Advice on what mics to use for which drum piece

[acesrlow]

I have a drummer coming over with Kick, big Tom, two small toms in rack, snare, high hat, ride cymbal, and crash cymbal. Here are the following mics that I have:
Audix D6 (Kick)
ST51 condenser
2 AT2021 condenser
Sennheiser e835
N/D267
4 DR VX1

Trying to figure out what should go where or best placement with what I have. I was considering putting the condesner mics on the overhead for the crash, rider, & high hat.

thanks in advance for any input/feedback. I am using an 6 input preamp with two more inputs for phantom power. I used the DR VX1 on the toms before and although they weren't "outstanding" I Eq it enough to where they sounded pretty good.

 

[ibleedburgundy]

This is what I would do:

D6 on bass drum (duh) -This is actually what I use. It does the job
N/D267 on snare - also have one of these. Don't currently use it on drums but I have in the past with decent results
AT2021s as left and right overhead
ST51 in between the two small toms
835e on big tom

I currently record my 5 piece drum set with an SM57 placed between the two small toms. I used to use an SM57 on each drum but have found that 1 mic there is good enough.

Also, I have never used DR VX1s so if they are good for it, perhaps use them on toms.

 

[RAMI]

I was considering putting the condesner mics on the overhead for the crash, rider, & high hat.

I'm not disputing your choice of mics for overheads, because I'm not familiar with them.

But your overheads shouldn't be for your cymbals and hi-hats. They should be for capturing the whole kit. Most of your actual overall sound should come from them, enhanced by the close mics.

 

[Dogbreath]

But your overheads shouldn't be for your cymbals and hi-hats. They should be for capturing the whole kit. Most of your actual overall sound should come from them, enhanced by the close mics.

+1

In fact I'd start with the OH's to get the whole kit first. The Recorderman and Glyn Johns techniques are great for 3 or 4 mic drums and the setup is easily found with teh googler.

Once I get my OH's dialed in, I bring up my kick. snare, toms to taste.

oh....and Welcome AcesDude

 

[Rimshot]

The Sennheisser e835 is a high end vocal mic that doesn't pick up the lower register that well, but it is great for sopranos and falsetto rock singers. On my kit, I've used it as a devoted high hat mic and I think it may work as a snare mic (but it is a strong signal, so you'll have to play with your EQ on it from the start). I think it might not register the lower end of the toms.