Looking for a certain snare sound.

[zodiac666thrasher]

So I'm trying to figure out how to get a certain snare sound, its difficult to explain, I have a few examples(which may not be to everyone's liking, but this is about the sound of the snare not so much the music) Its basically a high poppy, cracky sound, mostly from late 80s early 90s hard rock music. I would appreciate any help/suggestions anyone would give, tuning, studio magics, etc.
First Example:
21 Guns - Knee Deep
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncmK1k_nHzg
Second Example:
Trixter(yea Trixter) - What It Takes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ld48pDEa7Y
Third Example:
Buckcherry- All Night Long
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3vXSLwxcyM

Once again I'd appreciate any Suggestions, Thank You!

 

[zodiac666thrasher]

It occurred to me that I should probably say what gear I'm using. I use a Premier Steel Snare 14X6.5, Remo Diplomat snare side, and Aquarian response 2 coated batter side.

 

[Leaky Johnson]

Those songs sound pretty processed to me...especially the snare sound. Gonna be tough to get that live, but I would suggest an even more muffled head like a coated Pinstripe. And moongels. And a good microphone. With an effects processor. And a PA.

 

[shemp]

There are probably a fair amount of snares that can get you in the ballpark, but I will throw out there that the Tama Bell Brass was the big dog on many recordings in that time frame...

I would get ya an sm57 and a reasonable interface and DAW....my experience has been that it takes experimentation...most importantly tuning, potentially some moon gel and mic placement....also acoustic control around the kit/room

Then, comes the all important compression....and the vast majority of great snare sound on record have some compression...whether it be intended or an artifact of the mic preamp.

It's a journey, but a fun one

So I'm trying to figure out how to get a certain snare sound, its difficult to explain, I have a few examples(which may not be to everyone's liking, but this is about the sound of the snare not so much the music) Its basically a high poppy, cracky sound, mostly from late 80s early 90s hard rock music. I would appreciate any help/suggestions anyone would give, tuning, studio magics, etc.
First Example:
21 Guns - Knee Deep
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncmK1k_nHzg
Second Example:
Trixter(yea Trixter) - What It Takes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ld48pDEa7Y
Third Example:
Buckcherry- All Night Long
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3vXSLwxcyM

Once again I'd appreciate any Suggestions, Thank You!

 

[zodiac666thrasher]

Thanks man, much appreciation! I'll have to check out that tama.

 

[zodiac666thrasher]

Those songs sound pretty processed to me...especially the snare sound. Gonna be tough to get that live, but I would suggest an even more muffled head like a coated Pinstripe. And moongels. And a good microphone. With an effects processor. And a PA.

It's more for my bands sessions, I'll try the Pinstripe, thanks for the suggestion man!

 

[Andy]

Reverb - compression - gates - mic top & bottom.

Fairly slack wires, kept in check by gating. Plenty of reverb, again, kept in check by gating. Enough compression to give focus. Mic positioning - mix of top & bottom mic levels.

Tuning, around medium on both top & bottom head. almost certainly some muffling.

If you want to get close to that sound without any reinforcement, try a fairly light single ply coated head, but muffle it with moon gel or similar as opposed to using a heavier head. This will maintain the brightness needed. Crank the reso head right up, slacken the wires, tune batter head to around medium - play constant rimshots, preferably on die cast hoops. Find a lively room.

 

[reinesos]

There are probably a fair amount of snares that can get you in the ballpark

 

[tamadrm]

Thanks man, much appreciation! I'll have to check out that tama.

The original 80's Tama bell brass snares,if you can find one,in good condition,go for upwards of 4,000 US.,with some topping out at 7,500 US.Yes,they do cost that much,because the're very collectable.

Like K I S said,there's a lot of studio magic in that snare sound,and no easy feat to replicate live.

Steve B

 

[braincramp]

Just keep experimenting with heads, muffling and tuning and get the closest you can..I suggest start tuned up real tight top and bottom..maybe even a muffle ring..then tune top head down a step at a time.. of course the easiest solution is to use a trigger or E-set and mix in with your kit if you have one.