4 mics for drums: What to do?

[junkmanistan]

Basically, I can only use 4 mics for the drums, as at the time I only have five preamps available and I need one for the guitar. Limited gear for sure!! Here it is:

Mics: 3 SM 57's, 1 SM 58, 1 Studio Projects C1

I'm using the E-Mu 1820 system with Cubase VST 5.1 for recording.
The preamps I have available are the 2 TFPro pre's on my 1820's box, the two pre's on a M-Audio 420 interface my friend has and one DBX one-channel Mini-Pre tube preamp.

The drums are cheap (Pearl Export) but are tuned well and sound pretty good. We're doing the recording in our practice space which is a large open warehouse (high ceilings, brick walls, wood floors). We also have access to baffles.

I wanna try and capture as best as possible the big sound these drums have in the warehouse. So I'm basically asking for ideas on mic placement, baffling, matching preamps and mics, etc. I'm thinking about getting the M-Audio Octane to help out with my preamp problem. Should I not even attempt to get a decent drum sound without better pre's? Or mics?

I don't believe I'm gonna get John Bonham drums. Just something decent....
Thanks for any and all input!!

[notbradsohner]

'57s on snare, bass, toms, 58 on floor toms. C1 use as room mic/OH

[mcolling]

I'd say, just as a thought, try using a 57 as an OH and use the C1 as a room mic to get more of the warehouse sound. Most people say not to use 57s as OHs, but there was one dude on here a while back who did, and it sounded fine. Then use the 58 on the kick, as it has a better low-end response.

Or you could just put the C1 further away from the kit to get more room, as suggested above.

cheers.

[junkmanistan]

I've heard that condenser mics were good for kick drums. You guys would definately recommend using a 57 or 58 on the kick?

As far as overhead placement with a single mic: where would be the best place to get the room sound? Suspended over the kit? Out front? Trial and error is the only way to find out?

[hasbeen]

As always, take some time to experiment. But, try this...

One 57 pointed at the middle of the snare shell or at the edge of the top, coming in from the hi-hat side.

One 57 just over the drummers left shoulder, pointed at the rack toms and cymbals.

One 57 coming in under the cymbals, between the rack toms and the floor tom.

The C1 for the bass drum, or the 58 for bass drum and the C1 for a room mic.

Remember, the room mic and overheads are important for the entire drum mix.

[bh4554]

anyone used a gt-44 on the bass drum?

[reshp1]

I would do it this way...

SM57 x2 as overheads
3rd 57 on snare
SM58 on bass

and since you are recording in a large lively space use the C1 as a room mic 5-10 feet off the drums.

[mcolling]

Originally Posted by junkmanistan

I've heard that condenser mics were good for kick drums.

Yeah, unless you wanna bust your condenser. Lots of air is moved by a kick drum.

I'd try the C1 like maybe 15-20 feet away out front.