Drum recording issues...Someone please help!

[tmix]

Since the recorder only has 4 mic inputs It is going to be hard to record as a band unless you go direct on the other devices.

If that is what you are doing, then I would pick the 2 LDC mics as overheads and use the bass drum mic on kick and the sm58 on snare.
Use the Glyn Johns method for the overheads. (do a google)

Should be fine.

[ClapHands]

We won't be recording live so I'll be able to use up to 16 tracks on it. So far, it seems like the Glyn Johns technique is the closest I'll come to getting what I want. Still looking for other options, though. Any suggestions are appreciated.

[RAMI]

Originally Posted by ClapHands

We won't be recording live so I'll be able to use up to 16 tracks on it. So far, it seems like the Glyn Johns technique is the closest I'll come to getting what I want. Still looking for other options, though. Any suggestions are appreciated.

The Glyn Johns or Recorderman method are your best bet in my opinion. I have 24 inputs and I still only use 4 mics on my drums; Kik, snare and 2 overheads.

[Bill101]

One thing that tripped me up the first time I tried recording drums was phase. The individual mikes sounded OK but turned into a mess when they were combined into a stereo mix. It turned out that because the mics were at different distances from the drum they were recording the sound was hitting them at slightly different times (apparently sound travels about 1 foot per millisecond) which meant some frequencies were being cancelled out so I had to manually line up the seperate drum tracks so they were perfectly in sync.

[RAMI]

Originally Posted by Bill101

I had to manually line up the seperate drum tracks so they were perfectly in sync.

That shouldn't be necassarry with proper mic placement and/or using less mics.

[tmix]

Honestly, unless you have a figure 8 patterned mic (to do mid-side) my suggestion is your best bet.
Like RAMI, I have 32 channels of good to great converters and some pretty tasty preamps, but I generally stick with 4 to 6 mics.

If you are just getting started the more is not the merrier.
I would be more concerned what the acoustics were like in your room.

[RAMI]

Originally Posted by tmix

I would be more concerned what the acoustics were like in your room.

That's the best advice you can get. Room treatment is (one of) the most important thing, and usually the most over-looked.

[Bill101]

Originally Posted by RAMI

That shouldn't be necassarry with proper mic placement and/or using less mics.

There's probably alot I do that isn't necessary

Should I be putting the mics equal distance and concentrate more on what part of the drum they are pointing at?

[Bill101]

Don't know? Ah well, must have "heard" it from somewhere.

[Greg_L]

Originally Posted by Bill101

There's probably alot I do that isn't necessary

Should I be putting the mics equal distance and concentrate more on what part of the drum they are pointing at?

Yes.......