Noob Question about mixer requirements for drums

[unicursalhex]

Hi everyone, thank you for your responses in advance. I am currently making a home "studio" and I am overwhelmed with the barrage of information. As of now I'm thinking of running a nice interface (probably a fireface 400), an analog mixer, compressor, and tube preamp. I will be recording guitar, keyboard, and drums mainly. So my current question is what do I need to look for in a mixer? I am currently looking at the Allen & Heath WZ3 16:2. I've heard of people buying the wrong stuff many many a time and want to make sure I get set up properly. Any other advice for my setup will be most welcome.

 

[moresound]

Are you sure that you want to use a console?

 

[unicursalhex]

I'm not sure about anything, thats why I'm asking youguys Should I be apprehensive about a console? Why? What would you do?

 

[moresound]

Well I use a console because I like to and there are certain advantages but if you are going to do all of your work in the box of your DAW there is the chance that you don't even need a console you would just need an interface that has the mic preamps plus phantom power plus volume and in some cases EQ that would make a console not to be needed.

 

[unicursalhex]

I see. I have thought about using just a high end interface but the problem is that I need at least 10 inputs for the drums. Most high end interfaces that support that many inputs are really expensive. So unless theres some information that I'm not privy to (which is very probable) I need either one really expensive interface or two nice ones daisy chained. In this case a nice interface (RME Fireface 400) with a good console is the logical choice, no?

 

[bdenton]

Another option is to find something like an 8 input interface with an ADAT connection, then use the ADAT to connect a Behringer ADA8000 for 8 more mic inputs.

However, before buying anything, may I suggest that you Google the Recorderman and Glyn Johns drum recording methods.

Using too many mikes on a drumkit can cause phase problems from the sound of a drum reaching different mics at different times.

You may find that using between two and four mics on drums will give you better recordings.

And remember that proper room treatment is an important part of good drum recordings.

 

[unicursalhex]

Thanks for the info. I don't really want anything in the loop thats gonna bastardize the sound, so that pretty much rules out anything behringer... Something high end thats comparable costs alot so I think I'm sticking with the console, this way I can utilize it for practice and live situations. As for the glyn johns method, I'm not a believer. I'll be recording mostly fusion and I want a great drum sound that 2 overheads have no chance of achieving. His method is good for todays butt rock and some stuff from the 60's 70's and 80's. There's a big difference between recording drums for the rolling stones and say Tool. Two overheads work great when you have only 2 toms and pretty much never use them. As for the room I have already started laying Auralex out and It will just be a matter of adjusting when I get the recording setup done.