is it my overheads? or drums?

[endserenading81]

i have 2 Oktava MK012's for overheads. These are of course small condernsers, so they specialize in high frequencies. I use them to record my Mapex Voyager kit. If you know about this kit, then you know how small it is (lil jazz kit, 18inch kick). I was just wondering if it's possible to get a bigger drum sound from this kit.
I was thinking of using 2 large condenser mics. I already have a Studio Projects C1. What do you think guys, buy one more C1 and use them for overheads? Or use other techniques to bring more power into the drums?
take care,
rob

>My mic set up is AKG D-112 on kick, SM57 on snare, and the Oktavas for overheads.

 

[Farview]

Your best bet would be to tune the drums down. You might have to use different heads than the one you have now.

If you took a LDC and put it about 10 or 15 feet away and compressed the snot out of it, that might do ya. (you will have to eq a lot of low end in)

 

[Markd102]

Yeah, before you buy more mics..... tune the heads down a bit and try adding the C1 to your current setup as a room mic.
This brings up a question.... How do your drums sound acoustically in the room when you stand in front of them? If they don't sound good and "big" acoustically in your recording space, then you'll struggle big time to get a decent sound on tape. It's possible that money will be better spent on room treatment.

 

[Ronan]

While a different set of mics will color your drum sound a bit, or capture your sound more or less acurately capture the sound of the drums, it will not really make your drums sound "bigger". Instead of new mics you need to be thinking about re-tuning your drums, using a different room or jusdicious use of compression.

 

[tmix]

I have the exact kit, and I use the Oktavas as well.
I have always gotten compliments on my drums sound, the smaller kit records very well.

I have tuned them very low, the lowest they can go and still sustain. I use evans coated on top (if doing Jazz and Country) sometimes clear if loud Rock.
I use a Beta 52 on kick (your AKG is fine), A Sm57 on snare, An AKG C1000 just off the snare (For a bright sizzle) the Oktavas over head, and a close mic the toms with SM 57s (1 between the 2 small toms, 1 at the floor tom).

I have been pleased with the sound. If you need a really thick sound you can run a 2nd submix of your drums to a compressor-squash it a bit- and bring it up under your original mix for a bigger sound.

Tom