Blog
Articles about drum recording techniques, studio gear and Toni Mateos' career as a professional online session drummer
Drum Bleed: What to Keep Before You Reach for a Gate
Learn how to assess drum bleed before gating. Check ghost notes, drum decay and cymbal spill, then choose what to keep in your multitrack mix.
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 drum recording for artists worldwide.
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 €79.
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.