Drum mics

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Sifunkle

Sifunkle

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Hi everyone,

Just got myself a new recording interface with up to 8 simultaneous mic inputs, so will finally be able to realise the dream of decently recording my drum kit in full swing.

Just wondering if anyone's got any hot tips for a set of drum mics? I'm still a student, so cheap is good, but I'm prepared to shell out a bit more if it's worth it. I'm probably looking more for something I can buy as a set, as I think it might get a bit pricey if I buy everything individually, but happy to be told otherwise.

As well as recommendations of specific gear, any general hints on what I should look for in drum mics would be appreciated (eg. how many minimum, what sort they should be, etc). I'm not aiming for complete professionalism; my kit's just a standard 5-piece with cymbals - it'd just be good to be able to record it live and be able to mix the different components (especially the kick and snare).

I'd probably be recording live drums mostly for rock ('indie', punk, grunge) sort of music - the other stuff I make I'd probably just go for samples or synthesised stuff. The only other mics I have are an SM-57 and a (little known brand, but) decent condenser mic.

Any suggestions warmly received :)

Si
 
Sifunkle said:
Hi everyone,

Just got myself a new recording interface with up to 8 simultaneous mic inputs, so will finally be able to realise the dream of decently recording my drum kit in full swing.

Just wondering if anyone's got any hot tips for a set of drum mics? I'm still a student, so cheap is good, but I'm prepared to shell out a bit more if it's worth it. I'm probably looking more for something I can buy as a set, as I think it might get a bit pricey if I buy everything individually, but happy to be told otherwise.

As well as recommendations of specific gear, any general hints on what I should look for in drum mics would be appreciated (eg. how many minimum, what sort they should be, etc). I'm not aiming for complete professionalism; my kit's just a standard 5-piece with cymbals - it'd just be good to be able to record it live and be able to mix the different components (especially the kick and snare).

I'd probably be recording live drums mostly for rock ('indie', punk, grunge) sort of music - the other stuff I make I'd probably just go for samples or synthesised stuff. The only other mics I have are an SM-57 and a (little known brand, but) decent condenser mic.

Any suggestions warmly received :)

Si
Click to expand...

There's some stickies at the top of the microphone threads with plenty of information on this. Check them out. :yawn:
 
I'm not sure of your budget, but I use Shure PG56s on my toms. They're pretty cheap, but can get a good sound as long as you have semi-new, nicely tuned heads. In fact, there's a mic kit from Shure called the PGDMK4 that includes three PG56s and a PG52 (kick mic). If you got that kit, you could just buy another one of those condenser mics you have (whatever the model is) and use the SM57 for the top of your snare. You'd be in business!

Another approach, if you don't like the sound of the PG52 on the kick, is to use the PG52 on your floor tom and use the extra PG56 you would then have on the bottom of your snare, on your hihat, or as a room mic. You'd then have some free choice as to what kick mic you could buy.
 
The CAD Pro 7 would be a nice package and is liked by quite a few forum members. The Karma drum mic kit would be another choice.
 
You can get a pretty good sound with only 4 mic's. Use the 57 on the snare and buy a senneheiser e609(100$ new) for your kick and some Cad Cm217's(50$ each new) for your overheads. just aim the overheads at the edge of the cymbals pointed at the floor tom and the other at the hi-hat. you'll have to listen to the mic's for best placement before you sound check though.
 
The knockoff SM57 and SM58's ($25) really aren't bad either in a pinch. I've use a knockoff 57 on kick a real 57 on snare and a condenser on overhead for some decent result.
 
You could always stick 57's everywhere :p

MXL 993's, I use them for overheads. $150 or so for a stereo pair

There's also these mics called Naiants. I haven't bought any for myself yet, but have had a chance to use them on overheads, great mics for $50, and you get a free trial period, so if you don't like them, send them back.

I bought the sure drum mic "kit" just 3 57's and a 52 beta. SO most of the time I just use 57s on the snare and toms and throw the beta on the bass drum.

Not a big fan of the CAD sets myself, I have a friend who's a drummer that bought those and ends up asking me to borrow the 57's when he records

An awesome mic to add to the collection would be the sennheiser md421, a bit more pricey than any of the other examples, but it's going to be the next big addition to my arsenal.
 
Yeah, the CAD cm217's are pretty darn handy for overheads if you're on a tight budget. I'd recommend those :)

Also, since you're just starting, don't try to mic every single tom. The OHs usually yield good results, so I'd recommend 4 mics max! Kick, snare, 2 OHs. It's a good way to learn without getting buried :D
 
Again; I would browse around the stickies and get truely informed.

If you're on a budget, it's better to buy quality mics second hand, instead of buying cheap stuff that will wear down your enthousiasm.

I Learned the hard way; I don't recommend it.
 
One of the great benefits of recording drums with only four mic's is that you can get the sound you want and record other instruments at the same time. I got the cad cm217's for 50$ at GC because they were buy one get one free. I personally enjoy finding cheap mic's that sound better than your own expectations.
 
I would get another condenser like the one you have plus a kick mic and set it up in the recorderman method and then mic the kick and snare. It sounds good in untreated rooms and requires little mixing to get a really nice sound.
 
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