Recording a drum kit in a professional way can involve as many as 8 microphones, each one requiring a preamplifier and effects. Add in the cost of the drums th

Recording a drum kit in a professional way can involve as many as 8 microphones, each one requiring a preamplifier and effects. Add in the cost of the drums themselves and the hourly rate of a session player. 18k may be an overstatement, but it's a nontrivial cost.