I am recording a steel drum (steel pan)...

[vp_panman]

Has anyone ever recorded this instrument? What type of mic do you suggest? I know the nature of the instrument very well but I have no clue what type of mic I should use to record it. If you guys want me to go into detail about the way the instrument generates sound (I suppose important for mic placement - which I'm confident with) I will do so at your request. Thanks for your suggestions and your help.

 

[Harvey Gerst]

An omni is usually your best bet for steel drums. Place the mic as high above the pan as the pan is wide for a reasonable starting point.

 

[vp_panman]

Thanks Harvey...any particular "omni"? Cardioid (super,hyper, what's the difference?) Thanks for the placement tip... Anyone else??? Thanks again!!!