Newbie Q's on Glyn Johns Drum Method

[jameson]

Hi all,

I'm pretty new to recording (decently) in general, and particularly to recording drums.

I have tried a few configurations so far, with a pair of matched small diaphragm condensors, an SM57, and a D112:

- XY overhead;
- Spaced pair overhead;
- Glyn Johns overhead;

SM57 on top and bottom of snare in a few different positions, D112 at various positions inside / just-inside the kick.

So far, the best results I have achieved are with the Glyn Johns setup.

A few questions:

- L/R panning leads to an off-axis image. Anyway to center things a little?
- Does this necessarily require LDCs to get a good capture of the set?
- Assuming Cardiod pattern, is pointing both at the snare best? Or how to avoid phase/combing issues, if not?
- What role does a snare close mic play, ideally, in Glyn Johns?

Thanks!

Jameson

 

[RAMI]

- L/R panning leads to an off-axis image. Anyway to center things a little?

What is it you want to centre? If you set up and measured your mic distances properly, your snare and kik should be right down the middle. The rest will be spread depneding on how far from centre they are.

Assuming Cardiod pattern, is pointing both at the snare best? Or how to avoid phase/combing issues, if not?

I don't know about cardioid pattern, but pointing both mics at the snare is part of the Glyn Johns method. I don't see why it would change with a different mic pattern. As far as phase/combing issues are concerned, which drums are phasing? Again I have to ask if you measured your mic distances?

What role does a snare close mic play, ideally, in Glyn Johns?

There's no right answer for that. Depending on the song, the mix you're going for, etc....you bring up the snare mic until you like the level.