What’s the secret to capturing that deep, punchy snare sound without overdoing it?
I asked Greg Giorgio about his approach to drums, and he shared how tuning and subtle miking tricks – like dampening with towels and choosing the right snare – make all the difference. It’s about working with the instrument’s natural voice.

My guest today is Greg Giorgio, a producer, engineer, and mixer known for his work with artists like The National, Delta Rae, and Death Cab for Cutie. With nearly two decades working alongside producer Peter Katis at Tarquin Studios, Greg now runs 9 Point Studios in Greenwich, Connecticut, blending technical skill with creativity.

In our conversation, we explored how Greg sets up his studio for maximum flexibility – using a stereo SSL board as a summing mixer, integrating analog effects with digital workflows, and creating inspiring, workable signal paths. Greg shared his custom techniques for headphone mixes, routing, and parallel processing, emphasizing that the real magic often comes down to how you listen and respond in the moment.

We delved into drum mic techniques, including how tuning, dampening, and placement contribute to that deep, resonant snare. Greg also walked through his go-to gear for drums, including big mahogany snares and the importance of not hitting drums too hard, especially when aiming for a thick, squishy sound that still feels dynamic.

Plus, Greg offered insights into how he approaches distortion and saturation creatively – using parallel chains with carefully chosen plugins to add character without phase issues – and the importance of listening in context rather than soloing everything. His honesty about experimenting with routing, effects, and even unconventional room mic placements inspired me to think differently about how I work.

If you’re into practical, experience-based tips for recording great drums, or curious about setting up your studio for better flow and inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable ideas.