Mic. explanation...

[aposynthesi]

Ok, as you can see, I'm new to this forum, I'm also new to recording... and yes I've read the FAQ for this particular forum.

I'm looking for an explanation of what to look for in a mic, mainly for these purposes in the following thread.

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?s=&threadid=96700

Thanks in advance...

 

[Jblount]

Specify for what purpose you are using the mic. Start with one. Then we will work from there, unless you are a billionaire and are buying everything at once. Lets start with drum overheads. These will be the trickiest. How much budget do you allow for these mics(and I assume you are using 2).

 

[Innovations]

Right now your biggest choice is whether to try to mic each of the three toms separately or just let them be picked up by the overheads.

So here goes a shot at it. Use a pair of MXL 603s for the overhead, A studio projects B1 for the snare, and then either a SM57, or SM58 for the kick. Not the perfect choice for each, but what it leaves you with is a very versatile beginning microphone kit...two SD condensers, a LD condenser, and a dynamic...for a pretty bargain price.

 

[aposynthesi]

Specify for what purpose you are using the mic. Start with one. How much budget do you allow for these mics (and I assume you are using 2).

As I specified in the other post, I'm going to be recording drums, guitar, bass and vocals.

For the drums, I want to mic every tom separately ( 5 toms - 3 rack, 2 floor ), have 2 overheads, one for the snare, hi-hats?, and the kick... basically I want to mic everything...

I'm going to be doing screamy vocals, to I guess... regular vocals.

I don't know if thats enough information... but oh well, it was my best shot.

 

[cominginsecond]

In the other thread it said you have a $3000-$4000 budget, so I'll go off of that.

AKG D112 - Kick - $150 used off of Ebay
ATM Pro25 - Floor Tom - $80 at 8thstreet.com
3 SM57s - Toms and Snare - $160 used off of Ebay

Since the overheads are the most important part, I wouldn't skimp, especially since you have a relatively large budget.

2 - T.H.E. KA-04 High Performance Modular Microphone Pre Amp Body - $720

2- T.H.E. KR-1D Omni, Diffuse Field 1/2 inch Modular Capsule - $630

2- T.H.E. KR-2C True Cardioid 1/2 inch Modular Capsule $630

The above prices were from Mercenary.com

I have never used the THE mics, but I hear they're excellent.

 

[Jblount]

A 57 for the kick...................ummmm........................................... NO. Ok, so you want to mic each tom. Is money not an issue with you?

HiHat
sm57
AKG 451
Audix D1

Snare
sm57
sennheiser e604
pg56
AT ae3000

Toms
sm57
sennheiser e604
pg56
Kbm412

Kick
Kbm412
Audix D6
Beta52
Beta91
sennheiser e602
EV N/D868
KBM412
AT Ae2500

Overheads
matched pair mc012
pair ADK A51
pair AKG c430
pair MXL 603

 

[Innovations]

A 57 for the kick...................ummmm........................................... NO.

If you read his initial question it was not about how to mic a set of drums. He is new to recording and wants to record a variety of instruments and vocals, of which drums is only the most complicated setup.

SO

I approached it as to what microphones should a beginner put together for their first batch of purchases. And before you are comfortable with the process of recording spending $3000 on mics is foolish...and no matter how far he eventually goes he is not going to regret having a SM57, a B1, and a pair of 603's in his kit. THEN I thought about how to arrange them on the drums. Sure if I was only looking at micing the drums I would have put the SM57 on the snare and then something like the e602 on the kick, but that would have left him without a LD condenser in his kit for all the other stuff.

 

[cominginsecond]

Sure if I was only looking at micing the drums I would have put the SM57 on the snare and then something like the e602 on the kick, but that would have left him without a LD condenser in his kit for all the other stuff.

Well, then include the B1 along with a decent kick mic. You're not going to get a decent kicksound from a 57/58.

 

[Chris Fallen]

I made a reply in your initial thread that was pretty long. I hope you read that.

 

[Tonio]

jblount do you have a pair of c430's? How are they, on the bright side or?

Overheads
matched pair mc012
pair ADK A51
pair AKG c430
pair MXL 603

 

[Jblount]

No, dont have the 430s, just a sudgestion. As far as a 57 on the kick, I agree with cominginsecond, the 57 is a bright mic, not a good sound for a kick. For just a little more you can get a d6, which can also be used for the bass cab. You can get a 57 used cheap, and stick it on the snare or guitar amps.