Akg c414 on Snare

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mickmadness

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So I usually use an sm57 on the bottom and top of my snare though I sometimes use an sm81 underneath, but I was wondering if I could use my new akg c414 on snare and if so how would you position it. I purchased it as an allaround studio mic with the intent of buying another and using them for drum overheads but while I only own one I was wondering if I could get a better sound out of it on my snare than the traditional sm57. I would try it but I'm not at home for the holidays.
 
yes you can. start off by pointing it about the same way you would any other mic and then go from there. you will definitly get more crack with a condenser on snare
 
I used two (top and bottom) on one project and it sounded great...i had alot of hat bleed though, which was probably partially due to mic, partially due to placement, partially due to proximity of hats to snare
 
I like the C414uls on snare when using brushes, aimed at the shell. I find it a bit too gutless/too much presence when used with sticks.

The guy that records the daily live in-studio recordings at KEXP in Seattle uses a C414 on every snare recording and those sell a lot of CD's. Pretty much a matter of taste.

http://kexp.org/splashVol4.asp
 
never tried it myself, but i know xstatic who posts on here occasionally has said he loves the 414 under the snare...i usually use my AT 4033 myself
 
nuemes said:
I like the C414uls on snare when using brushes, aimed at the shell. I find it a bit too gutless/too much presence when used with sticks.

The guy that records the daily live in-studio recordings at KEXP in Seattle uses a C414 on every snare recording and those sell a lot of CD's. Pretty much a matter of taste.

http://kexp.org/splashVol4.asp
Click to expand...

Yeah, I agree with this completely. I could see using it for a jazz-type vibe...very realistic and clean. I wouldn't reach for it on a rock kit though.

Frank
 
A good shot with the sticks might ruin an expensive mic...I wouldnt use mine that way.
 
darrin_h2000 said:
A good shot with the sticks might ruin an expensive mic...I wouldnt use mine that way.
Click to expand...

it goes without saying that you definitly would not want to try this with a drummer that you don't know and trust.

i would have no problem putting an expensive mic in front of my brother because i know how controlled he is. something that can't be said for all of them.
 
absolutely

i'd mainly use this to record myself. i'm likely to try it out on the snare this evening. i know what you mean though.....when i do have other local bands come over to record i think twice about mic placement and choice on the drums.
 
the one thing that i immediately thought of when i read this originally is to use it to mic the snare shell itself. i had heard people talk of doing this and recently tried it myself with a 57 pointing right at the side of the drum and it came out great. i've been telling myself that on my next drum session i want to try a condenser there.

it definitely would get the mic out of the way of being hit also
 
darrin_h2000 said:
A good shot with the sticks might ruin an expensive mic...I wouldnt use mine that way.
Click to expand...

Would you exceed 150dB SPL? With the pad, that is what the 414 is rated at. I would think it would be fine. I think a 747 taking off is 147 or so dB SPL. :)

Brandon
 
I think he meant actually hitting the mic with the sticks.

Frank
 
Ahhh, I see. :)

That goes back to the placement/"know the drummer" thing I suppose.

My bad.

Brandon
 
Ive seen the video for Journey's "Any Way You want it" that was shot in the studio...and it showed C414s on the drums...but if you had Steve Smith and he was insured of something....great.

But this is how good Steve Smith is...Steve Perry himself is known as a very accomplished drummer in SanFransisco...and back up a drummer that I have seen in drum textbooks (I used to have one with Steve Perry's picture when he was with the New Wave Radio Stars)...you have to be pretty good.
 
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