Based on a ‘Tama SLP Black Brass’ snare.

This, apparently, was picked out from a blind test against some very expensive drums and has won approval on many studio sessions since. The medium thickness brass shell places it between vintage and the more modern 3mm+ plus shells regularly seen. A balanced, responsive snare that, with just a touch of dampening, offers power, cut and consistency.

1 TCI File, 12 One Shot Samples (WAV), 150+ Raw Samples (WAV)

Based on a ‘Dunnett 2N Titanium’ snare.

The most recognisable snare of one of the drum world’s most recognisable craftsmen. Primarily identifiable through its use of Titanium as shell material, this 14×8 beast has been modded to feature heavyweight die-cast hoops to focus the unbelievable volume this snare projects. Despite being a deep drum, it’s relatively light and works well tuned higher than one would expect. A modern classic.

1 TCI File, 12 One Shot Samples (WAV), 150+ Raw Samples (WAV)

Based on a ‘BDC Super 7’ snare.

The cutter is light and responsive with a distinctive tone that has notes of ‘anvil’ as much as its exotic ‘Purple Heart’ tone wood. Crafted with exacting detail, the 13×7 shell, palladium lugs and triple-flanged hoops result in a unique drum that can command attention in the densest of mixes.

1 TCI File, 12 One Shot Samples (WAV), 150+ Raw Samples (WAV)

Based on a ‘Wainwright Iver’ snare.

A cast stainless steel, stealth monster. The build quality is incredible and has earned cult status among many in the UK. The Steel is renowned for its aggressive overtones and this snare has been designed to make the most of them; sticking with triple-flanged hoops rather than die cast gives the snare a wider tuning range than many with a similar spec. For this session we decided to round off some of the overtones and tune it medium-high for plenty of cut. 

1 TCI File, 12 One Shot Samples (WAV), 150+ Raw Samples (WAV)

Based on a ‘Sonor Phonic’ snare drum.

The vintage German Sonic at the Ranch has been used on an incredible array of records. Starting off a little worse for wear, the drum has been brought back from the dead with new lugs and heavyweight die cast hoops that, while not really in keeping with the original aesthetic, make this a potent studio weapon, so much so that we did 3 variations from dead to high midrange tuning. An unheralded gem of a drum, the Super Sonic!

1 TCI File, 12 One Shot Samples (WAV), 150+ Raw Samples (WAV)

Based on a ‘Mapex Versatus’ snare drum.

Despite lacking the brand prestige of many others in this collection, the Solid Canadian is one of those ‘sleeper’ instruments waiting to be held in far higher prestige than its name usually merits. The 11mm 14×7 maple shell trends towards dryness and has pleasingly euphonic overtones; we settled on a medium-low tuning with enough dampening to take the slightest edge off the ring. Check it out, it might surprise you!

1 TCI File, 12 One Shot Samples (WAV), 150+ Raw Samples (WAV)

Based on a ‘BDC Big Softy’ snare drum.

Everything suggests that this snare should be tuned low for a big, soft, pillowy sound but, in reality, our experience is that it sounds best tuned up a little higher than you’d expect. The Sentimental does have a unique tone – we’ve attributed that to the combination of Cherry and Balsa, which despite being hardwoods are very light. It has a very pronounced fundamental and will work well reinforcing thinner or smaller snares, or when you just want something a little different.

1 TCI File, 12 One Shot Samples (WAV), 150+ Raw Samples (WAV)

Based on a ‘Ayotte Keplinger’ snare drum.

A rare and sought after drum that was created as a union of two iconic manufacturers. The 13×6, 3mm cast steel shell married to Maple hoops gives it a unique profile that makes it stand out and brings a recording to life. One of the smaller drums we sampled but what it lacks in size it makes up for with its mighty punch!

1 TCI File, 12 One Shot Samples (WAV), 150+ Raw Samples (WAV)

Based on a ‘Pearl Reference’ snare drum.

The ‘Reverence’ features an extremely thick, 20-ply maple shell and, from what we can find out,this 13×6, 6-lug model is completely unique! We decided to capture one of the most interesting aspects of this drum, that despite the low lug count, it absolutely revels in being craed an unholy amount. If you ever wanted your snare to ping, this is one for you! 

1 TCI File, 12 One Shot Samples (WAV), 150+ Raw Samples (WAV)

Based on a ‘Yamaha Recording Custom’ snare drum.

A true beast from the East! This 14×8 birch and cherrywood shell snare loves to be tuned low and hit hard. We decided to sample it with plenty of dampening to get that classic big, dead, rock tone. While the close mics are dry, the room mics add levels of dimension and detail that really make the most of the drum and the space.

1 TCI File, 12 One Shot Samples (WAV), 150+ Raw Samples (WAV)