Using Distortion/Saturation Techniques on Drums

Drums have always been left alone for the most part, as drums usually need to be the main front of most songs, serving as the main backbone to most genres of music today. However, when processing drums on tracks that require more effects and differentiations, one can try using distortion when mixing.

Distortion on drums can give more of a punchy tone if used subtly, and can really allow the drums to cut through the mix easily. However, I want to talk about a more specific effect used in more retro songs. To achieve a more retro effect on the drums, we can try to use GUITAR effects to process the drums. Using a crunchy type of processing can lead the drums to the drums sounding like it was recorded in a really old microphone.

I would normally process drums like that with basic guitar distortion, with some hicut to cut out the screechy noises that come with distortions. And also a low cut to cut out the sub frequencies, so i can layer more basses under those drums.