one of them. Is there a specific moment or project that helped push you on to the next level?Well, I was lucky to start engineering under my super-talented best bud Jason Suecof, and from the moment I started at Audiohammer we were working on some really cool stuff. I would say the records that really put us on the map as a team sonically were Bury Your Dead’s “Beauty and the Breakdown” as well as Black Dahlia Murder’s “Nocturnal. Those were the early landmarks that sort of blazed my trail, I suppose. If you weren’t producing records, what would you do?Good question. I don’t really know anything else. I taught guitar before I did this, and I liked it. But I didn’t get the same satisfaction as I do from this. If I had to start over, I think maybe I would get into electronics of some sort. My knowledge now is so limited, but it really fascinates me. In a mix, where do you usually start: the drums, guitars, vocals or something else?I usually start with the drums, getting those right. The snare, overheads and toms usually take the longest to sit right. I have a very rough guitar and bass mix going that whole time too and once I feel good about the drums, I move onto the guitars and bass. I’ve been known to take days dialing in a guitar sound and EQ. It gets tedious beyond even what most people would think or tolerate. Listening back to the drums now that they’re done and prepared for the software, how do you think it all turned out?I couldn’t be happier with the raw tones. We have a huge variety of drums and mics that will allow you to achieve pretty much anything with these kits. The thing I can’t stress enough is the flexibility here. You have great presets in the EZX that are mix-ready and will sound killer dropped right into a mix and then on the SDX you get the presets and all the raw tones. There are four different kick mics, three snare mics, two different stereo overheads, three sets of stereo rooms at varying distances, four different mono room mics and a mic on every cymbal. Not to mention four different kits, nine kicks and loads of snares. The possibilities are endless and there is an infinite variety of incredible sounds within this library. Between Sean’s hands and Toontrack’s attention to detail, it feels like the most real of any library I’ve ever heard. A SELECTION OF MARK’S DISCOGRAPHY Whitechapel “This Is Exile” (2008)DevilDriver “Winter Kills” (2013)Six Feet Under “Undead” (2012)Cannibal Corpse “A Skeletal Domain” (2014)Coal Chamber “Rivals” (2015) DARKNESS. ANTFARM. MICROPHONE– INPUT LIST. CHANNEL MICROPHONE PRE-AMP(S) Kick In Sennheiser E602 II Midas Golden age Pre 573, EQ 573 Kick Out Sennheiser E902 Midas Golden age Pre 573, EQ 573 Snare Top Sure sm57 Midas Golden age Pre 73DLX, EQ 81 Snare Bottom Sennheiser 421 Midas Golden age Pre 573, EQ 573 Tom 1 SoundKing (SKED004) Midas Golden age Pre 573, EQ 573 Tom 2 SoundKing (SKED004) Midas Golden age Pre 573, EQ 573 Tom 3 SoundKing (SKED004) Midas Golden age Pre 573, EQ 573 Tom 4 SoundKing (SKED004) Midas Golden age Pre 573, EQ 573 Tom 5 SoundKing (SKED004) Midas Golden age Pre 573, EQ 573 Tom 6 SoundKing (SKED004) Midas Golden age Pre 573, EQ 573 Ride Oktava MC 012 TL Audio M3 Tube tracker Splash Oktava MC 012 TL Audio M3 Tube tracker Hi-Hat Oktava MC 012 TL Audio M3 Tube tracker OH Right Ehrlund EHR-E Focusrite ISA 828 OH Center Ehrlund EHR-E Focusrite ISA 828 OH Left Ehrlund EHR-E Focusrite ISA 828 Amb Ribbon Front Right T.Bone RB-500 Focusrite ISA 828 Amb Ribbon Front Left t.bone RB-500 Focusrite ISA 828 Amb Ribbon Back Right t.bone RB-100 Focusrite ISA 828 Amb Ribbon Back Left Oktava MA-52 Modified Focusrite ISA 828 Amb C414 Right AKG C414 XLII TL Audio M3 Tube tracker Amb C414 Left AKG C414 XLII TL Audio M3 Tube tracker Amb Rode Right Rode NT-1000 MKI TL Audio M3 Tube tracker Amb Rode Left Rode NT-1000 MKI TL Audio M3 Tube tracker Amb Tube Right SoundKing SKEA001 Joemeek VC6Q Brittish Channel strip Amb Tube Left SoundKing SKEA001 Joemeek VC6Q Brittish Channel strip Amb Kik Mono MXL 770 kondensator TL Audio M3 Tube tracker Amb Over Mono Ehrlund EHR-M Midas Golden age Pre 73 Registration InformationSerial Number: https://www.toontrack.com/product-manager/
