Over the years the API 550A has become my EQ of choice for almost every tracking task. Most of the drum samples I produced for the Archetypal Sample Pack were tracked through the 550A. This was usually preceded by an API 512V preamp because of it’s ability to capture transient information, and because they just sound fucking amazing on drums and drum machines.
Below are some of my favorite settings I use when tracking hardware drum machines. Take note that the boost/cut amounts are arbitrary. Rather, these act like a general place to start in terms of frequency ranges. Cutting is optional, boosting is mandatory.
I prefer to save subtractive EQ for the mixing stage where I can be more surgical and transparent with something like DMG Audio EQuick. The API 550A is best used for coloration and broad strokes.
Also, did you know you can swap out the Opamps on API equipment to impart a more vintage tone? If you’re interested in this easy mod, check out the Red Dot Opamps on Scott Leiber’s website.
EQ Settings for Drum Machines:
Kick
Electronic or Metal
+6 dB @5 kHz
– 4 dB @400 Hz (optional)
+ 6 dB @50 Hz
Pop:
+6 dB @2.5 kHz
– 2 dB @400 Hz (optional)
+6 dB @50 Hz
Snare & Rim
+6 dB @10 kHz
+6 dB @3 kHz
+6 dB @200 Hz
Low Tom
+6 dB @ 5 kHz
+6 dB @ 100 Hz
Mid Tom
+6 dB @ 7 kHz
-4 dB @ 400 Hz (optional)
+6 dB @ 200 Hz
Hi Tom
+6 dB @ 7 kHz
+6 dB @ 200 Hz
Hi Hats
+6 dB @ 10 kHz – Hi Shelf or Bell
+6 dB @ 200 Hz
-6 dB @ 50 Hz – Low Shelf (optional)
Cymbals – Rides, China, Crash
+6 dB @ 15 or 20 kHz – Hi Shelf
+2 dB @ 200 Hz (optional)
-6 dB @ 50 Hz – Low Shelf (optional)
Claps
+4 dB @ 15 or 20 kHz – Bell or Hi Shelf
+4 dB @ 1.5KHz – 5KHz
+2 dB @ 200 Hz
Low Shelf below 100 Hz (Optional)
try the 50 Hz to 15 kHz band-pass filter toggle switch
Shakers, Cabasa. Maracas
+6 dB @ 15 kHz – High Shelf
+6 dB @ 200 Hz
-6 dB @ 100 Hz – Low Shelf
Agogo
+2 dB @ 15 kHz – Hi Shelf
-6 dB @ 50 Hz – Low Shelf
Congas
+2 dB @ 20 kHz – Hi Shelf
+4 dB @ 400 Hz
-6 dB @ 200 Hz
Cowbell
+9 dB @ 20 kHz – Hi Shelf
+6 dB @ 1.5 kHz
-4 dB @ 30 Hz – Low Shelf
Claves
+6 dB @ 15 kHz – Hi Shelf
+6 dB @ 200 Hz
-6 dB @ 50 Hz – Low Shelf
Tambourine
+2 dB @ 15 kHz – Hi Shelf
+2 dB @ 5 kHz
-6 dB @ 30 Hz – Low Shelf
try the 50 Hz to 15 kHz band-pass filter toggle switch
Timbale
+4 dB @ 3 kHz
+2 dB @ 200 Hz – Low Shelf
Guiro – CR78
+4 dB @ 20 kHz – Hi Shelf
+4 dB @ 5 kHz