studio technique on drums, from what I hear.. Make it set up in the music, on headphones especially, like the dreamiest is directly in front of you in the mix, like you said, hi hat slightly off to one side, floor toms on the other, snare, kick, and mid toms in front.. I did that on what little I've recorded.. there definitely is a "place" both figuratively and technically for every instrument in the overall mix..

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Friendship is like peeing your pants.. Everybody can see it, but only you can feel the warmth..