Recording Drums with Limited Channels

  • Thread starter Thread starter DVinMono
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DVinMono

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I was just wondering how everyone else goes about pluggin in the mics when recording drums. I've tried it different ways but it always seems like I never have enough channels to do what I want. For example if I use a 4 track then I only have 4 mic channels so would the right way be to double mics up onto one channel or should I plug all the mics I need into a mixer and record from the mixer. I would like to be able to have a mic for 3 toms, 2 overheads, snare, bass drum and maybe one for the hi-hat. Any suggestions.
 
i would record snare in one of the mic lines and kick in a mic line. then mix the rest on a mixer and record.

hope the helps
 
Do a search on the recorderman method; all you need is 3 channels. I have used it on many projects and it works extremely well. It takes about 5 minutes to set it up and produces consistant drum recordings.
 
With decent omnis you may even be able to get by with a single mic or two if you don't like mono drums. The bass extension you get eith an omni can pick up the bass drum really well. Mess around with placement - you might be shocked at how good it can sound with one or two mics.
 
I started out recording drums with 1 cheap computer mic. (back in the day) Then I moved to 8-10 mics. Now I find myself using 3,4 and sometimes just 2 and my recordings are sounding better than ever. No more duct tape either. :D

I know you've probably heard this a billion times but it really is true crap in crap out.

Get a good drum sound first before you start micing.

A part of recording drums that I always messed up on was that the more channels I had the more I wasted. I think you should try and get the best possible sound with as little as you can. I would throw two overhead mics up and make sure there are no phase problems. See how this sounds and then add a bass drum mic. A lot of times due to my sad computer specs I find myself deleting most of my drum mic channels.





PS
I second the Recorder Man method.
 
guitarded2 said:
I started out recording drums with 1 cheap computer mic. (back in the day) Then I moved to 8-10 mics. Now I find myself using 3,4 and sometimes just 2 and my recordings are sounding better than ever. No more duct tape either. :D

I know you've probably heard this a billion times but it really is true crap in crap out.

Get a good drum sound first before you start micing.

A part of recording drums that I always messed up on was that the more channels I had the more I wasted. I think you should try and get the best possible sound with as little as you can. I would throw two overhead mics up and make sure there are no phase problems. See how this sounds and then add a bass drum mic. A lot of times due to my sad computer specs I find myself deleting most of my drum mic channels.





PS
I second the Recorder Man method.
Click to expand...
Awesome post.........(especially for a guitar player :D )
 
3rd for the Recorderman method but I add a snare mic as well. Pretty consistent. :cool:
 
One on snare, one on bass, and two overheads. Overheads depend on room, kit, and band. Try Recorderman, Glyn Johns, and Coincident. Lots of work but no correct answer. I'm having best luck with the latter, but stuck in a crappy room with a Slayer freak "guitarist" with stack from hell on right side.
 
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