3 mic on drums question...

  • Thread starter Thread starter supervillian
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supervillian

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Hi, long time lurker/newbie here....I've been reading up on the 3 mic technique for drums, and I understand that the above-the-snare mic and the over-the-right shoulder mic should be set in a cardioid pattern, but what about the front of kick mic?

Should it be set in cardioid or omni? Also, if it's cardioid, should it be a condenser or a dynamic mic?

Thanks in advance!
 
Cardiod, otherwise the kick won't be as isolated. Dynamics are generally used for close micing a kick, due to the high amount of air that gets moved by the kick, but many people have used condensers too. Just be careful with a condenser.
 
Agreed...also listen to the phasing of the out front mic...work the OH's first to get the very best over-all sound then place and work the kick to put the bottom end punch back in...that's always worked for me. I'm a big fan of the the mic method...augment it with high hat mic works nicely too.
 
supervillian said:
I understand that the above-the-snare mic and the over-the-right shoulder mic should be set in a cardioid pattern
Click to expand...

Make sure that the mics are the same distance from the snare and you shouldent have any problems with phase.

supervillian said:
but what about the front of kick mic?
Should it be set in cardioid or omni? Also, if it's cardioid, should it be a condenser or a dynamic mic?
Click to expand...

I would set it on cardioid.
 
Hey Villian, it's worth mentioning that the closer you can get the mics to the set, the less the room plays into it. Just always remember the overheads need to be the same distance from the snare. I have a very small drum room to record in. The drums sounded bad when the mics were up high, so we moved them in close. They sounded WAY better............problem was the drummer kept slamming the right side overhead with his stick. Solution............. we spread the mics out a little wider, yet kept the distances from the snare equal. Just passing on some tips from experience. Good luck man! :)
 
Thanks for the extra tip....I'll be back with a full disaster report as soon as my last condenser arrives from the 'bay.
 
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