Pre-production helps a band confirm every part before the final recording.
Even if you could go directly into a recording studio, aligning everyone’s understanding first almost always improves the result.
Drums are often the first challenge, so here is the equipment and method I use.
Equipment Needed for Pre-Production Drum Recording
At minimum, the drummer needs to hear a click or guide while the performance is recorded:
- A phone for the click and guide
- A phone for recording
If the drummer can perform the entire arrangement from a click alone, a metronome app may be enough. A phone can also capture usable reference audio.
I do not recommend this minimal setup, however. A drummer can lose their place with only a click, causing retakes, and I prefer better sound than a phone recording.
This is the setup I prepared:
- MacBook Air
- Logic Pro or another DAW
- KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 audio interface
- Earphones or headphones
- TASCAM DR-40 recorder
I took this equipment into a rehearsal studio. Here is the role of each item.
MacBook Air and Logic Pro
A portable computer and DAW let you adjust the click and guide levels separately for the drummer. A single premixed file on a phone does not provide that flexibility.
The guide only needs to show where the drummer is in the song. Guitar, bass, piano chords, or any similar part will work.
Ask the drummer which click sound they prefer. I prepared a cowbell.
KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 Audio Interface
An audio interface sends the DAW output to the drummer.
You could use the Mac’s headphone output, but a portable interface makes level changes quick and convenient in the studio.
I used the compact KOMPLETE AUDIO 6.
Earphones or Headphones
Connect earphones or headphones to the interface so the drummer can hear the guide.
Use a well-sealed model to prevent bleed. In-ear monitors are ideal.
Bring an extension cable because the available working space may be unpredictable.
TASCAM DR-40 Recorder
The preceding equipment helps the drummer perform comfortably. The only recording device is a portable recorder.
I used a TASCAM DR-40. It records at up to 24-bit/96 kHz and switches between XY and AB microphone configurations.
Place the DR-40 directly in front of the drum kit.
I attached it to a microphone stand with an inexpensive microphone-clip adapter.
I also tried two dynamic microphones, but without stronger microphone-placement skills the result was unusable. I completed the pre-production using only the DR-40 recording.
Conclusion
Drums are often the first track you want for pre-production and also the hardest to record.
With this setup, you can capture a useful take easily in a rehearsal studio.
You can also review the definition in the Music Glossary: Pre-Production.
