Drums "3 mic technique" question

[Wireneck]

Ive read alot of the post about the 3 mic technique for drums. I was just curious if this would be a descent starting place even if you were intending on micing all the drums in the first place. It seems that the 3 mic technique focuses on the fact that you are only using 3 mics. Im just trying to come up with some different ideas for overhead placement. Thanks guys

 

[pipelineaudio]

I will frequently set up an extra 3 mics in this way, and use them as the " drum feel " track. Maybe with a different compression and more reverb than the close mic tracks. Sometimes theyll work all alone

Its a valuable technique to learn, but using the 3 mics, the drummer needs to be WAY more in control of his playing than otherwise. In this way its a valuable learning tool for everyone involved

 

[eeldip]

yes, good starting place

start with 3 mics. end with 3 mics, maybe 4, maybe 1.

personally i dont have enough channels or mics to do a close micing of everything... but i never felt worse off because of it.

dont have to deal with as many phase problems, gates, etc.

 

[Wireneck]

If im using the overheads to mainly capture just the cymbals are there any special techniques in this setup? I usually just put on my headphones and move the mics around untill i hear something i like but this can be time consuming.

 

[justwantyou2kno]

Listening thorugh headphones doesn't give you a very accurate description of what you're hearing. When I record drums with 3 mics I first get the snare and kick mics sounding good then I use a omni over the drummers shoulder. That gives me a starting point and I move the overhead as needed.