drum mic placement

[N8theGr8]

im finally getting my 2 SM57's and behringer mixer (will be hooked up to comp) next week, i just want to make sure i know the best mic setup for my drum set. im on a very small budget, so im left with 2 SM57's and 2 RS mics. im thinking XY and screw the RS mics, or 57 on snare, 57 on bass, and RS on overheads. i heard 57's are horrible for overheads, so i guess i cant use em there. i've got a 5 piece kit, 2 crashes, 1 splash, and a ride. the 57's should be fine for guitar and vocals for the rest of my band.

 

[Fishmed]

With the four mics you have, I would XY the RS mics for the overheads, a 57 on the kick, and a 57 on the snare. Don't forget to experiment with your mic placement to get the best sounds out of them.

 

[N8theGr8]

thanks, that sounds good. ive got one question about the mixer, what do you use stereo channels for? (http://www.marsmusic.com/store/product_new.jhtml?catid=89&prodid=13978&skuid=0) there are 2 1/4" inputs, just wondering where they come in handy. i wouldnt use those for the overheads im guessing, right?

 

[BigKahuna]

keyboards, effects maybe, even guitar if you wanted them panned hard L/R ... any stereo signal, really. Drum overheads ... sure, why not? ... but you'd have to get them up to line level by using a preamp first (at least for the mixer you linked to).

 

[N8theGr8]

so pretty much using the stereo signal means you dont have to pan left and right as you would do if u were to use 2 monos? and about the behringer mixer, i checked the manual online and there doesn't seem to be a track selector anywhere...