miking large drumsets...

[dcptnsdcvd]

k folks,

i got alot o mics.

AKG C1000s
Oktava MK319 (2)
Sennheizer vocal mics(i dunno the model or name) - bought them in a 3 pack deal from Sam Ash, if that gives you an idea of they're quality level.
I'm miking a 10 peice, single bass drumset with all this as well as a low quality instrument mic (made to clip on to a snare drum) and i was wondering what everyone's opinion was in doing so. The cymbals on the drummer's right side are louder, larger cymbals and the drummer's left side is only hihat, bell and roto-toms (which are thin-head drums with open backs, if that will matter).
so, what would you guys do?
Mike...

 

[h kuhn]

I would start with a stereo pair (maybe the two oktavas) as coincident or ORTF and adjust position until everything sounds as close to the desired sound as possible. Then add whatever necesariy to get more punch from certain insatruments (Kick, snare, maybe toms).
The more mics you use the more problems with phasing you will have. On the other hand if your room doesn't sound good you might have to go closer and therefore cannot capture the whole set with the main pair.
read the "big thread" ("how does diaphragm size....")

 

[crawdad]

Get one really BIG mic

OK, I'm sorry--couldn't resist being stupid.

Here is what I'd try: a dedicated kick mic, a snare mic and a stereo pair of overheads, positioned by trial and error to capture the toms and cymbals.

Then, as h khun said, add a mic or two if needed to pick up a weak component of the kit. I'd go for the most realistic depiction of the set as I could.

If you think about it, the drums have the widest frequency range of any instrument. You have the low mass of the kick, the fatness of the toms, the transients from every attack and the sizzle of the cymbals, not to mention the crack of the snare.

Stand in front of the drum set while the drummer plays. Close your eyes and listen to what you are hearing. Imagine where the mics should go as you do this. Then try to place your mics to reproduce what you hear with your ears.

 

[chessrock]

What if my ears hear a crappy drummer?

Sorry dad, I couldn't resist that one.

 

[crawdad]

Stick some cotton in the diaphragms!