Derek Mixon's Drum Setup: Gear, Cymbals, And More!

Hey guys! Ever wondered what kind of gear your favorite drummers are using? Today, we're diving deep into the fantastic world of Derek Mixon's drum setup. Understanding the specifics of a drummer's setup can give you insights into their sound, playing style, and overall musical preferences. Derek Mixon is known for his incredible versatility and groove, so let's explore the components that make his sound so unique and captivating.

What Drums Does Derek Mixon Use?

Let's kick things off with the core of any drum setup: the drums themselves! At the heart of Derek Mixon's powerful sound lies his choice of drum kit. The specific kits he uses can vary depending on the performance or recording situation, but he's often seen playing high-quality kits known for their resonance, clarity, and versatility. Understanding the brands, sizes, and materials he prefers can help you get closer to replicating his signature sound.

Typically, Mixon gravitates towards kits that offer a balanced tonal spectrum. This means drums that can deliver both punchy low-end frequencies and articulate high-end tones. Shell materials like maple and birch are common choices for their ability to provide a wide range of sonic possibilities. Maple is well-regarded for its warm, balanced sound, making it incredibly versatile for various musical styles. Birch, on the other hand, is known for its brighter, more focused tone, which can be particularly useful in live settings where clarity and projection are paramount.

Moreover, the sizes of the drums play a significant role in the overall sound. A standard configuration might include a 22-inch bass drum for that deep, resonant thump, 10 and 12-inch rack toms for melodic fills, and a 16-inch floor tom for those thunderous low-end accents. However, Mixon's setup isn't always conventional; he sometimes incorporates different sizes and depths to achieve specific tonal characteristics. For instance, a deeper bass drum can produce a more sustained and booming sound, while shallower toms might offer a quicker decay and more immediate attack.

Pay close attention to how the drums are tuned as well. The tuning of each drum significantly affects its pitch, resonance, and interaction with the other drums in the kit. Mixon likely tunes his drums to complement the key of the song or to achieve a particular sonic texture. Experimenting with different tuning techniques can help you discover how to tailor your drum sound to suit your musical preferences. Whether he's laying down a tight groove in a funk tune or creating a powerful backbeat in a rock anthem, his drum kit serves as the foundation for his dynamic and expressive playing.

Derek Mixon's Cymbals: A Shiny Overview

Cymbals are a crucial part of any drummer's sonic palette, and Derek Mixon is no exception. His cymbal choices add color, texture, and accents to his playing, contributing significantly to his overall sound. The types, sizes, and brands of cymbals he uses are carefully selected to complement his drumming style and the music he plays. Let's explore the shiny world of Derek Mixon's cymbal setup to uncover the secrets behind his shimmering sounds.

Mixon’s cymbal setup typically includes a variety of cymbals to cover a wide range of sonic possibilities. This usually encompasses hi-hats, crash cymbals, ride cymbals, and possibly some effect cymbals like splashes or chinas. Hi-hats are essential for creating the rhythmic foundation of many grooves. He might use a pair of 14-inch hi-hats for their versatility, offering a balanced sound that works well in numerous musical contexts. The specific brand and model can vary, but he likely opts for hi-hats that provide a crisp, defined chick sound when closed and a shimmering wash when partially open.

Crash cymbals are used to punctuate accents and add dynamic emphasis to the music. Mixon might incorporate several crash cymbals of different sizes and thicknesses to achieve a range of tonal colors. A thinner crash cymbal will generally produce a faster response and a brighter, more explosive sound, while a thicker crash cymbal will offer more sustain and a darker, more powerful tone. He may use crashes ranging from 16 to 18 inches to provide a variety of sonic options.

The ride cymbal is another crucial component of his setup, providing a sustained, shimmering sound that can be used to create a rhythmic pulse or add textural depth. A 20 or 22-inch ride cymbal is a common choice, offering a balance of sustain, wash, and bell-like tones. The specific characteristics of the ride cymbal can vary depending on its weight and lathing patterns. A heavier ride cymbal will typically have more sustain and a clearer bell sound, while a lighter ride cymbal will offer a more washy, complex tone.

Effect cymbals, such as splash cymbals and china cymbals, add unique accents and sonic textures to his playing. Splash cymbals are small, thin cymbals that produce a fast, shimmering sound, perfect for adding quick accents and highlights. China cymbals, with their upturned edges and trashy sound, provide a more exotic and aggressive tone that can be used to create dramatic effects. His choice of cymbals is a reflection of his musical taste and his desire to create a distinctive sound that complements his dynamic and expressive playing style.

Drum Heads and Tuning

The drum heads you choose and how you tune them are super important for the sound of your drums. Derek Mixon probably experiments with different types of drum heads to get the sound he wants. For example, coated drum heads might give a warmer, more controlled sound, while clear drum heads could offer more attack and sustain. The tuning can change how resonant or punchy the drums sound, so getting it right is key to achieving that perfect tone.

For the batter heads (the ones you hit), Mixon might use coated heads for a warmer, more controlled sound, especially in the studio. Coated heads tend to dampen the overtones slightly, resulting in a rounder, more focused tone. This can be particularly useful for recording situations where a cleaner, more defined sound is desired. Single-ply coated heads offer a brighter, more responsive feel, while double-ply coated heads provide more durability and a fatter, more controlled sound. He might opt for something like a Remo Emperor or a Evans G2 coated for their versatility and durability. These heads are well-regarded for their balanced tone and ability to perform well in a variety of musical styles.

On the resonant side (the bottom heads), clear heads are often used to enhance the drum's natural resonance and sustain. Clear heads allow the drum's shell to vibrate more freely, resulting in a longer, more open sound. Single-ply clear heads are a common choice for resonant heads, as they offer a good balance of resonance and clarity. Mixon might use something like a Remo Ambassador clear or an Evans G1 clear for their consistent performance and reliable tone. The resonant head plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound of the drum, influencing its pitch, sustain, and tonal character.

Tuning is another critical factor in achieving the desired sound. Mixon likely tunes his drums to complement the key of the song and to create a balanced, cohesive sound across the entire kit. The specific tuning technique can vary depending on personal preference and the desired outcome. Some drummers prefer to tune their drums relatively high for a bright, lively sound, while others prefer a lower tuning for a deeper, more resonant tone. Achieving the right balance between the batter and resonant heads is essential for maximizing the drum's potential.

Hardware and Pedals

Hardware and pedals might seem like small details, but they make a big difference in how a drum kit feels and responds. Derek Mixon probably uses sturdy, reliable hardware to keep everything in place, no matter how hard he's hitting those drums. His choice of bass drum pedal is also important, as it affects his speed, power, and control. A smooth, responsive pedal can help him execute complex rhythms and create dynamic variations with ease. Let's explore the crucial components of hardware and pedals in Derek Mixon's setup.

Starting with the drum hardware, stability and durability are paramount. Mixon likely uses heavy-duty stands for his cymbals and drums to ensure that everything stays securely in place during even the most energetic performances. The specific brand and model of the hardware can vary, but he likely opts for stands that offer a good balance of stability, adjustability, and portability. Features like double-braced legs, memory locks, and adjustable tilters are essential for ensuring that the hardware can withstand the rigors of touring and recording. The hardware is the foundation upon which the entire drum kit is built, so investing in high-quality stands is crucial for a reliable and consistent playing experience.

The bass drum pedal is another critical component of his setup, directly influencing his ability to generate powerful and precise bass drum strokes. Mixon likely uses a pedal that offers a smooth, responsive action and a wide range of adjustability. Features like adjustable spring tension, beater angle, and footboard height allow him to customize the pedal to his specific playing style and preferences. The choice between a direct-drive, chain-drive, or belt-drive pedal is a matter of personal preference, with each offering a slightly different feel and response.

Similarly, the hi-hat stand is an essential piece of hardware that affects his ability to create intricate hi-hat patterns and accents. Mixon likely uses a stand that offers smooth, responsive action and precise control over the hi-hat cymbals. Features like adjustable spring tension and a rotating base allow him to fine-tune the stand to his specific playing style. The hi-hat stand is the foundation for his hi-hat technique, so choosing a reliable and well-designed stand is crucial for maximizing his expressive potential.

Sticks and Personal Preferences

Drumsticks are a very personal choice for drummers. Derek Mixon probably uses sticks that feel comfortable in his hands and help him achieve the sound he wants. He might prefer a certain weight, length, or tip shape. These details can affect the balance, rebound, and overall feel of the sticks. Some drummers also use different sticks for different styles of music, so Mixon's choice might depend on the gig. A heavier stick might be used for rock, whereas a lighter stick is good for jazz.

Beyond the technical aspects of his gear, there are also the personal preferences that contribute to Derek Mixon's unique sound. This might include the way he sets up his kit, the angles of his cymbals, or even the type of throne he uses. These small details can have a big impact on his comfort, control, and overall playing experience. Understanding these personal preferences can provide further insights into his approach to drumming and his distinctive musical personality.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it, guys! A glimpse into the world of Derek Mixon's drum setup. While knowing the gear is cool, remember that it's Mixon's skill, creativity, and musicality that really make his playing stand out. But, hopefully, this has given you some ideas for your own setup. Keep experimenting, keep playing, and find what works best for you!