Why change drum heads before recording?

Changing drum heads before going to the recording studio is a common practice among drummers and recording engineers, and it can have several benefits:

1. Improved Sound Quality: Over time, drum heads can become worn out and lose their tone, resulting in a dull or flat sound. By changing the drum heads, you can ensure that your drums sound their best and have a brighter, more lively tone. This can help to make your recordings sound more polished and professional.
2. Consistency: When recording multiple songs or tracks, it’s important to have a consistent sound across all of the recordings. By changing the drum heads, you can ensure that your drums sound the same on each track, which can help to create a more cohesive sound across your entire album.
3. Tuning: Changing drum heads gives you the opportunity to fine-tune the sound of your drums. With fresh heads, you can experiment with different tuning techniques and find the sweet spot for each drum, allowing you to create the perfect sound for each song or recording.
4. Durability: Fresh drum heads are less likely to break or fail during recording sessions. This can help to minimize downtime and ensure that your recording sessions run smoothly and efficiently.

Overall, changing drum heads before going to the recording studio can help you to achieve the best possible sound for your recordings, while also providing consistency, tuning options, and durability. 

In addition to changing drum heads, there are a few other things to consider when preparing for a recording session:

1. Drum Maintenance: Along with changing the drum heads, it’s important to make sure that your drums are in good condition. This may involve cleaning them, checking for any loose hardware or parts, and ensuring that the drum shells are free from cracks or other damage.
2. Drum Selection: Depending on the type of music you are recording, you may want to use different drums or cymbals to achieve the desired sound. Consider selecting drums and cymbals that complement the style and tone of the music.