micing the snare drum

[still_not_there]

I have a problem with micing the snare drum on an acoustic drum kit. When it records i do not get a snare sound. i get the sound as if the the snare was not engaged on the drum. My theory is the mic wasnt close/far enough away from the head. I used a CAD mic that clipped on the side. any input?

 

[tourettes5139]

What mic? What drum? What mic placement? We need more information.

My guess is tuning. That is one of, if not the, top thing that determines if you will get a good snare sound or not. Also try backing the mic away a little bit. Or try using two mics, one on top, and one on the bottom.

 

[Farview]

Don't clip the mic to the drum, part of your problem is the mic coupling with the drum. This increases the low end thud of the drum. Put the mic on a stand and mic the side of the drum.

 

[pandamonk]

Also, aim the mic at the drummer's crotch. I've heard that this gives more or a crack n less ring.

 

[ermghoti]

You could:

Tighten the snares until it sounds right recorded. The sound in the room is not the be-all end-all in this case.

Mic the bottom head, in addition or replacement to the top head. You should get a lot of snare in the OH, so I have been going with bottom head only, as a side benefit, my ham-handed drummer can't reach the mic to bash it out of position!

Use a condensor. Much more sensitive to high-end stuff like snare rattles.

Some combination of the above.