Condenser or dynamic for my overheads?

[MightyPOOsticK]

Hey guys I was planning on buying two overhead mics to mic my drum kit. I already have one on the kick and one on the snare. I was wondering if I should go for dynamic mics or consensers on the overheads?

Thanks alot!

 

[Light]

Condensers. No question. I have never heard a dynamic mic which had the right sound for overheads.

Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi

 

[MightyPOOsticK]

Guess I should also add, I'm recording in my garage...so maybe not the best acoustics.

 

[Light]

So get cardioids, not the omnis I prefer.

Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi

 

[jslator]

I have never heard a dynamic mic which had the right sound for overheads.

Then you must not have ever heard "Where Will I Be", the first cut on Emmylou Harris' "Wrecking Ball" album (produced by Daniel Lanois). Pair of SM-57's. Spectacular drum sound.

 

[Light]

I love "Wrecking Ball." It is one of my favorite albums, and one of Daniel Lanois best records. I did not know that was what they used for any of that record, but it does not change my answer to the question. I have never been happy with the sound of dynamics as overheads.

Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi

 

[heylow]

Yo JSlator,

Where'd you get that bit of info? Thats really a paif 57's?!? If so, I'd say we all still have a LOT to aspire to!


heylow

 

[Track Rat]

Ribbon mics make for killer overheads too.

 

[cominginsecond]

Since you are asking this question, I thought I'd add that small diapragm condensors (e.g. MXL 603s, Oktava MC012, Neumann KM184, AKG C1000, AKG C451) are the most commonly used drum overheads.

 

[mgraffeo]

To the list of the small diaphragm, don't forget the Rode NT-5's, and the soon-to-come Studio Projects C4's.

And one point of correction: the AKG C1000 is more of a mid-diaphragm condenser. (about 3/4", as opposed to about 1/2" for the others). Another mic in this category is the Rode NT-3.

I've never recorded drum overheads, but from what folks say here, the general consensus is that a small diaphragm condenser is the typical starting point. But to jslator's point, the recording depends on so many variables that for a certain kit, and a certain sound, a set of dynamics might just be the right choice.

-mg

 

[dafduc]

We use Senn 421s for overheads at our rehearsal studio - I think it depends inpart on the drum sound you're going for. If garage is your style as well as your space, dynamics will give you some heaviness. If you want crispies and sizzle, then definitely condensors.

We use the 421s to take off some of our drummer's r&b polish - we're a rock band, dammit!

 

[jslator]

Where'd you get that bit of info? Thats really a paif 57's?!? If so, I'd say we all still have a LOT to aspire to!

I read it in a Lanois interview years ago. I'll see if I can dig up a reference or a direct quote.