Drums with 2 overheads

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Drummer4Life05

Drummer4Life05

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I want to record my drums with just 2 overheads. What are some suggestions for mic's?
I'm really clueless when it comes to mic's. So even basic explanations on your choices would be helpful. :)

Thanks.
 
There was a post on here awhile back,..by tubedude. It was about how to record your kit with just 2 overheads,..one over your shoulder and one over the snare. Do a search for that post and follow his instructions. I did and it works fantastic!!!!!

Since then I've added a mic for each drum,..but instead of doing my overheads in the traditional way,..i still use tubedudes method because it sounds so good.

Later,...
Calwood
 
By the way,...I'm using,..Cad ICM 417's as overheads. I think they sound great. Real clean sounding,..transparent. As far as the mics in your list,..I couldnt offer any input.

Good luck!

Later,..
Calwood
 
Yeah,..thats the post i was talking about. I think you'll be happy with the results.

Later,...
Calwood
 
MK012's can be had for 100 dollars a pair at guitar center sometimes... and they're very good
 
Okay, Part 2...
Don't mean to sound like a total novice, but...well, thats what i am! :D
Here's my plan for the recording:
I have a Sony MZ-R55 MiniDisc Recorder. I would run the 2 overhead mic's into a 2-channel mixer, then run that into the mic-in of the MiniDisc recorder. Then transfer to my computer.
Only one question: would I get the stereo effect still? I'm almost positive the MiniDisc records stereo, but I'd run it through a SoundBlaster Live card to my PC. Should I invest in an audio interface instead?

Thanks for your help! :)
 
The least expensive and best solution, IMO, is a pair of Studio Projects B1's $79 each, or a pair or Oktava MK319's $99 each.

Either of those large diaphragm condensers will give you a better overall kit sound than any inexpensive small condenser. They'll also be smoother on the high end.

Of the inexpensive small condensers, the Oktava MC012's are the way to go.

Dan Richards
Digital Pro Sound
The Listening Sessions
 
Thanks for the tip, Dot.
I never really considered the large-diaphrams because I thought they were better used for vocals.

I'll look into that as well.

Thanks again! :)
 
Great link Dan.

I think you've changed my mind! Looking at large diaphrams now... :)
 
I have a pair of AT 853's that I have been meaning to try out as drum overheads.

They are normally used as choir overheads and such.

Anybody have experience with anything similar?
 
I´m a drummer too and I use a pair of MXL603 as OH. I think they´re great, maybe a little brilliant for some kind of cymbals. Why don´t you try them??. If you do a search in this forum you could find a post with a clip of drums recorded using 3 different pairs of OH. Behringer 8000, Oktava´s MC012 and MXL603, listen to that clip you could have an idea of what the 603s can do for you.

Tama
 
Sweet. Thanks TamaSabian! :D

I'm more of a TamaZildjian guy myself though...;)
 
The B1s are slow on transients and are not punchy though tonally theyre detailed, fully present midrange and not scooped. They sound like the C1 does on transients...somewhat compressed.

Try a pair of CAD M179s on OHs. While tonally they arent the most interesting...they are fast as hell, very punchy, take high SPLs and have 5 polar patterns.
 
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Thanks Pilgrim, but I don't really have $500 to spend on 2 mic's. I'm looking at $100-$120 each.
 
Now, how about the MXL V57M mic's??

Large-diaphram like Dot suggested.

Any comments?
 
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