Drum techs have plenty to do with just one kit to worry about. But MARK ‘WIFF’ SMITH wrangles four sets of drums while on tour with UK folk-rock heavyweights MUMFORD & SONS. LOUDER caught up with him between daily cymbal polishings.

Shure Notes email newsletter subscribers submit their burning audio questions every month, and we pick one to publish in the email and here. This month, we focus on in-ear monitor solutions for drummers who sing.

In part 3 of our drum recording series, we look at the advantages and process of applying gates to individual drums during the mix.