[bob knob]

THIS WORKS EVERY TIME!

You need to compress the snot out of the snare. Use a ratio somewhere close to 5:1 and at least a threshold of -24 db (depending on how tight you want it) attack it hard (not too hard) and easy on the release. Also a good decibel or 2 of gain is good to ensure you are getting good use out the compressor. It will start to sound unnatural but keep in mind a big part of the snares sound comes from the overheads etc.. Then you need to open an eq and get the desired tone. You can thicken it up a little if necessary by adding some low mid or mids. Keep curve quality (Q) at default or less. I find that treble will usually help bring out that beloved stick sound. Be sure to A and B the snare soloed and the whole kit. You shouldn’t need to increase any freq. more than 5db. Remember its being slammed by the compressor. Sometimes the bottom mic sounds good mixed in with a good amount of compression too. By the way, the compressor and eg within superior work great. They have well designed parameters for drums.

Everyone who’s read this owes me $5 ha ha ha This was my good deed for the week. Enjoy.

[Author]

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