Drum Mics

[X-cidium]

Which drum mics are the best for recording metal? Money isn't a huge concern but the cheaper the better.

thnx,

X-cidium

 

[Kryogh]

if cheaper is better..then I'll suggest Shure PG56 for rack toms, Shure PG52 for floor tom, Senheizer e602 for kickdrum, a Shure SM57 on the snare, and the best you can afford for overheads!

I never heard the SP C4, but I'm pretty shure they make good overheads.

 

[Gidge]

AT ATMPRO25 on kick
Shure sm57 on snare
Radio Shack 33-3032 on toms (if needed)
Marshall MXL603's overhead

 

[Rimshot]

The SP C4's are terrific as overheads. A friend of mine used them to record some of my drum tracks for a project of his and they performed really well and they are versatile, He's used them with great success on other instruments.
A little less expensive would be the Oktava MK012's which will set you back only about $150.00 for a pair at Guitar Center (but that's not for a matched set).
I am using the Oktava MK219's as overheads, and I like them. I negotiated a pair at GC for $99.00. Cheap enough?
If you're looking to save money on a kick mic for heavy metal, try the AT Pro 25, Audix F12 or the CAD KBM412.Each of these will only set you back between $50.00-$70.00 and they'll do the job.
Isn't it interesting? No matter who you ask, everyone will suggest the SM57 for snare. It should be carved in stone and mounted on every studio wall. It's a real good mic.
BTW the MK219's also make great mics for toms. The SP B1 also. (both are under $100.00)
The Radio Shack 330-3032's are great for live mic'ing of toms.I now have 12 of them (I'm matching. I'll be selling the remainders)

-Jeff

 

[wilkee]

If budget is a big factor, have a look at the drum kit sets from superlux.
I have only used them once at a Gig where I had to use the venue supplied rig. They did a very good job considering the price.

 

[theletterq]

If bang for the buck is what you're after, and you want individual toms mics, I second one of the Shure PG kits (the one without overheads), an SM57 for snare and something like MXL603s for overheads. Or alternately if you want a big floor tom sound in there, find an AT Pro 25 on ebay for $50 (for kick) and throw the PG52 that comes with the Shure kit on floor tom. However, if you're looking for that real "clicky" kick sound, the PG52 really excels in this application. That's all it does though...defintely no versatility there.

 

[X-cidium]

thnx for the recommendations everybody. My band is a metal band and we are looking for a deep pounding kick drum sound similar to Slipknot or any of the new metal bands. I've heard that the PG52 isn't up to shure's normal standards (SM57, SM58, and KSM32) but i'm not sure what theletterq means. thnx everyone

 

[DJL]

X-cidium, try a pair of Sennheiser MD421 on your double kick drums... the MD421 kicks ass.

 

[theletterq]

Sorry...I guess that was kind of a confusing post. The PG52 will give you a kick sound with a lot of high end to it but not alot of bottom. Think "And Justice For All". The Pro 25 (for hell cheap) will give a ton of bottom and a real in your chest thump.