SONOR AQX 'Stage Configuration' 10 12 16 22K 14SN - Soundcheck by Bryan Macaranas

You may have seen the recent video I shared with the Sonor AQX, also in Midnight Sparkle, but the 'Jungle' configuration 10 13 16K. I am a fan of the AQX Series, more so, I am a fan of getting as much value (and sound) out of drums that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. My love for Sonor drums does not stop at the German made drums, I own multiple, and use the more affordable Made in China 'AQ' lines. And what better way but to record the drums as they come delivered; factory heads and all.

DISCLOSURE: I did replace the front bass drum head since I wanted to maintain the black factory logo head which doesn't have a porthole. I employed a little bit of dampening with a towel in the kick drum.

I found that this AQX kit took a little bit more effort dialling in the tuning of the toms. At least to suit the 'tone' my ears are accustomed to. I was going for maximum boom (specially with the 16" floor tom). The shells definitely has less attack than what I'm used to, but there is no shortage of warmth, and lots of LOWS. Resonance on all toms is so controlled I didn't have to use and dampening. Same with the snare drum - speaking of which, I would not hesitate gigging with this in so many settings. Impressive snare drum. Who knows what this kit will sound like, and how much it will improve with an upgrade of heads to USA made EVANS G2 Clear or EC2s and EMAD on the kick. We'll just have to wait and see....

Recorded at Dirty Laundry Studios Brisbane QLD, Australia JULY 2024
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DRUM GEAR LIST
SONOR AQX 'Stage' all in Midnight Sparkle
10x7" Rack Tom
12x8" Rack Tom
16x15" Floor Tom
22x16" Bass Drum
14x5.5 Snare Drum

UFiP Cymbals (L-R)
14" Blast Extra Dry Hi-Hats
7" Class Splash
8" FX Collection Natural Splash
20" Blast Crash w/ 6" Class Splash inverted
10" Class Splash
21" Blast Extra Dry Ride
18" Tiger China (modded)
20" Vibra Crash
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RECORDING & MONITOR GEAR
Porter & Davies 'Gigster' Drum Throne Monitor
Mics are mix of brands
Beyerdynamic 57/58c for rack and floor tom
Beyerdynamic D50d for main snare
Lewitt LCT240 for overheads
Lewitt DTP640REX w/ Dr Alien Smith Subkick 01 for kick
Prodipe T110 for snare bottom
Logic Pro X DAW
Audient id44 + SP8 Interface