Dave Vandigitty

Drums for Film, TV, & Artists

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3 Reviews
Dave Vandigitty on SoundBetter

Top quality drum tracks in 2 days or less! Unique parts; excellent sounds. I produce mix-ready drum tracks for solo artists and film composers. Multiple takes ready to add to your mix. Credits include Netflix, Nat Geo, Nickelodeon, and more.

Hi, I'm Dave, a full-time drummer and audio engineer from Los Angeles. Since graduating Berklee College of Music in 2009, I've worked as an audio engineer in Hollywood, CA with artists like Dinosaur Jr, LP, Aitch, George Ezra, Allan Rayman, Wayne Newton, Dave Chappelle, & Warren G, as well as showcases for Warner Bros, Island Records, Sony, and NBC. My experience gives me the advantage when it comes to recording drums remotely and having them mix-ready when they're delivered.

I can record 24 hours a day in my live room in North Hollywood. I offer multiple takes: one that sounds like your demo and one that has extra variety to the parts, so you've got some different versions to choose from. A second pass for revisions is included with pricing.

I excel at complex arrangements and physically demanding styles. Be it brushes or blast beats, orchestral to bluegrass, I've got you covered.

I'd love to hear about what you're working on. Please be in touch!

I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.

3 Reviews

Endorse Dave Vandigitty
  1. Review by James Roberson
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    by James Roberson

    Dave is easily the most talented and professional drummer I'm ever likely to play with. He has mastered any genre or blend of genres I care to throw at him as well as some of the most technical music I'm able to come up with. He always delivers everything well above the bar and sends in amazing sounding mixes and stems. I've been a film and television composer for over 10 years and Dave has helped me out on a ton of recordings. To anyone looking for an insanely skilled, energetic, professional, and friendly drummer/engineer/mixer/human being, I can't recommend Dave highly enough!

  2. Review by Brandon Baumann
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    After working with Dave for the better part of a decade, I can confidently endorse him to any prospective client for any prospective drum or audio project without hesitation. To only say he is a more-than-qualified candidate is a gross understatement --- Dave is extremely knowledgable about his craft, and his creativity combined with his elite-level mechanics makes him a first call for the job that needs to get done. Highly recommend.

  3. Review by Tom Chandler
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    by Tom Chandler

    Dave is one of the best drummers and sound people in all of Los Angeles. I have utilized his work dozens of times be it for drums, recording, engineering, or mixing. He is an excellent, driven, performer in all ways, who will give u the results you're after like none other. Dave understands many styles of music (I've thrown a lot at him) and he excels at each kind.

Interview with Dave Vandigitty

  1. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  2. A: Always use reference material at the start of your production. It will help define the overall direction and make decisions easier as you continue.

  3. Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

  4. A: I'd like to work with Jack White: I admire his no-nonsense approach. He's prolific in a way that I'd like to be.

  5. Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

  6. A: What's the process for doing remote recording? Please read the terms of service on my profile, if you have any more questions, please ask - I'm always upfront about the process, timeline, and pricing.

  7. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  8. A: Absolutely both - don't forget a quality A/D converter!

  9. Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

  10. A: I'd bring a Ukelele, 4-track recorder with batteries, Kalimba, Bongos, and an SM57.

  11. Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

  12. A: A big misconception in recording is that everything can be fixed in post production. Get it right at the source! Recording a drum-set is like recording a small orchestra - making the drums and cymbals work together dynamically before the sound hits the mics is part of what makes a great session drummer. There are some things you can't fix later. Let me help you do it right the first time!

  13. Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

  14. A: Brandon Baumann is an excellent singer - call him if you're in need of voice-over or top-line male vocals!

  15. Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

  16. A: In 2017 I released my first solo project, where I played the role of writer, arranger, producer, mixer, mastering engineer, and artwork designer. "The Countless" is available on all streaming platforms.

  17. Q: How would you describe your style?

  18. A: Lively, energetic, bright. Sometimes I need to play on top of the beat; other times I'll fall back. It just depends on what the groove calls for.

  19. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  20. A: I bring the sensitivity to know when a part fits the song.

  21. Q: What are you working on at the moment?

  22. A: I am currently recording drum tracks for a client who is pitching to major network cartoons. I believe that my clients' success is part of my success.

  23. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  24. A: Questions that start a clear line of communication: what's the destination for your music? Knowing the audience helps give me perspective. Also, who or what would you like this to sound like?

  25. Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

  26. A: I will exceed your expectations from start to finish - and do it fast!

  27. Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

  28. A: The music type can vary depending on the project I'm involved in at the moment. In my younger years I played a lot of classic rock which taught me band dynamics. When i entered college the approach was more academic and I worked with more Jazz and World music. Upon moving to L.A. my focus began to shift as I received work in the film score industry, which is where most of my time is dedicated now.

  29. Q: What's your typical work process?

  30. A: Understanding your vision is vital. I like to begin by gaining an understanding of where the song needs to go so I can precisely execute that when I start recording. Once I've done a few passes, I send a mix and get your feedback - if it sounds right, I send stems. If it needs a revision, we talk it out and I track one more time.

  31. Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

  32. A: Listen to your instincts. Once you make a decision, stick to it!

  33. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  34. A: I'm able to anticipate my client's needs and deliver to them fast.

  35. Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

  36. A: John Fogerty's drummer, Kenny Aronoff, is my inspiration. He has tons of energy and experience in the industry. He's taught me personally two important things: the value of adapting to musical situations and how to strive to be a people-pleaser in the studio.

  37. Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

  38. A: My career path began at age 5 under the influence of my dad, an accomplished guitar guru in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. After graduating Berklee College of Music in 2009, I moved to Los Angeles, where I currently reside. In addition to my work in LA as a drummer, guitarist, and audio engineer, I've also toured 13 countries throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.

  39. Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

  40. A: I most often play drums for animations, cartoons, and movie cues. I also record plenty of rock, country, and even metal... I love double bass!

  41. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  42. A: I love the feeling of accomplishment when I take a sequenced production and give it human feel by adding my live drums.

  43. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  44. A: I can record 24 hours a day in my North Hollywood Studio. I have 7 different kits that I use to find the perfect sound for the project. I find that 12-16 tracks is the usually right amount to cover all the drums, cymbals, and room, without being too much to work with during the mix stage. I only use high quality instruments and mics from my favorite brands, like Tama, Earthworks, Sennheiser, and Universal Audio. I often use a Tama Bell Brass snare, Tama Starclassic Maple and Bubinga drum kits, as well as a Yamaha Birch Custom Absolute.

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Surf Cartoons composed by James Roberson

I was the drummer and mix engineer in this production

Terms Of Service

Fast turn-around! 24-48 hours. Base price includes two different takes and one round of revisions. 50% deposit due requested on first day of recording. Extra takes are at half song rate.

GenresSounds Like
  • Danny Elfman
  • Alan Silvestri
  • Kenny Aronoff
Gear Highlights
  • Tama Drums
  • Earthworks mics
  • UAD preamps
  • Pro Tools
  • Waves Complete
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SoundBetter Deal

Discount for multiple songs - 15% off each song added