Condenser Mic choices for Drums and Vocals

[spacerocker]

Hi I want to record a basic, but good sounding band demo using a Zoom R24 Multi-tracker. Budget is extremely tight!

I was thinking about buying a pair of Behringer C2 mics, and using them for overheads. I have dynamic mics available for snare and bass-drum. But I have heard that larger diameter condenser mics are better for vocals.

Should I use two large dia condenser mics (like the Behringer C1) for the drums and use one of these for the vocals, or should I buy a pair of the smaller C2s and use them for both Drums and vocals?

Basically I guess I am asking if the C2s will do a reasonable job of vocals! Our band is a rock band, so gentle ballards will not be required!

 

[smili]

I've not tried those mics, but the dynamics you have - depending on what they are - might be fine for vocals. You can use both LDC or SDC on drums though SDC are often preferred by many. I just don't know much about these SDC. My first inclination would be to use a LDC on the drums in mono instead of the stereo SDC overheads in your situation, but it's tough to know without trying.

You can search 3 mic drum technique and find stuff about minimalist setups. Here's one video
Glyn Johns Technique - How to Mic a Drum Kit with Three Lauten Microphones - YouTube

 

[Bobbsy]

I've not tried the Behringers but, still in the economy range, have had good luck using MXL990 LDCs on overheads. They're not perfect for vocals (a bit lacking in brightness to my ear) but I've certainly heard worse.

Or, as you're a rock band, do you have an SM58s or similar used for live that you could also use to record the vocals? Might be worth a try for the authentic rock sound!

 

[RAMI]

0t I have heard that larger diameter condenser mics are better for vocals.

That's too broad a statement. Which condensors compared to which dynamics? Some dynamics can be way better than some condensers. Not only that, but if your room is less than ideal, you'd probably be better off with a dynamic either way. There are too many variables to simply say "condensors are better than dynamics for vocals".

 

[Bobbsy]

That's too broad a statement. Which condensors compared to which dynamics? Some dynamics can be way better than some condensers. Not only that, but if your room is less than ideal, you'd probably be better off with a dynamic eother way. There are too many variables to simply say "condensors are better than duynamics for vocals".

For that matter, I've encountered some voices that sound better with the "edge" of a small diaphragm condenser rather than the usual LDC...

 

[moresound]

Am reminded of doing a whole show last summer with nothing but Shure SM57's all the way around - including drum overheads.

 

[warartistrecord]

Hi I want to record a basic, but good sounding band demo using a Zoom R24 Multi-tracker. Budget is extremely tight!

I was thinking about buying a pair of Behringer C2 mics, and using them for overheads. I have dynamic mics available for snare and bass-drum. But I have heard that larger diameter condenser mics are better for vocals.

Should I use two large dia condenser mics (like the Behringer C1) for the drums and use one of these for the vocals, or should I buy a pair of the smaller C2s and use them for both Drums and vocals?

Basically I guess I am asking if the C2s will do a reasonable job of vocals! Our band is a rock band, so gentle ballards will not be required!

Are you recording the demo live? For drums, condenser mics are usually the first choice for overheads. I just recorded a band live this last weekend using a single rode nt1-a over the kit with a homemade subkick and audix om2 on the bass drum. It sounded great for 3 of the 6 songs we did. For the last 3 we just added an shure sm57 on the snare.

As far as vocals are concerned, people use all kinds of different mics. Large diaphragm condensers are usually what people go to first with vocals, but it really depends on the voice, the singer's dynamics, and several other factors. I would suggest getting at least one LDC as they are very useful mics to have around.

 

[warartistrecord]

here is a Behringer C-1 on ebay. It's current bid is only $16.50. I know you were interested in this mic

 

[spacerocker]

Thanks for the comments and advice! One thing I am learning is that there are no hard-and-fast rules in this game, and to just try things and see what works!

I might try a pair of the C2 mics for overheads on the drums, and try one for vocals - or I could use one of the SM58s for vocals - or even both?

Another option might be a pair of the LDC mics, and use one for the vocals?

Plenty to think about!

 

[spacerocker]

here[/URL] is a Behringer C-1 on ebay. It's current bid is only $16.50. I know you were interested in this mic

Thanks - that's one of the mics I am considering, but I am in the UK, so shipping would make it expensive! They do come up in the UK, though, from time to time...