Ben Koller's Drum Setup on Converge's Jane Doe (2001) | MetalForge

Frequently Asked Questions

What drum kit did Ben Koller use on Converge's Jane Doe?

Ben Koller recorded Jane Doe in 2001 using a Tama Starclassic kit with bubinga shells in Piano Black finish. The configuration included a single 22" x 18" bass drum (Koller is a single-kick player), 10" and 12" rack toms, and 14" and 16" floor toms. His snare was a Tama brass-shell 14" x 6.5" model, chosen for the bright, cutting attack that defines the album's snare sound.

What cymbals did Ben Koller use on Jane Doe?

Ben Koller used Sabian HHX and AAX cymbals on Jane Doe. The setup included Sabian HHX Groove Hats (14"), Sabian AAX Stage Crashes (18" and 19"), a Sabian HHX Raw Bell Dry Ride (21"), and a Sabian AAX Chinese (18"). The combination of HHX darkness and AAX brightness gives the album its full sonic range — from dry, articulate hat patterns to explosive crash accents.

Did Ben Koller use a double bass drum pedal on Jane Doe?

No. Ben Koller is one of the rare modern heavy drummers who plays single kick exclusively. The blast beats, gallops, and rapid kick figures throughout Jane Doe were all executed with a single Tama Iron Cobra pedal on a single 22" bass drum. His single-kick approach is a defining element of his sound and a major reason Converge's drumming feels different from typical metal.

Where was Jane Doe recorded?

Jane Doe was recorded at GodCity Studio in Salem, Massachusetts, with Converge guitarist Kurt Ballou producing and engineering. The album was released on September 4, 2001 on Equal Vision Records. Ballou tracked the band live in the room for feel, and the dry, immediate drum sound is the result of his close-mic philosophy and the natural ambience of the GodCity room.