[linux-audio-user] Re: producing a drum sample library for hydrogen

Such a sample set would be useful outside of Hydrogen as well. How about "public domain" license? We just have to make sure people can get the originals if they wish. Is there GPL equivalent for samples? Here are my non-professional tips: Tip 1: Listening to existing libraries may not help. It could be that most drum samples are not done as good as possible. Tip 2: Provide as many snare (say) samples as possible. If you want create a limited preset for Hydrogen, you can do that later but leave an option for us others who want a randomizing element to the drums. Press record and hit the snare for an hour in various ways. Tip 3: Group the samples so that all samples from one drum kit are together. Tip 4: No effects whatsoever at recording time. Reverbs, gates etc can be added later, but cannot be removed if they already are there. Tip 5: If you record stereo, make the other channel so that it can be played mono. Channels should not be mixed for obtaining the mono version. First mic is for mono and the second mic is to get a different perpective from the same sound. The first mic should be placed to best position. Snare is often recorded both from top and bottom (where the spring is heard best). Stereo effects can be done with these later; the mics does not need to be in a true stereo configuration. Tip 6: When two close mics are used to record a drum, check any phasiness effects by mixing the mics. Fix it by moving the second microphone. It may not be possible to fix it later. Tip 7: The overall stereo mic could be in a human-ear-stereo configuration above the drum kit. Those mics should be kept in fixed position during all recordings. So, for each drum we would get both the mono, the second mic, and overall stereo recording --- four channels in total. That should give freedom at mix time. Tip 8: When samples are trimmed, don't cut decays too early. I use spectrum view in editing long decays because the spectrum display can see throught the waveform noises. Listening to the sample helps but not many editors have +64 dB output gains (Audacity has ok +36 dB max output gain). Leave good space to the start as well; trigger point can always be adjusted later in software. Why? Do you sit on drummer's lap in concerts? Does your drummer's cymbal walk from left to right when hit? :-) As far as I know the cymbal sound (one cymbal) comes from one fixed position. If I stand at 50 feet from the drummer, the sound is practically mono. Any left to right movement coming from speakers is just an effect. Effects can be done later. Though, use of two mics makes panning effect less dull. I can help here and apply some of my own reverbs. I can also help in trimming and in labeling the samples from the raw recordings (if you don't have time). I can also provide space from here ftp.funet.fi. I have recorded zero seconds of drums, but giving "tips" won't harm anyone. If I'm mistagen, I'm sure you see it instantly. Juhana