Do drum overheads have to be the same mic?

[fris9]

Just wondering....I do have a pair of ADK Sc-1's, but assuming they don't sound good (which someone on here said), would it be bad to use two different condensers as overheads? (Rode NTK and Shure Beta 87a)? Otherwise I would need to go buy a whole new pair, but if I can get away with what I have that be sweet.

 

[Burnbox]

So you haven't tried the ADK's on overheads yet?

Many people use mismatched mics for their overheads all the time. Give it a shot. Your ears will be the ultimate authority on the matter.

 

[treymonfauntre]

i've never liked 2 different mics for overheads personally. it always makes things sound lopsided. like burnbox said, have you even tried the ADKs? message boards are good for finding out about new products and techniques, but i would never rely on someone saying "its no good" over something as objective as a microphone. chances are their tastes are nowhere near yours!

 

[noisedude]

Your ADKs will work much better than putting those other two mics together.

Be careful not to start using your eyes instead of your ears!! What monitors and headphones are you using?

 

[Russtopher]

I use a SDC (Nady 90) on the hi-hat/hi-tom side of the kit and an MDC (MXL 990) on the ride/floor-tom side of the kit and it works fine for me.

Of course, your ears/tastes are different so YMMV.

 

[TragikRemix]

i wouldnt..

i would use the ADK's. how bad can they be..

 

[kojdogg]

I hear about more and more people just using mono overheads with good results-- could that be an option worth trying with the NTK or the Beta 87a as well?

 

[BigRay]

there are no rules. use your ears. disregard everything else.

 

[scrubs]

I have two different ribbon mics up as OH right now. They sound pretty sweet. The two you listed may or may not pair up well. You never know until you try.

 

[homestudioguy]

I tried an sE Electronics SE3 SDC as a single overhead with an SE2200A covering the front end and got a very useable drum set sound.

 

[jonmatthews]

I usually use my Oktava MC012's as overheads, but just for kicks on a recent session, I wanted to try the LDC route for overheads. Not having any pairs of LDCs, I opted for a combo of my ADK Vienna and my AT4050, in recorderman setup. Worked brilliantly, with only some minor EQ adjustment needed to match 'em up. The point is, have fun with it. Try anything on anything. That's the joy in owning gear...experiment and enjoy it. Your ears will tell you if you're on the right track.

- Jon M

 

[junplugged]

i'm using 7 mics, 5 types and 5 different pres. & i love my sound.