Drum Question

  • Thread starter Thread starter Analytical Man
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Analytical Man

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I am currently recording drums fro my bands full length demo. As of now i have been triggering the drums and micing the cymbals. We play extremely heavy music in the vein of Pantera, Slayer, Mudvayne. I amcuious as to if anyone else does this and how they mic the cybals. I already have excellent results but i want to know if there is something that can make it even better in the cymbal micing. Over heads, individual micing?
 
How many cymbals are you using? Any effects cymbals (china boys, ice bells, etc.)?

Although I've played for some relatively "heavy" bands before, they haven't been quite as heavy as the bands you mention. What I have encountered in studios is overhead mics, regardless of the style. If you are looking for an effect with a cymbal, especially if you are looking for that effect using one of the above type cymbals, then an individual mic on that cymbal may assist the effect/mixdown process. From what I gather, and I am very new to the recording side, is that two well placed overhead mics create a solid "live" sound.

regards,
bingbing
 
5 cymbals

I am using 14 inch highhats, 22 inch ride, 8 inch splash, 16 inch china, and 18 inch crash. I am looking for a cybal sound similar to that on like Reinventing The Steel, Pantera, or Metallica's Black Album. Thanks
 
From what I understand about the production of Metallica's Black Album, Lars did some stuff that caused him controversy in the drumming world a bit later....things like having other people mute crashes by hand for him while he played. The reason I bring that up is that the approach to the drums on that album was extremely meticulous, including with the cymbals. For all I know, they may have placed a microphone on every single cymbal. But I don't know, and I don't listen to or read enough about Pantera to note anything concerning their drum studio productions. I would recommend you try to archive some magazines which discussed the production of these two albums. You could look in recording/production magazines, drum magazines, and perhaps a well written metal mag would carry such material. You should in a time period around the time the albums were released. They may discuss the album in particular, or include drummer interviews which touch on album production. Check the web and see what magazines pop up, then see if they have archives.

Hope this helps.

Bill
 
muting cymbals with other peoples hands???

Wow, i haven't heard anything about that, i'll have to read into that one, i'll check into the mags, Thanks I'll post my result when i am done
 
you could try compression. adding compression to the cymbal mic can give it a really big slaming sound. but you down want to over do it. i think that you sould find a place to mic your cymbals that make it sound perty good, then add compression.

how do you mic your cymbals now? i would really like to know.




zeke
 
While I haven't heard anything about someone helping Lars during the tracking of his drums (although I wouldn't doubt it) I can tell you that EVERYTHING on that kit was miced individually. Including the cymbals. I have seen several documentaries on the recording of the black album. In addition to the close mics, there were also (of course) several distance mics to capture the ambience of the room. I personally think your best bet is going to be with two overheads. You'll start running into phase problems if you go overboard with the cymbal mics. I play in a metal band myself (along the lines of Pantera) so I definitely understand the sound you're after. check out my bands website @ www.executioniseverything.com and listen to an MP3 or two. If you like the sound we got (I feel sure you will love it) I can tell you EXACTLY how everything was miced.

-Ryan
 
GOOD SOUNDS

Hey DrummerRyan i downloaded your stuff. Pretty impressive. I am interested in all that you did for that drum sound, or cymbal sounds i should stay. Give me the info, i need it!!!!!!!! My bands sound is a little different, we have a little more of a downtuned vibe, and a bit more double bass. Once again your band sounds awesome, whats up with the cybal techniques. If i guessed i would say the standard OH mics, and the ride bell micd, as well as the highhats. Am i in the ballpark?
 
Exactly!

Analytical Man,

You're not in the ballpark, you're exactly right! We used a typical stereo overhead configuration with close mics on both the ride and hats. For the OH's we used AKG c414's and for the close mics we used Oktava mk012's. I'm glad you liked the recordings! Be sure to let us know when you get some recordings of your band.

-Ryan
 
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