drum microphones and recording techniques

[Apple]

Is there any qualitative difference between a large and small diaphram mic for use as drum overheads? I've seen both used but the highest praise I've heard is for the mics with small ones. Like the AKG 451 or in this forum, the Marshall 603's. I'm going to start using real drums in my studio soon and I'm anticipating a few snags. I haven't played in years and I've only been recorded live as a drummer. Never in a studio. My room is 13 by 13, and three of the walls are partially underground, half cinderblock wall, with thick curtains. The fourth wall is basically a sound barrier to the control room. It should reflect sound a bit in the recording room. The floor is concete, with rugs and the I have a drop ceiling. It's dead in there, but we'll see how it sounds. I've got to get the overheads. I have an AKG D112 and several SM-57's. I'm going to experiment with a four mic placement, then maybe try micking all the toms with the 57's. I do have a 451 and have debated buying one more to make the overheads. Unless I can find another mic, maybe the 603, that sounds close to the 451. My biggest concern is that I usually play all the instruments when I make a demo. I hate the way drum machines sound, but i have a routine I'm used to. I've got to get used to a new routine. Any suggestions? Should I record the drums first and play to a click track? Or a rhythm part first. I'm worried I'll get the same drum machine feel by using a click all through the recording. What is done in other studios when a song is recorded piece meal. Play to a click?. Or will a count down suffice? Any other input is appreciated.
This should be fun.

 

[Tim Brown]

I say go for a pair of 603's if you can do it.
I really love mine...you can usually pick them up for about $150 or so for a pair.

You could also get a pair of Behringer's...they are about $70 for the pair, but they are Omnidirectional. I have a pair, and they aren't bad...but I'm recording the whole band in one room, and there's not much separation....so I try to minimize the bleed by using Hypercardioids (Snare and toms) and Cardioids (Kicks and overheads).


I would say, set up a click on the machine, and play other instruments...once you have those down, then you can play drums to the music, which will allow you to add a little "groove" to it, instead of being locked in with just a click track.


Tim