Controlling drum sounds.

[BillTribbitt]

Anybody ever build a drum enclosure? The pre-made panels and enclosures are pretty pricey. Looking for something that would be mobile or at least modular is design so it could be taken down and moved when necessary. Any thoughts or ideas?

[thedudedrum]

My first question would be this...are you trying to gain tone or simply control volume?

I've been playing in many different situations for years, both in and out of the church. One of the biggest problems I have encountered with the overall tone of my kit is the usage of either a sound shield or an enclosure. The main issue I have found in all the different situations has been that a drummer behind a shield or in an enclosure is simply going to play louder. There are many factors that come in to play when thinking about trying to control volume while not sacrificing tone.

On the volume side of things, I would highly recommend taking a look at the type of drum/cymbal/stick being used. Just because a drummer shows up with their own equipment doesn't mean it is always the best equipment for the task at hand. Drums and cymbals are out there that have a quick decay that also produce less on the volume side. Sticks are one of the main places I have always started as an adjustment point. If I'm in a smaller room or need to have a lower volume, I'll use rods. They can be bolstered to provide a closer stick feel than many think.

Techniques of playing go into effect as well. If you have a heavy hitter already, all having them enclosed (partially or fully) is going to do is make them want to play harder and louder.

Shields and enclosures are simply an illusion. They don't solve the problem. Talk with your drummer. If they are knowledgeable, they are going to know what to do. Chances are, he/she is going be able to dial it back and give you a better performance.

Here is a good video series to check out both for our mission as drummers in worship and a few techniques to use.

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL07C2360CB01F1A4B

[Kgallemore]

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...0185151&type=3

See if you can see that link. It's the drum cage we have in our church. If it doesn't work I'll post it again. It's not really portable, more of a built in. It really work well. The one thing we need to do is plumb an HVAC duct into it so our drummer gets fresh air. But it definitely does the job. Beta52 on the kick, a senhiesser on the snare and 2 overhead condensers. Sounds great, we have complete control over sound and the drummer is free to play his own style without the older members moving to the back row or scowling during worship. Drums really are the loudest part of a worship team, and they need to be reasonably controlled.

[travisvwright]

Lots of examples how-tos and links at: http://drummersbehindglass.com @Kgallemore I can't see you're link (might just be FB blocked at work) but you should go to Drummers Behind Glass and submit your images.