Need help choosing how to set up overhead mics

  • Thread starter Thread starter RideTheCrash
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RideTheCrash

RideTheCrash

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Okay, my ride goes over most my bass drum, I have one rack tom (12"), and two floor toms (13" hanging...used to be a rack) and 16". I have two crashes close to each other on boom stands over the ride and rack tom. I have 2 splashes between the hi hat and left crash and a splash below the 2 crashes.

That will probably take a minute to sink in! Anyway, I'm trying to get the best mic setup. I currently am using (crap, I know):

Overheads: ECM8000s
Snare: Sm57
Kick: Shure PG48 (just for now, it actually sounds fine)

My big problem is getting a good overhead sound...especially since my room sucks and the ECM's are omni mics. I always read about X/Y config, but I barely see pics of it. I know what it looks like, but I can hardly find pictures to reference from. I have also tried wide spacing...and the "recorderman" method with the one overhead over the snare two sticks lengths up and the other the same distance (but this looks weird...maybe I'm doing it wrong).

I always have phase issues basically. It doesn't sound like it, but I zoom in and they never quite match up. Maybe you can never always get them dead on without having phase issues, I don't know. I've tried reading a ton of threads on here by searching and I just figured I might as well post and see if anyone can direct me to some pictures and maybe suggest a good positioning for the omni mics...thanks.
 
Omnis are a bit directional at higher frequencies so you get a LITTLE bit of image. Try a single overhead aiming at the toms. I've been doing more and more mono overheads lately and loving it.
Or if you're feeling handy, make a Jecklin disc and set the up overhead.
 
I think I'll try the single overhead behind me over my shoulder 6 feet up, facing the toms. But since it appears X/Y isn't omni territory, what are some good options for two mics, so I can attempt those as well?
 
Just my opinion but I wouldn't put it up that high. Maybe 2 1/2 drum stick lengths from the center of the snare.
 
Okay, I just was just thinking that because of that link earlier in this thread...I don't have a high ceiling anyway, it must only be like 7 ft. I'm guessing...plus I'm in a corner...with no real acoustic treatment...with omnis = ouch. I'm at the mercy of a pre-existing room in my parents house so oh well...but I digress.
 
Well, the closer to the drums, the less gain the mic needs, the less of the room in the mic.
 
I think I'll stick with one over the snare. It's probably because I'm not great at this, but I got too much room sound doing it the over the shoulder way, especially seeing as the mic had to be nearly on a wall to be far enough back (tight space). I'll try one OH over the snare, but if I want to throw in the second, I'm not sure where to stick it so I get in phase.
 
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