Are shock mounts neede for drum overheads??

[Rickson Gracie]

I have a pair of MXL 603s mics that i plan on using for drum overheads. If i dont shockmount them will the vibrations from the kit bleed into those mics in a bad way?

thanks

 

[MadAudio]

"Bleed" is the wrong term. That applies to sound from one source getting into a mic meant for another source (such as guitar bleed through the snare mic, etc.)

You might get some vibration induction through the mic stand, but probably not enough to notice it. Just make sure the stands aren't touching any part of the kit.

I would order some shock mounts when you can, though.

 

[4-Man Takedown]

Well, they could... especially from the kick I would assume, if he's a hard hitter the rumble from the kick may cause the stands to vibrate slightly which could effect the mics. In a pro studio, they're gonna use shockmounts on the overheads. You could also look into those new auralex foam things that go under your mic stands, or attempt to make your own.

But as far as my experience, it's never been that bad, not like anything noticable to me... Now, if I had some shockmounts I might notice the difference, but so far I like my tones from my overheads so it hasn't really occured to me to spend $70 on 'em. I'm using real cheap mics in the first place though. Also, I'm usually on a concrete floor, so with a wood floor it might be a lot different.

If you hear weird low noises when the kick is hitting, or you overheads are real muddy and bad sounding regardless of placement, it might be something to look into. Maybe try to record a track with out using the kick and see if you cymbals end up a lot crisper than with the kick.

 

[Richard Monroe]

Frankly, it has a lot to do with your floor. If you have a creaky wooden floor, it can be very bad. Concrete is bad, but differently, and usually not as severe. If you have rugs or carpet, it's probably no big deal. If the drummer has a platform, it's easier to isolate the platform than the mic stands. I'll tell you, I would never put up good mics without shockmounts, but it has nothing to do with rumble. It gives the mic some protection from tip-overs and "flying stick" syndrome. Just for the protection they give the mic, they are worth it.-Richie

 

[Innovations]

Frankly, it has a lot to do with your floor. If you have a creaky wooden floor, it can be vey bad. Concrete is bad, but differently, and usually not as severe. If you have rugs or carpet, it's probably no big deal. If the drummer has a platform, it's easier to isolate the platform than the mic stands. I'll tell you, I would never put up good mics without shockmounts, but it has nothing to do with rumble. It gives the mic some protection from tip-overs and "flying stick" syndrome. Just for the protection they give the mic, they are worth it.-Richie

Words of wisdom. Also in the same category is a sandbag on the outside leg of the stand of any nice mic on the end of a boom (as overheads usually are) or high up (as overheads also are). For what a sandbag costs it is way worth it.

 

[mshilarious]

Words of wisdom. Also in the same category is a sandbag on the outside leg of the stand of any nice mic on the end of a boom (as overheads usually are) or high up (as overheads also are). For what a sandbag costs it is way worth it.

Although sandbags are way cheaper, ankle weights work pretty well too.