drum mic kits VS. a couple of 57's and condensers

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jimmy_LD

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IS it better to use a kit (for example, the Audix Fusion series) as opposed to using a couple of 57s, some condensers, and overheads?

I see so many drum mic kits out there, and I always wonder.
 
I don't think so -- I prefer to pick and choose the appropriate mics........!
 
I know it's not fair to form an opinion with only one experience but I had a band come in and the drummer wanted to use his Audix mic kit and I didn't like them at all. At the time I took them down and ended up with 57s on the snare and toms. I still like 57s but even they aren't my first choice for toms any more. I prefere condensors, AKG C-1000s in particular.
 
I think that most of the kits out there are more geared towards gigging drummers for live use as opposed to studio use.
 
Well....

I've just got a set of Red5 Audio drum mics, but I'm not allowed to see them until Christmas (my wife is very understanding of my home-recording obsession, but she insisted they were a Christmas present).

So after Christmas I'll let you all know how they worked out.
 
I dont find the kits sound that fantastic. That is of course a complete generalisation but i generally find it to be right for myself. Typically on a drum kit ill use 2 Oktava Mc012's as overheads, Akg D112 on Kick, 57 on Snare, and either Audix D2's or Sennheiser Md421's on Toms. If required ill slip something on the hi hat just to give it a bit more focus. It works well and leaves little room for mistake, if your not feeling overly adventurous.
 
kit mics, etc

FYI I've done extensive experimenting with the Audio Technica Kitpak set, they're pretty sensitive but tend to sound dull. Ex: to get the "high end" mics to sound like an SM57, I had to jack the mid (parametric) EQ almost to max. I added a Behringer B2 condenser (love it) to the arrangement and everything fills out a lot.
 
I have worked with a few of these "drum mic kits" in the past, and agree with the others here that they generally don't sound as good as more "traditional" drum mics.

I am no fan of Audix mics for drums. I have used the D series stuff extensively, and usually they sound very "flat" to me. Others may get the sound they want out of them, but I don't. Just don't like them.

I like either a AKG 414 or Shure SM-57 on snare. EV Re 27n/d on kick, and SM-57's or 421's on toms. Overheads can be anything pair of condensors that sound good in the room. We are starting to use the Neumann 84's at the studio now, but have used a pair of AT 4033's in the past.

Cheap solutions usually end up sounding cheap in 90% of applications when it comes to mics. Put your money into more traditional quality mics that have proven themselves over the years and learn to use them well and you will be a happy camper in the end.

Good luck.

Ed
 
I like Poddy's idea.....

a cheaper version would be Marshall MXL603's overhead,sm57 on snare, and a AT ATMPRO25 on kick....if needed sm57's on toms....
 
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