Hey guys, long time Cakewalk user but new to Sonar X1 and computer-based recording. I'm having a good time recording my drums and getting a great sound. However I've noticed that there are some areas where I'm clipping a track with a snare hit or cymbal crash. I am recording my tracks naked - no processing. After tracking I add compression, EQ etc. Am I just recording a particular mic too hot or should I be adding compression DURING recording? My equipment is as follows: Sonar X1d, Win764 4GB RAM Thinkpad T61, Tascam US-1800, AKG 220 (overhead) SM57/Beta 52 for snare/kick close mics. I'm using the Glyn Johns method of drum recording, and I'm having excellent success. In you're interested, Glyn Johns essentially has an overhead and a side-fill mic both equidistant from the snare drum (in my case, exactly 46 in). Then fill in with a snare mic and a kick mic to fatten up the sound. Thanks for the replies!

Sounds like you might be hitting those drums there lad yes! You probably should be in 24 bit recording mode. Your peak meters are going to be your friend when recording very transient sounds. Just turn the gain down so the loudest hits are still clear by 6 db or more. There is nothing to be gained from recording too hot. It is myth, especially in 24 bit mode.

You will still end up with a fine track. You might have to do a few things to massage the level up a bit later but better to have a clean recording to start with.

Watch out processing very transient things on the way in. More often than not you will ruin the sound by doing so. If a compressor ior limiter does catch a peak and prevent it from clipping you might not like the sound that results.

I'm recording in 16 bit mode, so I'll look into 24 bit mode. Are you suggesting compression DURING recording then, to keep a lid on the levels? I had most of the levels about 0 dB, I'll give it a go again at -6 dB to see if that helps. First week of recording using a computer and Sonar so I'm learning as I go. Thanks for the tips.

Actually I re-read your reply. I will lowed the initial levels and keep the peaks out of the red. I will then apply compression and EQ AFTER, using a better quality clean sound. No effects going in, only after, is that what you're suggesting? Thanks again!

Yep, 24 bit all the way. Read more if you want to, but you don't need to. Knowing why is not necessary, as long as you just do it in 24 bit you'll be fine!

Once in 24 bit, you can turn the gain RIGHT down. Hit your drums like crazy and see what the loudest peak is. Try to ensure this is less than -6dB. Or even lower is better. This just acts as a safety margin. It won't SOUND better, but it reduces the chance of you hitting a SUPER loud hit and resulting in clipping. Compression during tracking is usually not necessary, and usually only recommended for those who really know what they are doing. I have found with my set-up, even with the gain at a minimum, I can clip my microphones with a loud source. They don't have a pad switch. Compression could save you in a case like this, as long as it's right after the mic.

If you do have one or two overs (clips), you may be able to get away with the old copy/paste from another part of the drum track, depending on your situation. So if re-tracking is a big hassle or not possible, this may be a quick and easy solution. But it won't always work if you don't have an appropriate duplicate part.

-12dB is a good reference point. Plenty of headroom for your tracks to breathe in

Yeah.... turn the gain down to get a nice clean tracking session. 

Then listen to it on the playback. How does it sound?  

If you absolutely need to, there would be nothing wrong with using a compressor/limiter  on the incoming signal. I would use it to tame the peaks only. 

Some interfaces have built in DSP effects. On my Saffire, a compressor on the input is one of the FX that I can control. Look to see if your interface has that built in. Also a hardware based compressor/limiter would work fine too. 


Just like a guitarist has to experiment with miking a guitar or a cabinet to get the sound right..... so do drummers.  Play around and see what gives you the best tracking. 

As a long time recorder, I am just now stepping "behind the console" so my inexperience is quite high.  As a typical newbie, I have all the levels at near maximum and the gain quite high - as in "more is better".  Literally I was adding level so that my typical level was -3 dB!  I am totally experimenting with recording and mic placement so retracking is no problem.  I will lower the levels and gain and get a "quieter" track so that I have a lot more head room.  I was only using compression during tracking via Sonar - no external device.  I will instead lower my levels and record without effects.  I also know that my technique needs some refinement - balancing and leveling myself will go a long way to making a more balanced track.

I was only using compression during tracking via Sonar

You may or may not know this, but whatever you set up inside of Sonar, it will only ever record "dry" - you will NOT record the results of any Fx plugs you have in your Fx bin, they are only applied on playback where you can tweak them until you're happy with the result.

You can of course monitor what the Fx sound like during tracking by using the Input Echo feature, but they will not be recorded.

Explains why my super high compressor settings weren't solving my clipping problem..  Still a newbie