Do I need to pan when tracking drums?

[mplnckstrat]

I"m just not sure, so I figured I'd ask. We set the kit up last night, tuned the drums, mic'd up, and got the sound we liked with 5 mics: kick, snare, OHL, OHR, and room. When we track tonight, do I need to pan the OHs left and right? We're recording to my DA-38 which will then be mixed down to 2 track stereo on open tracks. I just don't know if I should pan while recording, or wait until mixdown, or if it even makes a difference...

Hoping for some good input....

 

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Strat:

I think it's probably better to pan when you mix down.

You can pan while recording if it makes your ears feel better.

But, after you get a good take and listen to in via monitors, you can adjust the pan so you get the best results when you mix.

Green Hornet

 

[Track Rat]

You say you recorded with 5 mics. Did each mic go descretly to 5 tracks? What did you use as a front end? Five stand alone mic pre's? A mixer with direct outs? More info please.

 

[mplnckstrat]

The 5 mics are direct into my Yamaha MG16/6, and out to my DA-38, with a minimal of EQing and that's it. Simple and sounds good.

 

[TexRoadkill]

Are you using direct outs for each channel or submixing the kit?

If you are using DO's then it doesn't matter. Check the OH's panned wide and to center to make sure there are no phase cancellation problems.