drum mic setup advice

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artCROSS

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I have the following mics:
mxlv67
sp b1
sm57

on the way are:
stereo pair of mxl603s

I want to record a 5 piece drum setup that will be used in a mix of piano, drums, guitar, bass, and vox. I wanted to know the best configuration using these mics. I am ordering an ATM25 for the kick, but for right now, i just need to know what i can do with THESE SPECIFIC MICS. My plan was the stereo pair as OH, the sm57 on snare or kick, and the b1 on whatever the 57 isn't on. As for toms, i'll let the OH pick those up. Thanks guys! you've really helped a lot over the past few months helping me learn all i can about recording.
 
OK, if you're using 603's for o/heads I would be tempted to position the stands off to either side of, or even behind the drummer on either side and aim the mics back at the kit. If they are positioned too far forward you risk too much cymbal hiss. Have one positioned so that it is aimed towards the hi hat/snare area and the other aimed to pick up the other side of the kit..............NOW THE TRICKY PART..........make sure that each 603 is equidistant from the snare and kick (centre of skins), for example:.....if the mics are both 4' from the snare then they may have to be 5' 6" from the kick. You may find that you need to reposition them to bring in more or less cymbals, toms, etc, BUT ALWAYS keep the "snare to mic" distance and the "kick to mic" distance the same for both o/heads.

SM57 on snare although you could try the B1 but it may pick up too much "kit sound". A lot depends on how the kit is set up.

For the kick I would try extending the drum out with a tunnel made of blankets or other dense items (no you can't use the drummer cause he has to play the things:D ). I recently used a 4' long tunnel on a Mapex kit with a LD mic (C1) and got a great sound........the only issue is whether you risk clipping or SPL issues. I would check the specs on your V67 and consider trying it out just out from the end of the tunnel. Alternatively position the V67 about 4'-6' out and at chest height aimed down at the kick.

So much is dependant on the initial sound of the kit that these comments are only a guide to give you a possible starting point.

:rolleyes:
 
thanks ausrock, these are great starting points to try out. I've heard the tunnel idea before, but have never tried it myself, i guess there's no time like the present
 
I have a lot of the same stuff you do, and here's what I've done.

I've been using the recorderman 3 mic technique with the 603's and a cheapo Superlux on the kick. (That Superlux beat out a D112 on two different kicks, by the way, for what I wanted soundwise.)

Anyways, you can do a search and find this technique in detail, but roughly, it's like this:

Put one 603 directly above the snare, pointing down at the center, at a distance of 2 drumsticks. (now, I've been just using 33 inches.) This mic will pick up plenty of snare, hats, and cymbals, as well as racktom. Put the other condenser just over your drummer's right shoulder, also aimed at the center of the snare. (the stand should be behind him). The distance from this mic to that same center of snare point should be exactly the same as the first mic. This mic will pick up your ride and floor tom, as well as the snare, which when you hard pan the two channels, will keep your snare center-image. This second mic should not be as high as the first if you've done it correctly. Listen and adjust the 'width' of the second mic until the snare is properly placed in the stereo image and you should be golden.

If you really need to add a snare mic, you can; but I haven't found it neccessary at all. You can try any or all of those LD condensors (with pad, of course) as a front of kick mic-one of 'em oughta work well.

This mic technique works REALLY well for a natural, balanced, drumkit in a room sound.

Chris
 
artCROSS said:
I have the following mics:
mxlv67
sp b1
sm57

on the way are:
stereo pair of mxl603s

I want to record a 5 piece drum setup that will be used in a mix of piano, drums, guitar, bass, and vox. I wanted to know the best configuration using these mics. I am ordering an ATM25 for the kick, but for right now, i just need to know what i can do with THESE SPECIFIC MICS. My plan was the stereo pair as OH, the sm57 on snare or kick, and the b1 on whatever the 57 isn't on. As for toms, i'll let the OH pick those up. Thanks guys! you've really helped a lot over the past few months helping me learn all i can about recording.
Click to expand...

ATM25... Kick
SM57... Snare
MXL603S's... Overheads
MXLV67 and B1... room mics.
 
DJ,

He doesn't have the ATM25 yet. The question appears to be based around the mics he does have on hand now.

:cool:
 
ausrock said:
DJ,

He doesn't have the ATM25 yet. The question appears to be based around the mics he does have on hand now.

:cool:
Click to expand...
Oh bummer... that's too bad.
 
I would use the:
*603's as overheads in a spaced pair
*sm57 on snare
*B1 2 ft in front of kick
*v57 as a room mic at least 6 ft away from kit

Just my $.02
 
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Lanstar0
I would use the:
*603's as overheads in a spaced pair
*sm57 on snare
*B1 2 ft in front of kick
*v57 as a room mic at least 6 ft away from kit

Just my $.02
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I used this combo for the session and it sounded great....not the best, but that'll change when the atm25 comes in. Thanks again guys
 
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