yet another question about recording samples

When you're sampling lets say a drum break, do you EQ the drums to what you think sounds best before recording? or do you leave the EQ alone, record the sample, and EQ later?

just a bit curious

um.
whatever you like ghuy.
what you think sounds best, maybe a bit of both.

bit of subtractive eq before recording, removing hiss, crap crackles, etc.
then a bit of eq to bring out the niceties once recorded.

I usually just try and remove all the crap

ive been noticing all sorts of noises going on in breaks i've recorded that i didn't notice before. especially in lou lou and mongo's cold sweat.

I think it's because I'm boosting the highs and bringing out some funny metalic noises, but may be squeaky pedals for all i know. I try not to reduce the q that much, except really deep kick drums that could possibly conflict with a bassline.

I guess it's probably best to hold off touching the EQ until it beomes necessary, but I don't.

btw, how much headroom does everybody leave when recording drums?