[eleven59]

So, I figured I'd start this thread because it could be fun and even useful.

In this thread, share your ideas/proven techniques for recording drums with a limited number of microphones/inputs. Anyone with access to a couple mics, some recording gear, and a drumkit could try these out and report back.

One obvious one is to just use one or two well-placed overheads.

I remember reading about another though (back in the Jemsite days ) that involved one mic about a foot above the toms and about a foot out in front, and a second mic closer to the floor farther out in front of the kick drum, but I never got around to trying it. Would probably sound surprisingly solid, if not exactly a wide stereo image, but would be excellent for demoing, or certain recordings where stereo image may not be needed for the drums.

1 off these small microphones you use when you speak in public (can't figure out the english word for it).
Place it on the kick and your good to go.

1 ribbon mic placed 4-6 feet's away from the drumset.

2 condenser microphones, one at the snare, one at the kick. the rest of the drums will bleed in anyway.

[Uber Mega]

We do about this on my course. There's a few that I like, one in-particular though is legendary: Glyn Johns technique.

Essentially uses three mics (Central overhead, side positioned mic, and a kick drum mic)...however, various other mics can be added to bring other parts of the kit up, the snare or hi-hat for example). The positioning of the overhead and side mics are crucial to A) limit phase problems and B) get full equal coverage of the kit. Ambient mics can also be added obviously. The point is you can expand the technique to suit your needs.

(Note: 4 mics are used in the below example)


Side mic (X axis): above floor tom, facing across kit hitting towards hi-hat/snare, panned to taste.

Overhead (Y axis): facing down above kit onto toms/snare, panned to taste.



Any pair of decent cardioid condensers can be used, and i recommend an Audix D6 on the kick...plus obviously an SM dynamic on the snare top/bottom and a decent condenser on the hats or whatever if you choose to expand the setup. This technique can sound good or shit depending on various factors, such as kit, room and specific mic position...but isn't that just typical when recording drums.

Main thing is to EXPERIMENT!

[Oogadee Boogadee]

that's killer! i wonder how they did it back in the day? like, the beetles and stuff?

Originally Posted by Oogadee Boogadee

that's killer! i wonder how they did it back in the day? like, the beetles and stuff?

Sound recording and reproduction - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[thadood]