Why Do Some Drum Kits in the 1980s Sound Like Drum Machines or Samples?
It's common to hear drum sounds in 1980s music that mimic the sound of drum machines or samples, even in tracks with live drummers. This phenomenon was particularly prevalent in the new wave genre, where the lines between sampled sounds and acoustic drumming became blurred. Drums that sound machine-like are often attributed to specific techniques and production tricks of the era.
The Involvement of Drum Machines
Many drum sounds in 1980s tracks were heavily influenced by early digital drum machines. These devices provided a crisp, synthetic, and repeatable sound that was ideal for the new wave sound of the time. Although many bands used live drummers, the sonic quality of the drums sometimes sounded more akin to machines rather than live drumming. This was not simply a matter of sound choice but a product of the technical limitations and creative choices of the time.
Techniques and Production Choices
Sound engineers employed various techniques to create the desired sound. Techniques such as noise gates were commonly used to control the dynamics of acoustic drum kits. By gating the drums, the low and unnecessary transient noise was eliminated, leaving a more controlled and punchy sound. Additionally, extreme compression was applied to drum sounds, enhancing consistency but also contributing to an artificial quality. Both noise gating and compression are often present in 1980s recordings, making drums sound more electronic and less naturally nuanced.
The use of drum machine-triggered acoustic drums was also a common technique. This involved triggering an acoustic kit to play in a controlled, programmed way, mimicking the precision and consistency of a drum machine. Artists like Steve Gadd, who appeared on Graceland, as well as Bruce Springsteen and Phil Collins, often used this approach to enhance their recording's dynamic range and clarity.
Examples and Case Studies
The drum sound on In the Air Tonight is a prime example of this technique. The song begins with a drum machine, but as the energy builds, it transitions to live drums for the final fill. The similarity of the drum sound to machine-triggered drums is quite noticeable and contributes to the song's memorable quality. This approach was prevalent in 1980s music, and it's not uncommon to hear drums in these tracks that were mixed to sound somewhat electronic even when played live.
Other Factors Contributing to the Sound
Drum samples and triggers were also widely used in the 1980s. Bands like Kashmir and producers like Phaser experimented with these techniques, often without realizing it was a Roland CR-78. The CR-78, in particular, was a popular choice for drum sounds due to its punchy, synthetic quality. It was often used to layer with live drums or even replace them entirely. Some songs even sampled the drum sound without realizing it was a Roland CR-78, leading to a seamless blend of natural and synthesized elements.
It's worth noting that the heavy use of electronic elements contributed to the uniqueness of 1980s music. While some might find the quality noises tiring after repeated listening, others appreciate the innovation and spirit of the era. Tracks like Rule the World and All Those Songs Were Really Good showcase the best of 1980s music, blending live drums with electronic elements to create a memorable and iconic sound.