Mic mounts for drum recording

[ckent]

There are several types of rim-mounts for microphones. LP makes one, A-T makes one, and there are others as well. They clip onto the rim and position the mic over the drumhead.

So here's the question: are these good, bad, or indifferent for studio recording? On the one hand, they make for a compact setup; but maybe they transmit the drum's vibration to the mic?

If anybody has had experience with this, I'd love to hear about it. Pros and cons.

Al

[HangDawg]

Use mic stands. Clip on mounts suck, all of them.

[ckent]

But why? What is your experience with the mic clips? Did they have an audible effect? Which brands have you used?

TIA for more details...

[funkydrummer]

if you do use the rim mount style, make sure you dont clamp any of the drum head with as well. tightening the clamp with the head will raise the pitch of the drum.

[edyer]

I have never had any luck with mics attached to the drum. I have tried and owned several different drum mount systems. The two problems that have bothered me are.
They Pick up all the vibration/resonance from other drums (when the shells vibrate in sympathy ) and add to the mud effect.
They can cause the mic to distort from the shell vibration.
The second problem I have had repeatedly with a set of AKG 418s. I also had the same problem with the senn 604 mics. Both set had to be sent back to have repairs done to the diaphragms. The AKG tech said it's not that uncommon to see the diaphragm float out of it's seat on the mounted mics. And no they weren't struck by sticks. Seperating the mics from the drums with stands has solved the issue.

[HangDawg]

Originally Posted by ckent

But why?

Cause they suck. Too much noise/vibrations.

What is your experience with the mic clips?

Not much, cause they suck!

Did they have an audible effect?

YES

Which brands have you used?

Don't remember. Several different ones. And guess what? They all sucked. Save your money and get some decent stands.

[Tim Brown]

You can get 5 Black ON-STAGE brand tripod boomstands for about $100. Or you can get 3 LP clips.


Tim

[ckent]

Thanks for all the tips. Seems like the reaction to drum-mount mics is pretty unanimously unfavorable.

Not to worry, I already have some good mic stands; I was just looking for a way to supplement them. But I don't like the idea that clip mounting can cause actual damage to a mic.

I will say that after my cursory look at the market, the LP Claw looks like the best of the bunch. I may still try to use it in combination with a shock-mount. That should solve the vibration problem, at least.

Al

[rory]

I really like the Audix clamp. The D-Vice I believe its called. I use them on my drums when I don't feel like bringing out the stands. They're made of a "special" composite material that absorbs the vibration from the drums. Honestly, I can't tell a difference. I've used some really shitty ones that either muffled the head or rattled like a snake, but the D-Vice is really nice (I write songs for a nominal fee ). So, theres my 2 cents, though it doesn't fit with popular opinion it seems. Eh... stands are good too.
Rory

[Tim Brown]

Originally Posted by ckent

Thanks for all the tips. Seems like the reaction to drum-mount mics is pretty unanimously unfavorable.

Not to worry, I already have some good mic stands; I was just looking for a way to supplement them. But I don't like the idea that clip mounting can cause actual damage to a mic.

I will say that after my cursory look at the market, the LP Claw looks like the best of the bunch. I may still try to use it in combination with a shock-mount. That should solve the vibration problem, at least.

Al

I have 4 of them, but for recording - I would prefer using boom stands if I'm using mic's on the kit. Normally, I'm not a big fan of close micing, and to be honest - I've gone to using triggers in place of close mic's.


If you get the LP claws, you'll need to purchase a mouse pad, and cut strips to superglue inside each of the claws' jaws, because the rubber on the jaws won't last, and the metal on metal (claw to drum counterhoop/rim) will vibrate like crazy and yield any recordings unusable.

Also, be aware that the mic's on the rims will change the timbre of the drum.


Tim

[ckent]

"...be aware that the mic's on the rims will change the timbre of the drum..."

That's an interesting perspective! I hadn't thought about that. And while my LP Claw is brand new, I'll be sure to watch for the metal-to-metal contact problem too.

I kinda figured the clamps, claws, etc. were intended mainly for stage use. I will be experimenting with the LP next week to see just how it reacts. Based on the comments here, I suspect it will be a fall-back when I run out of mic stands or when I just don't have enough space to crowd another stand around the kit.

For those who are interested, Guitar Center carries the LP Claw for $25. One of the two I bought is going back to the store after this discussion, though.

Al

[ckent]

I guess I'm replying to myself here, but I just wanted to add a few last thoughts. I had a chance to try the LP MIc Claw, where I was using it on the High Tom.

When mounted to the tom rim, results were inconclusive. I was getting some resonances but those may have been mostly within the drum. OTOH, I could see the mic vibrating when the drum was hit. That can't be good.

So I detached the clamp and put it on the snare mic stand. Thus the LP Claw and the snare mic were able to share a stand. I could still hear shell resonances but at least my A-T mic wasn't getting rattled with every hit. And I saved some space around the kit.

So YMMV when using the Mic Claw on the drum rim. But it gives me another mounting/positioning option in an environment where space is at a premium.

Al