Got my first pro level kit 23 years ago. I was swapping heads out trying to dial in the sound and feel I wanted. I kept going back to those eq3’s until I finally realized they were the sound I wanted and been using them on all my drums since. They are such phenomenal heads!
I took me a long time to realize, what's "popular" isn't always the best choice (for me). I know that sounds like an obvious statement, but it's soooo easy to just use what everyone else is using.
Thanks for the tour! 🤘 You’d probably be a very good teacher. Your explaining is very good. Now I know more about the way you work behind the drums. Thanks and cheers
I appreciate that. However, I'm not that I'd have the patience to teach. Two of my best friends teach guitar, and they're WONDERFUL at it. But the ol' ADHD would likely kick in sooner than later, and spoil the whole thing. 🤣
I remember when I first got on UA-cam and the video of you playing drums was one of the first videos that I saw. That impressed me so much that I started watching other videos and then started my own channel. You are a legend !
🤗 I have watched and listened to your video's since hearing you on talk radio bout 10 years ago. Long story short version growing up my sister and brother played instruments from Jr high up as I did, we were all a year apart in age. My brother's room was on the other side of the wall from my room. I'm going to eat humble pie once again as I played several instruments growing up, I grew up hollering at my brother who (You guessed it) played the drums, telling him that drums just make a lot of noise it wasn't REAL music. 🥴 I couldn't even hear myself when I practiced in my room every night the Alto Sax, guitar and flute. I had a piece of that Humble pie when our band was short drummers for the Stock Show Parade. I volunteered to learn the drums as we had a lot of Sax players. Armed with my drumsticks and a padded block of wood I preceded to learn the cadence. I blew it🤯, I was surrounded by drummers and my part was simple, but I couldn't tune them out😖 and you have to be able to walk and chew gum at the same time😳😳. 🥧🥧🥧🥧. Later in life my Sons' FIL was an avid drummer and played in a band in the Midwest he was over the moon to be a grandpa to his first grandchild a boy and he couldn't wait to teach him to play the drums too. My grandson lost his grandpa to a person texting while driving in Missouri and pulled out in front of him (he was on his motorcycle). So those drums are sitting in storage, I hope that someone like yourself will show up with the knowledge and love for the drums to ignite that ❤🔥 again. What a great tutorial you put up here☺☺. I will be sharing this with them. Keep em coming you certainly had me awe stuck with the amount of information and all the setup. I had been mesmerized with watching you playing with both feet and still not missing a beat while captivating the public with your humor. We need lots more people like you.☺☺☺☺
When I was younger, I played a few different instruments as well. I played guitar for several years (even played banjo some). Also played trumpet in the school band. But when I dipped into drums, it was pretty much all over. I haven't had a guitar in my hand in many many years. Thanks for the kind words.
Well that was 12 minutes well spent. Steve your professionalism is top notch. That was a very in depth explanation. I love your drumming and your antics. Cheers to many more years of playing.
LOL I'm glad you got a kick from it. The funny thing is, it's the TRUTH. I'm honestly kind of new to making UA-cam videos. Dude, it's a LOT of work. :-)
@@themaddrummerofficial Wait... those were bloopers???? Oh believe me, it takes a great deal of getting used to talking to the audience through the camera and make it feel natural, you did fantastic! Now, try doing it live in a stream while playing video games... Yeah... that's a whole different kettle of bees. I keep catching myself rambling on about stuff that has absolutely nothing to do with the game or a question someone asked me in the live chat. I just pause, throw out a complete nonsense comment and then go back to what I was talking about. Reading from a script is too hard for me to do.
@@exafrost Yea, you spend your entire life performing for a CROWD... then you suddenly find yourself just starring into the abyss (the camera). I appreciate the nice words. The only way I could start a channel, was to give myself "permission" to grow. Meaning I knew it was going to take some time. Hopefully it gets better with each video. LOL If not, I'm kind of doomed. 🤣
I also have used Audix mics internally mic'd for years...love it. I play Pearls and they also place the airhole just above the floor tom leg. I opted to drill into the shell. I know...taboo, but it works and I didn't have to alter my FT legs. I knew that the mics will always be in the drums so making them permanent was fine for me. Love the completeness of your rig rundown.
Steve that was brilliant ... love your playing so precise and kicks some serious ass! ..would love you to do some instructional videos on your technique especially your double kicks !
Thank you. I have a lot I want to do, it's just deciding what I want to do next. I'm sort of new to putting these things together, and it's a LOT of work. But I hope to try and do some of that in the future.
1:35... The infamous "SNYDER SNARE!" I know that has always been your favorite snare, and I'll bet that Dave regrets giving it up to this day! I have to admit that I'm surprised by the D4's on the rack toms. We've got three of the D2's for close-mic'ing toms, and never considered buying a D4. I thought they were designed for floor toms, but just like you, we use D6's on the floors when we're running sounds.
It certainly "are" the Snyder Snare!!! If I'm not mounting the mics inside, I like D2's on the tom toms, and D4's (or D6's) on the floors. But the D4's just sound great in the toms, plus there's a LOT of pressure there, as it's in the drum.
@@themaddrummerofficial now if only Rick stayed out of the way lol. Just kidding. Looked forward to you guys there, standing in the black jack pit got pretty boring. You were one of our best shows
Love to watch you play and so glad it is your thing. Looks like an enormous amount of work and creativity. When I watch Buddy Rich I cant help but think he had to burn night after night and he could never just play and blend so hope you get to from time to time. Thanks for posting.
I've thought the same thing about Buddy. Most people would have been "disappointed" if he wasn't COOKING. They wanted to see him on fire, not just playing good drums. Man, to this day, nobody can touch Buddy (imo).
(Friendly neighbourhood sound engineer here) As a supplement to your point about drum gates and dynamics: I like using piezo triggers on drums, I use these as the input source for the noise gates on the drum channels, because the trigger only 'reacts' to the sound as the drum is hit, not the sound that the mic is hearing. It lets you use a gate with much lower thresholds than you would if the gate were 'listening' to the various signals the microphone is exposed to. They can stick to the side of the shells, so won't affect head resonances or anything. Obviously it adds a few extra channels to your input list, but it's one of those situations where the benefit is really worth that in some situations. Your solution (internal miking) is wonderful by the way, I'm not here to knock it.. Just thought I'd mention this as an alternative if folks watching haven't made the leap to owning their own mic set and mounting them in the same way. Great video by the way, very informative :)
Right On!!! That's an ol' school trick, and it's works really well (especially if the engineer understands what's going on, and WHY you're doing it). You can get great results with it for sure.
As someone who doesn't play drums, I have a much greater appreciation and insight, thanks to you! I've been in a few bands and know lots of drummers, but none of them have every explained things in such a clear and understandable way (to me). Thanks Steve! You are top notch!
Rick Kay called me years ago, when you were thinking about leaving. I was referred by someone in Bob Dewey's network. I told Rick that what you did in your show wasn't me. Plus, I wasn't willing to leave my corporate job to go back to music full time. Glad you are still around. Love the set.
Huge inspiration for me. I remember being overseas when I first saw his vids. Inspired me to take up drumming again a couple years ago after I retired from the military.
IEM's - KZ KS10 Pro (2 Pin) or BASN Pro (MMCX) work fine, just upgrade the cable to an 8 core and you're all set. Both sets run around $50 US on Amazon. The KZ's now come bundled with an upgraded cable for $69 US. Been using the KZ's for 5 years and still holding up just fine.
Yea, that's exactly what I mean. It's not like it was 20 years ago where you HAD to pay hundreds of dollars (just the get the entry level). And it's sooooooo beneficial.
Most people don't know where that viral video of you came from, I remember seeing it ages ago and instantly recognized that Knoebels stage! I go there every single year and love seeing it pop up on the internet every now and again
He really is a nice guy and one of the best drummers I've ever heard. I love all the stuff he does and he never misses a beat. Steve, you are awesome man, please keep rocking and looking forward to your next video!
Hi Steve! First of all, it’s so good to see your return! You’re such a big inspiration for many of us! If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask a few questions, because -as you said- we are, in fact, nerds :’D So… What I'm curious about, is if you could please share your preferred drum throne height, the distance between your kick pedals, the height of your snare drum, and your height. I’m aware this is a lot, but It’d be such an honor to know these.
Yea, that IS asking a lot. LOL But I’m here to help, so I measured it for you. 🤘 I laid a yardstick on the throne (to get a true measurement). The throne is 23”, the snare is 28” and the space between the pedals is just over 18” (measured at the very back of the heal plates, meaning the SPACE between the plates). Hope that helps. :-)
I might be wrong here, but I don't think Tama makes the clutch any longer. Might have to call around to music stores to see if they have one in storage or something.
@@themaddrummerofficial there's one on ebay for 200 bones complete with case. that seems like a steal if they don't make 'em anymore! btw huge fan. your drummer is at the wrong gig video was probably the first viral drum video i ever saw as a kid (29 now)
Love all your vids and this was an awesome rundown of what you use. Im 47 and just starting to learn, never know maybe someday i will be flailing around like you lol. Keep on what you are doing you are top notch mr. mad😁😛
Excellent videos BUT need more of them. I am a fan of Mike Portnoy and now I am a fan of "THE MAD DRUMMER"!!!!! I also enjoyed the video when Mike had you on his video expressing his enjoyment of your drumming!!! That is a HUGE complement in its self!!! Thank you!!!! PS......I am a drummer for many years and I appreciate your drumming!!! (Jersey John)
I really appreciate that. Mike has always been extremely supportive of what I do (and I don't have to tell you how much that has meant to me). In fact, Mike is the person responsible for getting me my Sabian endorsement. I have zero reservations about saying that!!! Because it shows how cool Mike can be. I didn't "ask" him to do that for me, he just did it because he wanted to help me.
I have just gotten back into drumming after about 25 years and am so happy. I decided to not go with the Remo heads and chose Evans instead. I chose the black chrome on the toms just because they looked killer. Luckily they sound soooo good too.
Great overview of the kit. One more aspect I would be interested in, is what you put the mics into and the recording aspect (studio and cameras too?) to get the end result for you last performance video.
I can't take too much credit for that. I ran the mics into my Soundcraft MTK 22 console. Then recored into Logic Pro X (usb on my MacBook). I just tried to get a decent gain (higher green, but not red). Then I sent it off to my great friend Jim Dofka. He mixed it, and sent it back to me. I'm still rather new to mixing... but I'm learning as I go.
Ive always been a 2 bassdrum drummer myself!! It just looks so cool & don't fully trust double pedals cause I'm poor & get half-ass gear lol. I always customize & or build my own unique abstract sounds & gear!! Love your styles man!!
I know tons of people try to come across as high brow and blah blah blah. In other words saying "the sound is all that matters." While that might be true, I'm still like a kid... and I want shit to look f***ing COOL. LOL Tommy Lee is a great drummer. But his kit ALWAYS looked cool. I'm not ashamed to admit that. LOL
Makes sense that you didn't touch on how you actually set up so symmetrically. I think it looks really, really cool. Not every drummer is a tall lanky dude that can groove that way though. Great video Steve
Thanks Tim. Unfortunately for me, I'm still as OCD as ever... probably worse now. LOL I literally measure my cymbals from the ground up (or the ceiling down, because it's easier in my studio that way) with a tape measure. Pathetic! I'm pathetic I tell ya. LOL
Yeah, I am a trumpet player so I ask this often to drummers: Do you polish your cymbals? Do video on this topic because I hear wildly different reason why or why not.
I absolutely shine my cymbals... and it takes a LONG damn time. LOL You're correct though, a lot of people don't shine them, because they like the character of cymbals when they build up. I would never tell them they're wrong, because everyone has a different touch on the instrument. But for the sort of music I enjoy, I don't want the cymbals to sound mellow, I need them to cut. But that's just "my" situation. Some drummers have even been known to burry their cymbals in the back yard, then dig them up later. However, when you hear those drummers play, you then understand why they did it. :-)
I've been fortunate enough to see you play several times throughout my life. Before the viral video and all. This whole video just affirms how freaking cool you really are!!
I'm happy to hear that. Even if you can't afford "in ears," at least try and get some ear plugs, or headphones or something. Even if you don't use them live, at least "practice" that way. Every little bit helps!
Thanks for being an inspiration to me and countless drummers alike. I love the wooden beaters myself, same make as well so I'm very familiar with how heavy they are. But the sound. Can't be matched. Love ya man! Rock it! Maybe come to twitch?!?!??
@@themaddrummerofficial that'd be badass! Your kit is so beautiful! Could you maybe run over the kit you used for Rick k? Also, what spring tension do you use on them wood beaters? LoL. I'm at ¾ full.
Beautiful setup, including the racks and heads. I'm from the Peart, Mangini, Portnoy, Bozzio way of cymbology. My kit looks like a cymbal display at a major music store 🤣
Awesome rundown of your setup! Thanks! Can you cover tuning? I’m always interested in how other drummers tune their toms. Especially floor toms. I can’t get mine to sound as good as I want them.
You know, if I felt I had something special to share I would. But I'm honestly just like everyone else. I just do the best I can. I will give you one trick I learned from watching a Gavin Harrison video. Use TWO drum keys at the same time (one in each hand). That way you tighten the 9:00 position at the exact same time as the 3:00 position. So the head goes on evenly. It's just a simple thing.... but it makes a difference.
@@themaddrummerofficial Thank you very much for that tip. I never thought of that! I always feel like I'm chasing the tone around the head. (now, I can only remember where that other key went off to.)
Thank you. I originally had everything wrapped around the whole kit, but I just couldn't settle on the way it looked. Hey, I'll admit it, I want shit to look cool, and I'll spend months to get it. LOL But I soon found out, it had a second benefit. It's sooooo much easier to move, as the "rack" is in 3 sections. Worked out really well.
Thank you Steve! You are an inspiration for me. Show-wise as well as technique. Can't wait on new videos. Both 'mad drummer' as technique like the last one. Loved that!
I such a great idea. I've seen other drummers do that, but I've never taken the time to try it. It likely takes just a little bit of the roar (or humming) away. I'll definitely give that a try! 🤘
@@themaddrummerofficial It takes away that unwanted endless grumble and focuses the tone in such a way that I’ll never switch to any other head combo. It’s a must try!
MD, how about past the mic’s, like your audio interface from your drum mic’s to the computer? Would LOVE to know that. By the way, that first drum flurry in your “Wipeout” video might be my favorite few seconds of drumming EVER - you absolutely KILLED it!
I'm being completely transparent here, I'm learning as I go. I'm "not" the guy to ask for audio advice (but I'm learning a great deal from watching UA-cam tutorials. But to answer your question, I purchased a Soundcraft MTK 22 (as my interface). It CAN be a normal console (to mix live) however it can also act as an interface with a usb cable. So it's a win win, if I decide to do live streaming or something like that. Hope that helps. :-)
They're great as well. I've honestly tried nearly everything from Sabian at one point or another (AA, HH, HHX Artisan, Big and Ugly, and so on). I honestly love all of them. But I generally find myself coming back to the AAX, simply because it seems to work with everything.
Awesome detail and description of your kit. Love your videos. Obviously, the videos with your interaction with Rick K are hilarious. My favorite might be from the drum clinic when you were playing a solo and Brian Hitt from REO is sitting there watching and admiring. Please keep posting vids.
This kit is actually several years old (but I didn't take it out much). So the finish has actually yellowed a bit, and I LOVE it!!! It's not pure white, it looks aged a bit (but they're in perfect condition). I'm so happy with them.
Thank you steve!! I love your drum sound an now I you told me how to get close to yours or Vinnies thick, wet, low thundering sound!! Again thank you!!
I love your point of view regarding micing vs consistency. For guitar that’s a lot harder for the mic is always placed before the speaker. With just couple of gigs a soundcheck is fun but when playing 3-4 times a week micing/soundchecking takes too much time and is just annoying. That’s why I use Kemper: always the same sound where ever you play. Let’s just say I’ve become incredible lazy as a guitarplayer. 😂
I TOTALLY get it. It's something most people don't think about. But your "sound" is everything. It effects the audience, it effects the player, it's everything.
Excellent informative video Steve. As usual your sense of humor is great. I find myself looking at kits again as I have my business for sale and plan to retire this year. With both kits I owned I too had my carpet marked where every stand went as well as memory locks on all the stands. I was able to have the kit set up, miked and ready to rock in around 30 minutes. I too loved the AAX series and is all I ever had. I love the internal drum mics. Looks great and I'm sure they work great. As far as hearing protection, well unfortunately I never used any and have suffered some hearing loss in my right ear. Toward the end of playing in cover bands I started using ear protection while practicing but the damage was already done so great advice as usual! Meeting you was a highlight in my life as I've told you in the past because you helped me get off my backside and pick up the sticks after 30 or so years which led to my playing in six bands over a six year period. You're a great guy and I wish you much success in the future!
I'm afraid we're both in the same boat. By the time I realized my hearing was nearly gone, it was too late. That's why I tried to stress it in the video. As you know, it happens very slowly... so you don't even realize the damage that's being done. BTW I appreciate the kind words.
Actually, I know it's a Tama, but not sure of which line. It had the Tama badge on it when I bought it, but I later gave it to a guy to restore. He replaced the hoops, the lugs and so on. It's been so long ago though, that I don't remember what the drum was. LOL I've been through a LOT of drums in life. :-)
Well they call you the mad drummer for a reason. I had a starclassic babinga birch 40th anniversary kit unfortunately I had to sell it and go back to my old mapex m series witch is a full birch kit, the m series is loud but doesn't have the bottom end the tama had. Enjoyed your video Steve look forward to seeing more of it
This is the most incredibly detailed drum rig rundown I have ever seen. I wish more drummers would do rundowns this way. Excellent job Steve!
We're NERDS. We're NERDS! LOL I sure appreciate it Mark.
@@themaddrummerofficial we appreciate you! Thanks again!
@themaddrummerofficial most importantly after all you've mentioned, what about ''footwear'' To me, I cant play properly without my reeboks😅
Your antics are really great to see, but the thing that draws people in is your ability. You keep posting videos, and we'll keep watching them.
Got my first pro level kit 23 years ago. I was swapping heads out trying to dial in the sound and feel I wanted. I kept going back to those eq3’s until I finally realized they were the sound I wanted and been using them on all my drums since. They are such phenomenal heads!
I took me a long time to realize, what's "popular" isn't always the best choice (for me). I know that sounds like an obvious statement, but it's soooo easy to just use what everyone else is using.
Thanks for the tour! 🤘 You’d probably be a very good teacher. Your explaining is very good. Now I know more about the way you work behind the drums. Thanks and cheers
I appreciate that. However, I'm not that I'd have the patience to teach. Two of my best friends teach guitar, and they're WONDERFUL at it. But the ol' ADHD would likely kick in sooner than later, and spoil the whole thing. 🤣
I remember when I first got on UA-cam and the video of you playing drums was one of the first videos that I saw. That impressed me so much that I started watching other videos and then started my own channel. You are a legend !
Dude, you have like 230k subs. You're KILLING IT. That's so great to see.
🤗 I have watched and listened to your video's since hearing you on talk radio bout 10 years ago. Long story short version growing up my sister and brother played instruments from Jr high up as I did, we were all a year apart in age. My brother's room was on the other side of the wall from my room. I'm going to eat humble pie once again as I played several instruments growing up, I grew up hollering at my brother who (You guessed it) played the drums, telling him that drums just make a lot of noise it wasn't REAL music. 🥴 I couldn't even hear myself when I practiced in my room every night the Alto Sax, guitar and flute. I had a piece of that Humble pie when our band was short drummers for the Stock Show Parade. I volunteered to learn the drums as we had a lot of Sax players. Armed with my drumsticks and a padded block of wood I preceded to learn the cadence. I blew it🤯, I was surrounded by drummers and my part was simple, but I couldn't tune them out😖 and you have to be able to walk and chew gum at the same time😳😳. 🥧🥧🥧🥧. Later in life my Sons' FIL was an avid drummer and played in a band in the Midwest he was over the moon to be a grandpa to his first grandchild a boy and he couldn't wait to teach him to play the drums too. My grandson lost his grandpa to a person texting while driving in Missouri and pulled out in front of him (he was on his motorcycle). So those drums are sitting in storage, I hope that someone like yourself will show up with the knowledge and love for the drums to ignite that ❤🔥 again. What a great tutorial you put up here☺☺. I will be sharing this with them. Keep em coming you certainly had me awe stuck with the amount of information and all the setup. I had been mesmerized with watching you playing with both feet and still not missing a beat while captivating the public with your humor. We need lots more people like you.☺☺☺☺
When I was younger, I played a few different instruments as well. I played guitar for several years (even played banjo some). Also played trumpet in the school band. But when I dipped into drums, it was pretty much all over. I haven't had a guitar in my hand in many many years. Thanks for the kind words.
Well that was 12 minutes well spent. Steve your professionalism is top notch. That was a very in depth explanation. I love your drumming and your antics. Cheers to many more years of playing.
Amazingly detailed breakdown brother, much appreciated! Also loved the bloopers at the end lol
Great breakdown of the gear...the bloopers were great..."I'd rather just mow the damn yard" got me 🤣🤣
LOL I'm glad you got a kick from it. The funny thing is, it's the TRUTH. I'm honestly kind of new to making UA-cam videos. Dude, it's a LOT of work. :-)
@@themaddrummerofficial Wait... those were bloopers????
Oh believe me, it takes a great deal of getting used to talking to the audience through the camera and make it feel natural, you did fantastic! Now, try doing it live in a stream while playing video games... Yeah... that's a whole different kettle of bees. I keep catching myself rambling on about stuff that has absolutely nothing to do with the game or a question someone asked me in the live chat. I just pause, throw out a complete nonsense comment and then go back to what I was talking about.
Reading from a script is too hard for me to do.
@@exafrost Yea, you spend your entire life performing for a CROWD... then you suddenly find yourself just starring into the abyss (the camera). I appreciate the nice words. The only way I could start a channel, was to give myself "permission" to grow. Meaning I knew it was going to take some time. Hopefully it gets better with each video. LOL If not, I'm kind of doomed. 🤣
I also have used Audix mics internally mic'd for years...love it. I play Pearls and they also place the airhole just above the floor tom leg. I opted to drill into the shell. I know...taboo, but it works and I didn't have to alter my FT legs. I knew that the mics will always be in the drums so making them permanent was fine for me. Love the completeness of your rig rundown.
I know what you mean about it being "taboo." But I also know what you mean by "doing it anyway." 🤣🤣🤣
Dude, I love the "antics", but I love watching and hearing a killer drummer even without antics. That track was incredible! Thanks for the gear tour!
Steve that was brilliant ... love your playing so precise and kicks some serious ass! ..would love you to do some instructional videos on your technique especially your double kicks !
Thank you. I have a lot I want to do, it's just deciding what I want to do next. I'm sort of new to putting these things together, and it's a LOT of work. But I hope to try and do some of that in the future.
And the LEGEND continues...MUCH RESPECT MY DOOD!! 🤘🏽🙏🏽🤘🏽🙏🏽
1:35... The infamous "SNYDER SNARE!" I know that has always been your favorite snare, and I'll bet that Dave regrets giving it up to this day! I have to admit that I'm surprised by the D4's on the rack toms. We've got three of the D2's for close-mic'ing toms, and never considered buying a D4. I thought they were designed for floor toms, but just like you, we use D6's on the floors when we're running sounds.
It certainly "are" the Snyder Snare!!! If I'm not mounting the mics inside, I like D2's on the tom toms, and D4's (or D6's) on the floors. But the D4's just sound great in the toms, plus there's a LOT of pressure there, as it's in the drum.
I used to be in tablegames at grand casino, enjoyed your show many a weekend. One of a kind drummer
Oh Goodness. Yep, I played that room about a thousand times. A lot of really good people there. Thanks for the comment.
@@themaddrummerofficial now if only Rick stayed out of the way lol. Just kidding. Looked forward to you guys there, standing in the black jack pit got pretty boring. You were one of our best shows
Great video Steve, thanks for the insight, it's rare to get this kind of detail, and the outtakes were funny!
Love to watch you play and so glad it is your thing. Looks like an enormous amount of work and creativity. When I watch Buddy Rich I cant help but think he had to burn night after night and he could never just play and blend so hope you get to from time to time. Thanks for posting.
I've thought the same thing about Buddy. Most people would have been "disappointed" if he wasn't COOKING. They wanted to see him on fire, not just playing good drums. Man, to this day, nobody can touch Buddy (imo).
Steve your amazing bro,I love watching you play
Love watching all of your videos! They never disappoint! Time well spent! 🤓🤓
(Friendly neighbourhood sound engineer here) As a supplement to your point about drum gates and dynamics: I like using piezo triggers on drums, I use these as the input source for the noise gates on the drum channels, because the trigger only 'reacts' to the sound as the drum is hit, not the sound that the mic is hearing.
It lets you use a gate with much lower thresholds than you would if the gate were 'listening' to the various signals the microphone is exposed to. They can stick to the side of the shells, so won't affect head resonances or anything.
Obviously it adds a few extra channels to your input list, but it's one of those situations where the benefit is really worth that in some situations.
Your solution (internal miking) is wonderful by the way, I'm not here to knock it.. Just thought I'd mention this as an alternative if folks watching haven't made the leap to owning their own mic set and mounting them in the same way.
Great video by the way, very informative :)
Right On!!! That's an ol' school trick, and it's works really well (especially if the engineer understands what's going on, and WHY you're doing it). You can get great results with it for sure.
Love ya!!! Glad to see you back!!
As someone who doesn't play drums, I have a much greater appreciation and insight, thanks to you! I've been in a few bands and know lots of drummers, but none of them have every explained things in such a clear and understandable way (to me). Thanks Steve! You are top notch!
Thank you, Steve! Your content and insights are welcome and useful.
I still think @Drumeo needs you.
Rick Kay called me years ago, when you were thinking about leaving. I was referred by someone in Bob Dewey's network. I told Rick that what you did in your show wasn't me. Plus, I wasn't willing to leave my corporate job to go back to music full time. Glad you are still around. Love the set.
I appreciate that. BTW, Dewey is a solid camper, and has a great sense of humor.
@@themaddrummerofficial He and Chris Hogsett were always a blast.
I don't know anything about percussion and now I know something cool. Great explanation of the equipment.
My hero has popped up ,
Champion you R ✌
I’m not even a drummer, but I found this very informative 🤘 keep up the great work man
Huge inspiration for me. I remember being overseas when I first saw his vids. Inspired me to take up drumming again a couple years ago after I retired from the military.
First off, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!! 🙏 And I'm so happy to hear you began playing again. That's fantastic news.
Pls. more drum playing videos like last heavy one.
I love everything about this man.
Don’t know much about you but the second I saw that kit I can tell you are a SERIOUS player. Outstanding rig in every respect.
I appreciate that. Don't feel bad... sometimes I don't know about me either. LOL
IEM's - KZ KS10 Pro (2 Pin) or BASN Pro (MMCX) work fine, just upgrade the cable to an 8 core and you're all set. Both sets run around $50 US on Amazon. The KZ's now come bundled with an upgraded cable for $69 US. Been using the KZ's for 5 years and still holding up just fine.
Yea, that's exactly what I mean. It's not like it was 20 years ago where you HAD to pay hundreds of dollars (just the get the entry level). And it's sooooooo beneficial.
the most perfect rundown ive ever seen. clear and to the point everything u wanna know. thanks mr crazy!
I'm glad it was helpful. Thanks for the nice words.
Thanks for the tuning info, Steve. I will give it a try...
Most people don't know where that viral video of you came from, I remember seeing it ages ago and instantly recognized that Knoebels stage! I go there every single year and love seeing it pop up on the internet every now and again
You are just such a nice person, thank you for this video
He really is a nice guy and one of the best drummers I've ever heard. I love all the stuff he does and he never misses a beat. Steve, you are awesome man, please keep rocking and looking forward to your next video!
I certainly appreciate that.
Hi Steve!
First of all, it’s so good to see your return! You’re such a big inspiration for many of us!
If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask a few questions, because -as you said- we are, in fact, nerds :’D
So… What I'm curious about, is if you could please share your preferred drum throne height, the distance between your kick pedals, the height of your snare drum, and your height.
I’m aware this is a lot, but It’d be such an honor to know these.
Yea, that IS asking a lot. LOL But I’m here to help, so I measured it for you. 🤘 I laid a yardstick on the throne (to get a true measurement). The throne is 23”, the snare is 28” and the space between the pedals is just over 18” (measured at the very back of the heal plates, meaning the SPACE between the plates). Hope that helps. :-)
STEVE GREAT VIDEO.
Right on
I absolutely love my cobra clutch. I'm lost without it.
I don't even know how I'm subscribed to you.crazy how many subs you got with only 4 videos
I've been very fortunate... and I've tried to never take any of it for granted. 🙏
i've been playing drums for 20 years and never heard of the cobra clutch. i always just used a drop clutch. MIND BLOWN!!!!
I might be wrong here, but I don't think Tama makes the clutch any longer. Might have to call around to music stores to see if they have one in storage or something.
@@themaddrummerofficial there's one on ebay for 200 bones complete with case. that seems like a steal if they don't make 'em anymore! btw huge fan. your drummer is at the wrong gig video was probably the first viral drum video i ever saw as a kid (29 now)
You are a beast my friend!!
Impressive kit Steve Moore.
Not a drummer or musician, just a music lover. I appreciate your talent, style, and openness to share your knowledge with others. Blessings.
Nice kit Steve, I like that
Love watching you play steve ,your the best drummer i have ever heard , god your amazing , stay safe love from Australia ❤
It was awesome to get the tour, and to see the real Steve. Your are truly an inspiration to many drummers…
Love all your vids and this was an awesome rundown of what you use. Im 47 and just starting to learn, never know maybe someday i will be flailing around like you lol. Keep on what you are doing you are top notch mr. mad😁😛
Excellent videos BUT need more of them. I am a fan of Mike Portnoy and now I am a fan of "THE MAD DRUMMER"!!!!! I also enjoyed the video when Mike had you on his video expressing his enjoyment of your drumming!!! That is a HUGE complement in its self!!! Thank you!!!! PS......I am a drummer for many years and I appreciate your drumming!!! (Jersey John)
I really appreciate that. Mike has always been extremely supportive of what I do (and I don't have to tell you how much that has meant to me). In fact, Mike is the person responsible for getting me my Sabian endorsement. I have zero reservations about saying that!!! Because it shows how cool Mike can be. I didn't "ask" him to do that for me, he just did it because he wanted to help me.
@@themaddrummerofficialMike truly is a man of the people
I have just gotten back into drumming after about 25 years and am so happy. I decided to not go with the Remo heads and chose Evans instead. I chose the black chrome on the toms just because they looked killer. Luckily they sound soooo good too.
I've played those as well. Lot's of attack!
Great overview of the kit. One more aspect I would be interested in, is what you put the mics into and the recording aspect (studio and cameras too?) to get the end result for you last performance video.
I can't take too much credit for that. I ran the mics into my Soundcraft MTK 22 console. Then recored into Logic Pro X (usb on my MacBook). I just tried to get a decent gain (higher green, but not red). Then I sent it off to my great friend Jim Dofka. He mixed it, and sent it back to me. I'm still rather new to mixing... but I'm learning as I go.
Woot!!
I really enjoyed listening to you I've been playing drums over 50 year's does that mean anything nope ! But no one has caught my attention like you!
Ive always been a 2 bassdrum drummer myself!! It just looks so cool & don't fully trust double pedals cause I'm poor & get half-ass gear lol. I always customize & or build my own unique abstract sounds & gear!! Love your styles man!!
I know tons of people try to come across as high brow and blah blah blah. In other words saying "the sound is all that matters." While that might be true, I'm still like a kid... and I want shit to look f***ing COOL. LOL Tommy Lee is a great drummer. But his kit ALWAYS looked cool. I'm not ashamed to admit that. LOL
You’re awesome! More downloads, please!
Thx for the tour Steve. Keep the videos coming.
Makes sense that you didn't touch on how you actually set up so symmetrically. I think it looks really, really cool. Not every drummer is a tall lanky dude that can groove that way though. Great video Steve
Thanks Tim. Unfortunately for me, I'm still as OCD as ever... probably worse now. LOL I literally measure my cymbals from the ground up (or the ceiling down, because it's easier in my studio that way) with a tape measure. Pathetic! I'm pathetic I tell ya. LOL
Yeah, I am a trumpet player so I ask this often to drummers: Do you polish your cymbals? Do video on this topic because I hear wildly different reason why or why not.
I absolutely shine my cymbals... and it takes a LONG damn time. LOL You're correct though, a lot of people don't shine them, because they like the character of cymbals when they build up. I would never tell them they're wrong, because everyone has a different touch on the instrument. But for the sort of music I enjoy, I don't want the cymbals to sound mellow, I need them to cut. But that's just "my" situation. Some drummers have even been known to burry their cymbals in the back yard, then dig them up later. However, when you hear those drummers play, you then understand why they did it. :-)
You have been my favorite drummer for awhile now, and loved your last video metal double kick madness!!! Awesome, just simply awesome
Thank you so much, I'm 60 and I'm still learning!!!
Excellent rig tour! You talked about your antics at the beginning but behind all that is one hell of a skilled drummer. Love this!
I think that was the most clear and comprehensive gear tour iv seen, loved it.
Play hard brother.
I've been fortunate enough to see you play several times throughout my life. Before the viral video and all. This whole video just affirms how freaking cool you really are!!
Thank you so much for the video. Very informative and now I’m going to save up to buy the in ears!!!!
I'm happy to hear that. Even if you can't afford "in ears," at least try and get some ear plugs, or headphones or something. Even if you don't use them live, at least "practice" that way. Every little bit helps!
Thanks for being an inspiration to me and countless drummers alike. I love the wooden beaters myself, same make as well so I'm very familiar with how heavy they are. But the sound. Can't be matched. Love ya man! Rock it! Maybe come to twitch?!?!??
I'm still learning how to leverage UA-cam (there's a lot of moving parts). LOL But I'll give Twitch some thought, for sure.
@@themaddrummerofficial that'd be badass! Your kit is so beautiful! Could you maybe run over the kit you used for Rick k? Also, what spring tension do you use on them wood beaters? LoL. I'm at ¾ full.
A marvelously sounding set ...and so clean and polished!
Beautiful setup, including the racks and heads. I'm from the Peart, Mangini, Portnoy, Bozzio way of cymbology. My kit looks like a cymbal display at a major music store 🤣
Awesome rundown of your setup! Thanks! Can you cover tuning? I’m always interested in how other drummers tune their toms. Especially floor toms. I can’t get mine to sound as good as I want them.
You know, if I felt I had something special to share I would. But I'm honestly just like everyone else. I just do the best I can. I will give you one trick I learned from watching a Gavin Harrison video. Use TWO drum keys at the same time (one in each hand). That way you tighten the 9:00 position at the exact same time as the 3:00 position. So the head goes on evenly. It's just a simple thing.... but it makes a difference.
@@themaddrummerofficial Thank you very much for that tip. I never thought of that! I always feel like I'm chasing the tone around the head. (now, I can only remember where that other key went off to.)
Try on floor tom tighten up the bottom head losen the top head just for fun and see what happens
Lessons from decades of experience compressed into a short video. Nice.
I hope to see more content posted from you. Love your style brother!
Thanks for doing this, Love the kit and love the May system too!
very interesting set up rack cymblas drum i noticed the toms are on a double tom stand .and not mouted to the rack awesome kit by the way
Thank you. I originally had everything wrapped around the whole kit, but I just couldn't settle on the way it looked. Hey, I'll admit it, I want shit to look cool, and I'll spend months to get it. LOL But I soon found out, it had a second benefit. It's sooooo much easier to move, as the "rack" is in 3 sections. Worked out really well.
Thank you Steve! You are an inspiration for me. Show-wise as well as technique.
Can't wait on new videos. Both 'mad drummer' as technique like the last one. Loved that!
Nice kit! Thanks fir the update Steve!
Love Audix. I used to work across the street from their factory!
Helluva video dude! Kick ass content! 🤘🔥🤘🔥🤘
You are in my top5 Keep rocking.
Man i got too say your playing style screamed Larkin. I’m very inspired by him as well
Shannon was The Godfather to EVERYTHING I do. I've met him several times, and he's the nicest guy in the world.
Steve Moore. This is an absolutely great video you have done. Great information on how you set your kit up.
What a beautiful kit, super classy and cool. Interesting to see a rundown of it!
Love the drum rig rundown! Thanks for going so in depth on all of the details!!
You should try using EC2's as your reso heads on your floor toms as well, it will change your world trust me.
I such a great idea. I've seen other drummers do that, but I've never taken the time to try it. It likely takes just a little bit of the roar (or humming) away. I'll definitely give that a try! 🤘
@@themaddrummerofficial It takes away that unwanted endless grumble and focuses the tone in such a way that I’ll never switch to any other head combo.
It’s a must try!
@@Drewp06 Are you still doing EC2's on top, or G2's or something?
@@themaddrummerofficial Ec2 on top and bottom but only for 16” or 18” floor toms.
With a 14” I use Ec2 and G1 like my rack toms.
This is awesome Steve, thank you for sharing!!
I don't even play anymore and you checked all the boxes. Thanks for the vid!
Pro sound guy here, dude that kit is CLEAN and sounds fantastic 🤘
As you can see in my videos I am a Yamaha Guy but this kit is beautiful.
MD, how about past the mic’s, like your audio interface from your drum mic’s to the computer? Would LOVE to know that. By the way, that first drum flurry in your “Wipeout” video might be my favorite few seconds of drumming EVER - you absolutely KILLED it!
I'm being completely transparent here, I'm learning as I go. I'm "not" the guy to ask for audio advice (but I'm learning a great deal from watching UA-cam tutorials. But to answer your question, I purchased a Soundcraft MTK 22 (as my interface). It CAN be a normal console (to mix live) however it can also act as an interface with a usb cable. So it's a win win, if I decide to do live streaming or something like that. Hope that helps. :-)
@@themaddrummerofficial It absolutely does help! Thanks very much, and continued success! I’ll be watching. 😎🥁
Someone loves x-plosion crashes haha. Have you ever tried the HHX version? Love those ones!
They're great as well. I've honestly tried nearly everything from Sabian at one point or another (AA, HH, HHX Artisan, Big and Ugly, and so on). I honestly love all of them. But I generally find myself coming back to the AAX, simply because it seems to work with everything.
Awesome detail and description of your kit. Love your videos. Obviously, the videos with your interaction with Rick K are hilarious. My favorite might be from the drum clinic when you were playing a solo and Brian Hitt from REO is sitting there watching and admiring. Please keep posting vids.
I really appreciate that. Brian has always been very kind to me. In fact, he’s responsible for my Ludwig endorsement (before I went to Tama).
That finish is just awesome. Like milk & brown sugar.
This kit is actually several years old (but I didn't take it out much). So the finish has actually yellowed a bit, and I LOVE it!!! It's not pure white, it looks aged a bit (but they're in perfect condition). I'm so happy with them.
8" deep snare drums need to be protected at all costs 🤘🏻
My exact same influences... love you Mad Drumma!! 😎🤘
Thank you steve!! I love your drum sound an now I you told me how to get close to yours or Vinnies thick, wet, low thundering sound!! Again thank you!!
Dude such a killer setup!! And may I add looking good Steve!! 🫠🔥🔥🔥🔥🖤🤘🏻
I love your point of view regarding micing vs consistency.
For guitar that’s a lot harder for the mic is always placed before the speaker.
With just couple of gigs a soundcheck is fun but when playing 3-4 times a week micing/soundchecking takes too much time and is just annoying.
That’s why I use Kemper: always the same sound where ever you play.
Let’s just say I’ve become incredible lazy as a guitarplayer. 😂
I TOTALLY get it. It's something most people don't think about. But your "sound" is everything. It effects the audience, it effects the player, it's everything.
Excellent informative video Steve. As usual your sense of humor is great. I find myself looking at kits again as I have my business for sale and plan to retire this year. With both kits I owned I too had my carpet marked where every stand went as well as memory locks on all the stands. I was able to have the kit set up, miked and ready to rock in around 30 minutes. I too loved the AAX series and is all I ever had. I love the internal drum mics. Looks great and I'm sure they work great. As far as hearing protection, well unfortunately I never used any and have suffered some hearing loss in my right ear. Toward the end of playing in cover bands I started using ear protection while practicing but the damage was already done so great advice as usual! Meeting you was a highlight in my life as I've told you in the past because you helped me get off my backside and pick up the sticks after 30 or so years which led to my playing in six bands over a six year period. You're a great guy and I wish you much success in the future!
I'm afraid we're both in the same boat. By the time I realized my hearing was nearly gone, it was too late. That's why I tried to stress it in the video. As you know, it happens very slowly... so you don't even realize the damage that's being done.
BTW I appreciate the kind words.
I think that snare might be a Bison drum, custom builder in wheeling Illinois 20-30 years ago
Actually, I know it's a Tama, but not sure of which line. It had the Tama badge on it when I bought it, but I later gave it to a guy to restore. He replaced the hoops, the lugs and so on. It's been so long ago though, that I don't remember what the drum was. LOL I've been through a LOT of drums in life. :-)
@The Mad Drummer ® regardless of the snare, you'd make a couple of twigs and Tupperware sound amazing. Enjoying all your videos, rock on.
Well they call you the mad drummer for a reason. I had a starclassic babinga birch 40th anniversary kit unfortunately I had to sell it and go back to my old mapex m series witch is a full birch kit, the m series is loud but doesn't have the bottom end the tama had. Enjoyed your video Steve look forward to seeing more of it
I've never actually played a Mapex kit. But I'm pretty biased. LOL
Thanka Steve!!
Great video love your drum rig been practising pretty much every day for the last 10 years love it