Mic placement when tracking drums

[KyleAtGalaxy]

I'm going to do some drum tracking tomorrow and I wanted to try to get some opinions on the best way to set up my mics. I'll be using a 57, a sennheiser e609, and a pair oh Behringer B5 condenser mics. I also have an AKG Perception 200 but I don't think I'll be of much use unless possibly as a kick mic.

I plan to put the 57 in the kick, the e609 on the snare, and use the b5s as over heads.

Here is my question: How should I place the B5 mics? In xy stereo? Or have one pointed over the left of the kit and have one pointed over the right? Also, I planned on using the cardioid capsules but maybe I should consider switching them to omni.

I realize the best answer is to experiment and try out each scenario and I'll do that. I'm just looking for a shove in the right direction. As of now I'm leaning toward having each condenser mic on opposite sides of the kit with the cardioid capsules on.

Thanks for taking the time

[scrubs]

The "Recorderman" method is a pretty foolproof overhead technique that will work for multiple styles and sounds great, imo. Described well in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiFOD1EeKhQ

[KyleAtGalaxy]

Originally Posted by scrubs

The "Recorderman" method is a pretty foolproof overhead technique that will work for multiple styles and sounds great, imo. Described well in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiFOD1EeKhQ

Thanks alot for the link. I've actually been reading some threads about it. Sounds like a great technique

[tojo]

let me know how it goes if you use recorderman technique

[Russtopher]

Check the "great drum sound with 3 mics" thread in the drums forum here, excellent excellent advice there. You can also try the "Glyn Johns" micing technique, which I find gives a bit more tom response than Recorderman.

[KyleAtGalaxy]

Originally Posted by Russtopher

Check the "great drum sound with 3 mics" thread in the drums forum here, excellent excellent advice there. You can also try the "Glyn Johns" micing technique, which I find gives a bit more tom response than Recorderman.

Yeah I will for sure experiment with different placements. For the RECORDERMAN technique would you say I should try omni or cardioid mics?

[Russtopher]

The "better" option may depend on how close you're putting the mics to the kit, how your room sounds, etc. Omni are going to pick up more of the room sound, so if you're in a small tight space that has a lot of early reflections, cardoid might sound better. IIRC those Behri mics have swappable capsules, correct? If so, get your mics set based on the setup you want, and record samples of both and give 'em a listen

[DM1]

Agree with Russtopher. Unless you have some kind of treatment above the mics, or high ceilings, the omnis can pick up more ugly reflections.

Also, if you can record all 5 mics at the same time, consider using the AKG as a room mic. Get it as far from the kit as you can, and maybe slam it with a compressor too.

[KyleAtGalaxy]

Originally Posted by DM1

Agree with Russtopher. Unless you have some kind of treatment above the mics, or high ceilings, the omnis can pick up more ugly reflections.

Also, if you can record all 5 mics at the same time, consider using the AKG as a room mic. Get it as far from the kit as you can, and maybe slam it with a compressor too.

Originally Posted by Russtopher

The "better" option may depend on how close you're putting the mics to the kit, how your room sounds, etc. Omni are going to pick up more of the room sound, so if you're in a small tight space that has a lot of early reflections, cardoid might sound better. IIRC those Behri mics have swappable capsules, correct? If so, get your mics set based on the setup you want, and record samples of both and give 'em a listen

Awesome guys, Thanks. Hopefully I'll be able to post some samples soon

[KyleAtGalaxy]

Here's a few minutes of drums from using the recorderman technique. Two B5 overheads, a 57 on the kick and a e609 on the snare

http://www.soundclick.com/reasonstowritehome

Thanks!

[MessianicDreams]

Originally Posted by KyleAtGalaxy

Here's a few minutes of drums from using the recorderman technique. Two B5 overheads, a 57 on the kick and a e609 on the snare

http://www.soundclick.com/reasonstowritehome

Thanks!

Sounds pretty good to me!

I'd perhaps carve a bit of mids out of the kick as well as the snare - and compress the snare to bring out a bit more attack perhaps.

Did you try adding a room mic?


good job

[KyleAtGalaxy]

Originally Posted by MessianicDreams

Sounds pretty good to me!

I'd perhaps carve a bit of mids out of the kick as well as the snare - and compress the snare to bring out a bit more attack perhaps.

Did you try adding a room mic?


good job

Thank you! No, I didn't use a room mic. I'm using an Mbox2 pro to record with and I'm a little limited on inputs. If had more time a could've probably fit it into the over head sub mix. It'll give me something to try next time!