But playing drums is also creative , expressive and about passion and sensitivity . Like great drumming , great mixing requires both tech savvy and musicality .
2 ) FREQUENCY RANGE
Great drummers have an innate understanding of the full range of frequencies in sound and the effect that each has on the listener . They know that the high frequency splashes and crashes of cymbal communicate excitement . That the mid-frequency snap of the snare and the thud of toms drive a song forwards . But they also know that the real power to move listeners is found with the correct use of the low frequencies produced by the kick drum . There is no other single instrument or voice on the platform that influences the full frequency spectrum like a drum kit … unless you ’ re still utilizing a pipe organ . Like great drummers , great sound engineers also understand sound frequencies .
3 ) PAN
Drummers sit in a position where they are surrounded – left , front and right – by their instrument and the sound of their instrument . Playing acoustic drums gives a constant demonstration of the importance of stereo panning – the left to right panorama of sound . The sound that ’ s entering the drummers left ear is different from the sound entering the right . And that ’ s the way it should be ! Great audio engineers also know how to utilize panning to great effect in live music mixing .
NOTE : In the unfortunate circumstance where a drummer is forced to play an electronic kit , their appreciation of panning may be stunted . Monitoring of the full drum kit through a mono speaker wedge or headphones kills the stereo image .
4 ) VOLUME
Great drummers also understand the importance of dynamic control . Of when loud is good and when it ’ s bad . Of how to choose the right volume level for each situation , song and moment . Great drummers and great sound engineers understand well how the rise and fall in volume is key to a great musical experience .
NOTE : In the unfortunate circumstance where a drummer is playing an electronic kit or an acoustic kit behind a sound shield or in a fullyenclosed booth , their appreciation for , and level of control of dynamics will be seriously inhibited .
5 ) SPACE
Great drummers don ’ t feel the need to fill every sonic gap . They know the importance of leaving space in sound . Of how less is almost always more . Both great drummers and great sound engineers in the church service setting recognize that the congregation needs to be invited into the sonic “ hole ” that has been left for them to sing into .
6 ) MUSIC LOVER
Musicians - and that includes drummers ( I will
NOT be inserting any drummer jokes here ) - don ’ t only play music . They also listen to music . And they LOVE listening ! Just about everyone hears music , but there ’ s a deeper level of appreciation and analysis of music and sound that not everyone enjoys . Great drummers and great sound audio engineers will listen to excellent , recorded examples of music - especially the genre and style of music that they strive to emulate in the church service - and have an understanding of the sonic elements that give them a great listening experience … and what doesn ’ t .
So maybe you don ’ t have a great drummer to spare . But the principal still stands . A person who has some musical , creative inclination may have the makings for a better audio engineer than the computer wiz who enjoys technology .
Grant Norsworthy founder of MoreThanMusicMentor . com providing training for worshipping musicians .
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