How would I...

  • Thread starter Thread starter nichola
  • Start date Start date
N

nichola

New member
Hey there! I'm here to pollute your forum with stupid questions that you've probably been asked a million times before...sorry!

Just a quick post-production question...I've recorded a live drum kit, but the hi-hat output's far too low...there's more hi-hat leaking onto the snare than there is on the hi-hat track! Is there any way of boosting the volume on the hi-hat track before mix down (short of recording it again, which I won't have the time to do!)?

Replies urgently and gratefully accepted!!! (I have to finish it by Friday!!)

Thanks
 
What are you recording onto? How many mics are you using and where are they placed? You will always have a little seepage when micing a drum kit. The fact is, the mics are just to close to a loud ass inst. Try to get away from the high - hat and closer to the snare with that mic. Are you using an overhead mic?
 
It's already been recorded along with the other instruments! Standard 8 drum tracks recorded onto Mackie HD using Soundcraft DC2000 desk.

Every other drum track is fine, it's just the hi-hats! What I need to be able to do is boost the volume on the hi-hat track as the output is a bit too low (uncomfortably low!). Are there any methods I can use to get this boost in volume, or can anyone recommend effects/processes that'll help?

Thanks
 
Is your highhat on a seperate track? Not familiar with the mackie unit, but I would crank the high hat track and compress, you should get to a comfortable volume. It is very important to make sure you have good levels before you do the take to avoid problems of this nature, but just like many other lessons you learn the hard way.
 
Yeah, hi-hat's on a seperate track...it's compressed and the volume's right up (track fader's right up, etc), but it's still too quiet to be heard decently when it's mixed down. It was recorded really low - newbie mistake...first time I've ever recorded a live kit!!!

So, re-do the hi-hat then?!

Thanks for your help!! :D
 
I still would like to know how you are micing your kit. Do you have a mic for every cymbal?

Yeah, you might have to do the drum track again. You might be able to fix it in post but it's always best to have good levels to start. It makes mixing so much easier! I am a newbie at drums too. My band just finished recording our album and drums are definately what I learned the most about.

Check out this link, it tought me a lot about micing drums.

http://www.getsigned.com/jvest32.html

my completely desperate answer is... solo the drum track turn it up and record onto another track with a mic. Won't sound as good but you'll have your highhat
 
cardioid condenser for hi-hats(AKG blue-line), 2x overheads (audio technica 4033's), bass drum (AKGD112E), SM58 for snare, MD504's (sennheiser) for toms. Standard drum setup!

TA-DAAA!

Yeah, thought about the solo option, but the quality of sound wont be good enough!!! Looks like recording again's the only option!!

Thanks again for your tips!
 
Well, you definately have enough mic power! good luck!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top