Blog
Articles about drum recording techniques, studio gear and Toni Mateos' career as a professional online session drummer
How to Record Drums Online Professionally
Discover the complete process to get professional drum tracks recorded remotely — from setup configuration to final delivery by an experienced session drummer.
Best Microphones for Recording Drums
A complete guide to the microphones we use at Toni Mateos to capture the best drum sound: Neumann, AKG, Sennheiser and more.
API, Neve and DAD Preamps: What's the Difference?
A technical comparison of the three legendary preamp families we use in the studio: API for punch, Neve for vintage warmth, DAD for absolute transparency.
Toni Mateos: 35 Years Setting the Rhythm in Music
The professional career of Toni Mateos, online session drummer with 1,000+ albums recorded and collaborations with John Legend, Alejandro Sanz, Juanes and more.
How to Prepare Your DAW Project for a Professional Remote Drum Session
A step-by-step guide to preparing your audio project to ensure a flawless professional remote drum session with Toni Mateos.
Real Drums vs Programmed Beats: Why Organic Rhythm Still Wins
A comparative analysis of programmed drums versus professional live session recording: dynamics, character and sonic advantages.
30 Years of Session Drumming: Lessons from Global Stars
Reflections on three decades of professional drumming, from touring with Juanes and Miguel Bosé to remote recording from Europe for the world.
Drumming for Alejandro Sanz: Recording «Y, ¿si fuera ella?»
The story behind recording «Y, ¿si fuera ella?» for Alejandro Sanz's +ES+ album — one of the most emotional moments of my career.
Drummer for La Voz (The Voice): Behind the Scenes
What it's like to be the drummer on La Voz: 600 songs per season, every style imaginable, and everything recorded on the first take.
Drummer for Sergio Dalma: Recording «Treinta y tanto»
My experience recording drums for Sergio Dalma's album «Treinta y tanto» at Estudio Uno in Madrid, with API and Neve preamps and top-tier microphones.
What Is a Microphone Preamp? Everything You Need to Know
Discover what a microphone preamplifier is, why it matters, and how to choose the best one for your recording studio.
Drummer for Antonio Orozco: From a Single Gig to a Gold Record
How I became Antonio Orozco's drummer, recorded the gold-certified album «Destino», and toured across Spain.
Microphone Polar Patterns: A Complete Guide for Studio Recording
Discover the 6 types of microphone polar patterns and how to choose the right one for recording drums, vocals and instruments. A practical guide from 35 years of studio experience.
Microphone Types by Construction: Dynamic, Condenser and Ribbon
A complete guide to the three main microphone types: dynamic, condenser and ribbon. Learn when to use each one for recording drums, vocals and instruments in the studio.
Drum Tuning for Studio Recording: A Complete Professional Guide
Professional drummer Toni Mateos shares his studio drum tuning techniques after 35 years recording with Alejandro Sanz, Juanes & more. Essential reading.
Drum Microphone Placement: The Complete Studio Guide
Learn exactly where and how to place every mic on a drum kit for professional recordings. Real techniques from 35 years in the studio with Neve, API and top gear.
Drum Compression in the Mix: A Complete Guide
Learn how to compress drums like a professional. Toni Mateos shares his complete drum compression techniques with 35 years of recording experience.
How Much Does Online Drum Recording Cost in 2026? Complete Pricing Guide
A transparent breakdown of online drum recording costs in 2026. Compare session drummer pricing, what affects the price, and how to get professional drum tracks from €64.
The Complete Guide to Hiring an Online Session Drummer in 2026
Everything you need to know about hiring a session drummer online: how it works, what to look for, how to prepare your files, and what to expect from professional remote drum recording.
Session Drummer vs Fiverr: What You Really Get for $15 vs $150
Comparing budget Fiverr drum tracks with professional session drummer recordings. Equipment, quality, revisions and what really matters for your music.
Best Online Drum Recording Services in 2026: An Honest Guide
An honest review of the best online drum recording options in 2026 — from SoundBetter and Fiverr to individual session drummers. Pros, cons and what to expect.
Session Drummer Rates: How Much Should You Pay in 2026?
A transparent breakdown of session drummer pricing in 2026. Budget, mid-range and premium tiers explained, plus what factors actually affect the cost.
How to Find a Drummer for Your Song: 5 Proven Methods
Five practical ways to find and hire a drummer for your song, from online platforms to personal referrals. Pros and cons of each method explained.
5 Signs Your Song Needs Real Drums (Not Programmed Beats)
When should you replace programmed drums with a real drummer? Five clear signs that your song needs the feel only live drumming delivers.
Studio Drummer vs Touring Drummer: What's the Difference?
The key differences between studio drummers and touring drummers — precision vs endurance, tone vs showmanship, and why the skillsets rarely overlap.
Remote Drum Recording: How It Works (Step by Step)
A step-by-step guide to the remote drum recording process — from sending your tracks to receiving professional multi-track stems, with timelines and tips.
SoundBetter vs Hiring a Session Drummer Directly: Which Is Better?
An honest comparison of hiring a session drummer through SoundBetter versus booking directly from a drummer's website. Fees, communication and quality compared.
What File Formats Should You Send to a Session Drummer?
A practical guide to preparing your files for a session drummer — file formats, sample rates, tempo maps, click tracks and reference mixes explained clearly.
Drum Recording for Singer-Songwriters: A Beginner's Guide
Never hired a session drummer before? This beginner's guide for singer-songwriters covers what to expect, how to communicate your vision, and how to budget for real drums.
Rock Drum Recording: Techniques, Tones and Tips
A deep dive into rock drum recording — tuning, cymbal choices, mic techniques, compression, and room sound. Practical advice from 3,758 sessions and 35 years behind the kit.
Why Your Demo Deserves Real Drums (Even on a Budget)
Real drums transform demos from rough sketches into convincing recordings. Here is why it is worth the investment — even when your budget is tight.
Online Session Drummer: Everything You Need to Know Before Hiring One
A comprehensive FAQ answering the 10 most common questions about hiring an online session drummer — cost, turnaround, revisions, quality, delivery and more.
The Best Drum Sounds for Pop Music in 2026
A look at the drum sounds defining pop music in 2026 — from dry and intimate to sample-augmented and vintage-inspired. How a session drummer adapts to current trends.
Drummer for Hire: What to Look for When Choosing a Session Musician
A practical checklist for choosing the right session drummer — portfolio, credits, equipment, communication, pricing, turnaround, genre range and more.
What You Get When You Hire an Online Drum Recording Service: Deliverables & Formats
Find out exactly what files, formats and tracks you receive when hiring a professional online drum recording service. WAV multitrack, stems, reference mix and more.