Drum recording, limited mics

  • Thread starter Thread starter sean_naes
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sean_naes

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I'm looking to do some demo quality drum recordings. I have 2 sm57s, a tascam us-428 (4 analogue ins, 2 w/preamps, ad conversion, plus control surface), m-audio bx5 moniters, a crappy computer mic, cubase, and a drumagog demo that won't expire before I plan to mix this. Obviously, I'm not very experienced. Basically, I'm looking for ideas to try for recording with these resources, and how to know if what I'm doing is working. The drums I'm planning on recording are a pearl export series, 5 piece, with crash, ride, hats, and splash. They are on carpet, facing out into my reasonably sized basement, with a wooden wall fairly close behind the drums. They do sound good acoustically (the snare is the weakest sounding, but it's still not horrible), so I'm not too worried about that part.

That's about all I can think of, if any more info would help let me know.
Any ideas would be appreciated,

Sean
 
Properly tuning the drum kit can do wonders for the overall sound. Possibly the most important aspect of a good drum sound.
 
Cloneboy is right. Also, use one of your SM57's on the kick and the other one either overhead, behind you, in front of the kit or at an angle 30 feet away...in other words...since you only have two mics positioning will be crucial. Have someone play (who can play) while you walk around the kit listening for the sweet spot. Try the mic there, it might surprise you how shitty it sounds after you thought it would rock. Or it could be just the place for it.

With experimentation I think it's possible to get a good sound after you follow Cloneboy's rule.

War
 
Would it be worth it to buy a kick drum mic? I'd really like to have stereo overheads. However, money is a fairly limited resource, so I'd like to avoid buying mics I don't need, or won't use enough - hence the 57s, as they are generally considered to be extremely versatile. I'd like to get good with what I have, but I am not opposed to spending a little more for a sizeable improvement.
 
Look at a Shure Beta 52 for the kick. It's also very good for micing bass and guitar cabinets.
 
sean_naes, I really don't think you're going to be happy with SM57's for overheads at that point either. Remember this is a roller coaster of expenses...building a mic arsenal will just keep going and going and going!

The SM57 can make a fine kick mic in many cases, but you might be better suited by that Beta suggestion down the road.

For now I would maybe try different placement and see if you can maximize your use of the SM57's you've got. You'll learn something in the process, and when you do upgrade it will probably make more of a diffeence to you.

War
 
I tried out the mic positioning you suggested, I think it turned out fairly well. Maybe I should post a clip and you guys can let me what I could improve on...
 
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