Jan Pohl on SoundBetter

Custom, mix-ready drum recordings tailored perfectly to your song.

Hi, I’m Jan - a session drummer, producer, and mixing engineer based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Finding the perfect feel and drum sound for your song is my biggest passion. I’ve been fortunate to work as a professional drummer (live and in the studio), recordist, producer, and mixer for over 20 years, collaborating with artists across a wide range of styles.

When recording drums, I work with a holistic approach - combining performance, instrument choice, tuning, room sound, recording, and mixing into one integrated workflow. My goal is always to serve the song in the best musical way while maintaining the emotion of the music.

Your drum (pre-)production is the starting point of this process, which I elevate with my experience and attention to detail. I have a beautiful collection of (rare) vintage drums, along with industry-standard microphones and preamps, allowing me to craft the right sound for every track. I also regularly add percussion layers or subtle drum programming when it helps enhance the arrangement.

All drums are recorded at my studio, Okapi Recordings, in Rotterdam. The live room is 40 m² (430 sq ft) with high ceilings and a big, open sound. I also have a dedicated vocal booth for tight, dry drum tones. All rooms are professionally designed and acoustically treated.

Get in touch - I’d love to work with you on your music!

Click the 'Contact' above to get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Credits

Languages

Dutch
English
German

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Interview with Jan Pohl

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have two recording room. A big one for big tones and air and a very tight sounding booth for the super dry stuff. I use UA's Apollo x16 with analog pre's (Api, Neve-style, Focusrite, SSL and Warm Audio) and x8p. Other outboard equipment is: a Distressor, a Transient Designer, API 525, DBX. I have a pair of Amphion Two18 speakers and a pair of Klein & Hummel O300D with sub. As for microphones I mainly use: AKG D12e, Rode Classic Mk1, Coles 4038, AEA R88, Royer 121, Neumann U87, Neuman KM84 and KM184, Flea 47, Mojave M1000, Sennheiser MD441, MD421, MD21, Unidyne 545s, Shure SM7, SM57, Beta 57, Beta 52, AKG C451, DPA 4090, SE Voodoo
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: As a drummer I am always inspired by Aaron Sterling and the way he approaches drums, sound and recording. As a producer and mixer: Eric Valentine, Tchad Blake and Vance Powell... and so many more! In general, I am often drawn to music and productions with a some amount of rawness.