A Guide To Drum EQ

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EQ is arguably the single most effective type of FX processing you can do to improve the sound of the drums, both for individual drums and for the kit as a whole. And today, you’ll see an EQ demonstration from a recent Drumeo session with Jonathan Moffett, the long-time drummer for Michael Jackson. In this video, you’re going to get some really easy and effective ways to EQ your drum recordings.

There’s a lot more you can do for processing, compression, gates, editing, etc. If you’d like more, make sure to check out our Ultimate Guide To Recording Drums:

[OogaBoga]

Just wanted to say that this video is tremendously helpful for someone like me, who knows basically nothing about EQ'ing, recording and such, but knows just enough about sound engineering and music in general to actually understand what Victor is doing here. Thank you so, so much for this!! Instant bookmark

[brentdavis]

I’m really nervous about that piece of gear falling off of the desk.

[soundgasmstudios]

I always have called the Boost/sweep/cut technique "Search and Destroy" method of Eq.

[jsadorra]

Victor Guidera is the man! He's definitely crucial to Drumeo's success.

[lastcall]

Coming next: Singeo, Basseo, Guitareo, Pianoeo, Saxofoneo, Violineo, XylophoneEO?

[whanowa]

I would like to see you do the same thing with a $300 microphone set. It really is goddamned hard to get it to sound anywhere as good as in the Drumeo videos.

[CaioBertazzoli]

I'm just starting to record and mix my own drums and this is really valuable. It didn't seem obvious at all to me that it's better to cut than boost. Thanks! I was surprised how that kick drum sounded better by cutting the lower frequencies

[qfz]

That filter sweep at 7:00 actually sounds pretty cool as an effect haha

[mikosoft]

Also a good way to look for ringing frequencies is to actually not boost too much and listening if a given frequency is more audible than it should have been. If it is that means it's the one that is ringing.

[bear-headstudios]

Sometimes that phase button can change the whole game! great video

[redwinedrummer]

The drums sound great alone without EQ, but the EQ really brought out the tight pop sound. Nice!

[christopherepp]

One of the most helpful videos I've ever watched. Thanks for all that you guys do at Drumeo!

[ADDmcgee]

Drumeo! Thanks so much for posting this! Please do more videos like this on drum processing!!!

[felipousismix]

Cool video, and using the built in eq makes it very practical for beginners, congrats!

[papa.alfredo]

doing EQ in SOLO for such a long time is not recommended, you need to be always watching the changes you do with the rest of the mix, one thing is the perception of EQ in SOLO for a short time and a long time as you do, that is why is not recommended to EQ in SOLO for such a long time as you do, it surprises me that you dont talk about it, greeting from Germany and thank you

[kaimra]

This is probably the best video about eqing that I have found so far on youtube, and I've watched at least a handful. Thank you so much!

[JazzDunn]

Always wondered how you guys mixed your toms to get a clean, and punchy sound

[doultonduck]

Thanks Drumeo! I've just started Recording and this really helped

[petergrimmer]

Great explanation man! Moffet killer as always too...

[GeraldLawMusic]

Thank you for this! I’m getting more into mixing and this was a very thorough demonstration. Extra points for the drummer being legendary 😅🙌🏾