drumfx gave the best advice so far. You WANT the drum to produce a good low fundamental note, not a dead/dry thud. What makes the difference is, if you're playing with a band most of those overtones produced by the bass drum get lost in the mix. If you practice alone, it can sound a little ringy, but that's ok. If the drum is tuned right it'll sound great without any muffling.John
A dry dead thud is ideal when I speed tap with two pedals. Short note is my friend then.