Drum Bussing with Jeff Sandstrom

Jeff Sandstrom focuses on advanced drum processing techniques in a live mix. Specifically, he uses bussing and compression to enhance the drum kit’s overall sound. Jeff covers the concept of creating a ‘drum smash’ bus. This bus applies heavy compression to skin drums (kick, snare, and toms) as a group. It adds depth, breadth, and focus to the drum mix.

Key Points:
  • The drum kit is initially processed through individual inputs. The skin drums are then further enhanced by sending them to a separate bus, called the 'drum smash' group.
  • The drum smash group experiences heavy compression. This significantly affects the drum kit's dynamics and presence.
  • The drum smash processing results in a more focused and centered drum mix, enhancing the transients and overall impact of the drums.
  • The technique was developed for large venues and arenas. It ensures the snare drum and other transients remain prominent behind the vocals.
  • The drum smash bus is adjustable via a fader, allowing for dynamic changes throughout a song or between different songs.
  • This approach can be particularly effective for toms, making their fills more lively and impactful.
  • The drum smash is used not just as parallel processing but as an effect to intensify the drum sound as needed.

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