What drum kit did Aerosmith use on Walk This Way?

Aerosmith used a Ludwig drum kit for the recording of "Walk This Way" at Record Plant NYC. Ludwig kits were popular in the 1970s rock scene and provided the punchy, resonant tone heard on the track.

What microphones were used to record Walk This Way drums?

The drums were recorded using a combination of close mics including Shure SM57 on the snare and AKG D12 on the kick drum. Neumann U87 microphones were used as overheads to capture the overall kit sound and room ambience.

How to get that punchy 70s drum sound like Walk This Way?

The key is combining close-miking with room mics, then applying FET compression like a 1176 during mixing. Use dynamic mics on drums, condenser overheads for ambience, and tune the drums tight and resonant for maximum punch and articulation.

Who recorded the drums on Aerosmith Walk This Way?

The drums were recorded by engineer Jay Messina at Record Plant NYC under producer Jack Douglas. Messina was known for his work with major rock acts and his skill in capturing powerful drum sounds.

What compression was used on Walk This Way drums?

Classic FET compression, likely from a Urei 1176, was applied during mixing to enhance the punch and sustain of the drums. This type of compression was essential for helping the drums cut through the dense rock mix and maintain their aggressive character.

drums from "walk this way" by aerosmith

walk this way

aerosmith

drums

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Tone Profile

A hard-hitting, groovy 70s rock drum sound with a tight and punchy character, enhanced by subtle room ambience and a touch of compression. The drums are impactful and sit perfectly in the mix.

Shop This Rig

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Ludwig Drum Kit(instrument)
Shure SM57(microphone)
Neumann U87(mic)
AKG D12(mic)
Urei 1176(compressor)

The Story

Aerosmith's "Walk This Way" drums were recorded at Record Plant NYC by engineer Jay Messina under producer Jack Douglas. The drum sound featured close-miking with dynamic mics like the Shure SM57 on snare and AKG D12 on kick, complemented by Neumann U87 overheads to capture the Ludwig kit's natural tone and room ambience. Classic FET compression was applied during mixing to enhance the punch and sustain, helping the drums cut through the dense rock mix.

Production Credits

Producer: Jack Douglas

Engineer: Jay Messina

Recorded at: Record Plant NYC

Signal Chain

Instrument: Ludwig Drum KitShop on Reverb

Microphone: Shure SM57Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a vintage-style Ludwig drum kit to capture the correct fundamental tone.
Use a combination of close mics (Shure SM57, AKG D12) and overhead mics (Neumann U87) to blend punch and ambience.
Experiment with compression to achieve a tight and controlled sound. A classic FET compressor like the Urei 1176 can add aggression and sustain.
Pay attention to tuning – a tight, resonant tuning will help the drums sound punchy and articulate.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Ludwig Classic Maple SeriesShop on Reverb$800-$2000

Alternative to: Ludwig Drum Kit

Modern Ludwig kit that maintains the vintage maple shell construction and punchy character of 70s Ludwig kits used on the original recording

Shure SM57Shop on Reverb$100-$120

Alternative to: Shure SM57 snare mic

The exact same microphone model used on the original recording - still manufactured and the industry standard for snare drums

AKG D112Shop on Reverb$150-$200

Alternative to: AKG D12 kick drum mic

Modern evolution of the D12 used on the original, designed specifically for kick drums with similar frequency response and punch

Audio-Technica AT4050Shop on Reverb$400-$500

Alternative to: Neumann U87 overheads

Multi-pattern condenser that captures similar room ambience and kit balance as the U87 overheads at a more accessible price point

Universal Audio 1176LNShop on Reverb$2500-$3000

Alternative to: Urei 1176 compressor

Modern reissue of the classic FET compressor that provides the same aggressive punch and sustain enhancement used on the original mix

Universal Audio 1176 Collection PluginPlugin Boutique$150-$300