drum mics

[Tquirino]

Hi Gang,
I'm just a stupid college kid who wants to spend some money. i was wondering what the best bang for my buck is as far as mics for a drumset. im willing to spend around 4,000 (less if possible) but i want a good sound. I will be recording through a m.o.t.u. to digital performer(if it makes difference?) I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks

[axelfonze]

I think that you should buy a couple of royer ribbon mics, a shure beta 52, and three Sennheiser MD421's (plus the obligitory SM57 on snare) . Or maybe a couple of neumann km184's, an audio-technica 4033 on kick, and some MD421's for the toms. If you want large diaphragm condensors on top, try AKG C-414-BULS as overheads with either the Beta 52 or a LD condensor on kick and MD421's on toms. Wait, maybe you should save some of that green for other stuff and go with a more modest setup seeing as you don't have a ton of experience. How about an SM57 on snare, Rode NT5's as overheads, an AT Pro 25 on kick (or the beta 52), and 57's on toms. That should run you about $700 or $800 depending on your choice of kick mic. That leaves you lots of cash for other stuff that I'm sure you'll be craving soon (If the recording bug hits you like it has hit me and many others on this forum). Good luck.

[eeldip]

$4,000? or 4,000 of some other unit?

if you have $4,000 you have a lot of room to do a whole bunch of different things. almost silly to give you specific recomendations, although that guy above gave you some good advice.

personally, i would find your nearest real pro audio store and plunk down the wad of cash. without revealing how little experience you have with mics--- say something like: "i am trying out a new space and i need a nice selection of drum mics to go with it. starting from scratch." explain to them that you are going to do some testing and returning. audition a few grand worth of mics, return the ones that are working, and trying more till you settle down to the ones that give you the sound you are looking for.

as long as you give them the money up front i think they will be OK with it.



also, consider that your money may be better spent getting a good room, or good pres, or simply by paying for a real studio. i have made some pretty decent sounding records for $4,000...