M/S on drums

[foreverain4]

anybody ever done this? seems like you should be able to do this in an overhead configuration with the "mid" mic directly above the snare and the "side mic above it. i might give this a bit of a run tonight. i want to try just the M/S with a bass drum mic.

 

[shackrock]

what is M/S

 

[Mark7]

Middle/Sides.

It involves using two mics: 1 in a figure 8 setting, and 1 in cardioid. The output of the figure 8 mic is split in two and one side is phase reversed.

 

[DigitMus]

Yeah, M/S on OH is a fairly common technique. It has some distinct advantages. It doesn't suffer from the same kind of phase anomalies that can cause problems with NOS, ORTF, AB or other spaced configurations; it gives you control over the apparent width of stereo field (XY can seem too narrow, and Blumlein too wide for some people); it is inherantly mono compatible; and you can mix and match mics to take advantage of different characteristics - like using a fast SD cardioid for the mid and a velvety smooth ribbin for the sides.
Try it, you'll like it.

Scott

 

[tmix]

foreverain4
I have been experimenting with the technique and really like it. I have tried it overhead and in front. I prefer it in front, particularly if you are not going to use a bunch of close mics. In front it gives a fuller kick drum and shell sound from the snare.

I positioned the fig 8 mic about even with the top of my toms pointing the null directly to where the kick and snare are in a direct line with it, and then I sneak my mid mic right over the top of it pointed straight in line toward the kick and snare.
It puts the whole contraption more toward the second tom but it seem to still pick up a very balanced picture of the kit.

 

[mixsit]

I was wondering if with the fig.8 mic's side facing the source, if that mic's off axis response would be an issue? Do you have to keep the mid mic up in level to fill out the highs?
Wayne

 

[tmix]

Mixsit,
I am sure the offaxis response come into some play. I do have the center up to provide beef from the snare / kick. The signal from the fig 8 gives the highs and reflections that gives your ears the stereo image. The frequency response and clarity was phenominal and if anything was better than coincident or mono overhead. Again I am still experimenting and have not fine tuned the set up yet.

If you have ever used "the Recordermans" spaced stereo drum technique it sounds similar, except the kick comes more into play if you do the midside from in front.

 

[mixsit]

Thanks for the reply.
What mic(s) do you use for side if I may ask, and do you tend to shelve up the highs on it?

"If you have ever used "the Recordermans" spaced stereo drum technique it sounds similar, except the kick comes more into play if you do the midside from in front."

I'm using spaced QTC-1's (but lower and to the rear a bit) which is kind-of-similar and I'm doing some lift on those 75% of the time.
A mono out front really does pull in a nice center.
Thanks again.
Wayne

 

[tmix]

Wayne,
I have not been doing any eq to the side signals yet. But it has been sounding very full bodied, but not tubby.

For my experimenting I have been using a SP B3 (in fig8 obviously) and a Oktava MC012 for my center. I do have the diaphrams grouped as close together to being aligned as I can.