MAY Mic System

[PsyCoNo]

Has anyone used these before on drums? The idea sounds interesting because of minimal bleeding, but would the sound quality be sacrificed?

[Wireneck]

I have never used these but from what ive read, i thought the system was geared more torwards live sound. You have the mics mounted in your drums and they are in the same position night after night without having to break down or set anything up.
Ive never miced a kit from the inside so im not sure about the sound quality.
Sorry i can't offer anything else, im sure someone will step in here and give you more valuable info.

[Herm]

I am a drummer and i dont use them but I do have friend that
uses them and I will have to say they sound nice on a live gig
but sorry i couldnt help be on that.

His where d112 kick and sm57s on the rest of the kit.

[mikeh]

At it's most basic - a May system is simply internal micing. The mics are mounted inside the drums for conveniance and consistantcy. Nornally, it requires cutting a small hole in the drum shells for the XLR jack. You can pick and choose various mic combinations to be mounted in the drums.

I've used a May system - but I am not a fan. While is is very conveniant and it does eliminate the need for mic stand, clips, etc. - it can create certian EQ problems. I found that the drums had too much low end and had to be EQ'd (often a lot) at the board.

Since the mics are inside the drums you pick up a lot of the internal resonance, in addition to the attack. Naturally an external mic placed at the batter head picks up mostly attack and then room ambience and overhead/area mics poick up the resonance.

For soom people a May system could possibly make since in a live setting, however, as I said, I was not overly satisfied - but I would never consider this for recording.