Yes! Structures are kind of local to me, and the drum play through videos definitely helped inspire my covers. I believe I have the same kit he used to have too :p
Would you mind sharing what DAW you record in, and what kind of EQ/compression you do to make your kit sound so huge? The drums sound really good, and your playing is pretty spot-on.
My mixer, Presonus Studiolive 16.4.2 handles most of the compression and EQ on its "Fat Channel", it sounds pretty good to me. I researched and used basic EQ and comp settings for each drum, and tweaked it. All I did in post was add reverb and used the PSP Mixpressor VST on the kit. Its compression sounds great on the drums and really brings them to life, and balances them with the song. Little to no gating, with my mics I find it reduces the size of the sound
Have not tried! I'm trying to get better at ghosts and doubles using just left with my band, but its difficult. I'm more of a Dave Grohl style of drummer.