This study investigates the impact of time alignment on perceived attributes for drumkit recording techniques within the context of popular music. While previous research has compared time alignment in drum recording, little attention has been paid to the differences it may cause in perceived recording qualities. To address this gap, various overhead microphone configurations were recorded alongside kick and snare microphones to create stimuli for listening tests. These recordings were then processed with and without time alignment, and attributes such as clarity and punch were evaluated by participants using a modified MUSHRA interface. The results consistently favored non-time-aligned techniques in terms of perceived clarity and punch, with statistically significant differences observed in most cases. Preferences between engineers and musicians did not significantly differ. Participants provided both quantitative and qualitative feedback, including preferences for certain techniques and evaluations of clarity, punch, balance, size, and width. Least preferred samples exhibited characteristics such as roominess, phase issues, processed sound, dryness, harshness, muddiness, and undefined qualities. Critiques of the XY configurations included mentions of uneven stereo imaging and unnatural phase correlation, suggesting potential improvements in mic placement.

Detta arbete behandlar ämnet trumsound i en studiomiljö och hur jag som trummis kan påverka soundet. Syftet med arbetet är att förstå och utveckla de olika faktorer som tillsammans skapar ett sound och berör bland annat speltekniska områden som timing och dynamik, materiella områden som val av instrument och dess konstruktion samt akustiska områden som mikrofonplacering och rumsakustik.  Efter att ha transkriberat och analyserat trumspelet på sex kända låtar spelade jag in mig själv i en studio där jag med hjälp av tidigare erfarenheter och nya idéer försökte återskapa trumspelet och trumsounden från dessa låtar så långt det bara var möjligt. Bifogat till arbetet finns transkriptioner samt två versioner på varje trumtagning där den ena är utan effekter och den andra är med effekter. Processen i studion dokumenterades i form av anteckningar och med en filmkamera som sedan tillsammans med det inspelade materialet blev underlag för min analys. Resultatet visar att ordentliga förberedelser och god kunskap om sitt instrument skapar förutsättningar för ett bra sound. Genom att välja instrument med passande ljudegenskaper samt ta tid till att stämma och micka upp trummorna noga krävs det mindre tid i efterediteringsarbetet. Eftersom uppfattningen av timing och dynamik är personlig så skapas också förutsättningar för unika sound genom musikerns sätt att tolka och spela musiken. / This study deals with the topic of drum sound in a studio environment and how I, as a drummer, can affect the sound. The purpose of the study is to understand and develop the various factors that together create a sound. The study involves technical areas such as timing and dynamics, material areas such as the choice of instruments and their design as well as the impact of microphone placement and the acoustics in a room. After transcribing and analyzing the drumming of six famous songs, I recorded myself in a studio and by way of previous experiences and new ideas I tried to recreate the drumming and the drum sound of these songs as far as possible. Attached to this study there are transcripts of the drums and two versions on each take where one is without effects and the other is with effects. The process in the studio was documented in the form of notes and a video camera which then became the basis for my analysis together with the recorded material. The result shows that accurate preparation and good knowledge of the instrument is a fundamental condition for a good sound. Choosing instruments with appropriate sound characteristics and taking time to tune and mic the drums makes the mixing phase shorter and easier. Because the perception of timing and dynamics is personal, the conditions for developing a unique sound are also created through the musician's way of interpreting and playing the music. / <p>Inspelningar finns att ladda ned som bilagor till det skriftliga arbetet.</p>