How to Sound Like Ryan Van Poederooyen — Drum Gear & Setup Guide | MetalForge
Replicate Ryan Van Poederooyen's Devin Townsend Project drum sound. Gear list, settings, and technique tips to get that signature tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What drum kit does Ryan Van Poederooyen play?
Ryan Van Poederooyen plays a Pearl Reference series kit with a maple/mahogany hybrid shell construction, configured with double 22" x 18" bass drums, two rack toms, and two floor toms — a setup built for the versatility his role with Devin Townsend demands.
How does Ryan Van Poederooyen achieve such a wide dynamic range?
Van Poederooyen keeps his grip and fundamental technique consistent across dynamic extremes, relying on control rather than switching setups or sticking styles. He practices the same patterns at multiple volumes so the transition between a whisper-quiet passage and a full-intensity section is seamless rather than a technique change.
What cymbals does Ryan Van Poederooyen use?
He plays a Sabian HHX and AAX combination — HHX Evolution hi-hats and crashes plus an HHX Raw Bell Dry Ride for musical, complex tone, and an AAXtreme china for aggressive accents on the heavier end of Devin Townsend's catalogue.
Is Ryan Van Poederooyen's double bass technique fast?
It's powerful and precise rather than blast-beat fast. His approach prioritizes locking tightly with the guitar riff and driving the song forward over hitting maximum tempo — appropriate for Devin Townsend's compositionally dense, riff-driven material.
Can I get Van Poederooyen's sound on a budget kit?
Yes. Focus on a maple or maple/hybrid shell pack tuned for versatility rather than one extreme, and prioritize learning the dynamic control and riff-locked double bass technique — the gear matters less than the ability to move between whisper-quiet and full-intensity playing.