Odd stereo pairs for drum overheads

[CJWalker]

Currently I've been using a pair of AT4033s for drums overheads. I like the way the mic sounds over my ride and lower toms (left side), though it always has picked up too much sizzle from my hats and head noise from my higher tom, in any position with a good overall balance (right side). Even with EQ, the hats still tend to be over emphasized, which have a good sound in the room. I've tried using both of my other 4033s in the same position over the snare/hats, and still had that high end emphasis. I am curious about swapping the snare overhead to a SM81 which is pretty flat in the highs, then adding a little EQ. Are there any problems that may come about when doing this? Phasing issues? Thanks.

 

[chessrock]

I was pretty much thinking the exact same thing. I'd kinda' like to have a flatter mic over the hat myself, without having to buy a whole new pair.

I asked that same question on a different board (with some heavy-hitters, by the way) and the concensus seems to be "Whatever sounds good -- knock yourself out" kind of thing.

My gut tells me the key would be in matching the pickup patterns, since the stereo image will likely sound funny with two noticeably different ones, no?

 

[T diddy]

I agree - follow up, please?

I have run into this too, and I'd like to know how this works out for you using an SM-81 as part of the pair.

I have used stereo pairs before where the mic's were very different, without any probs. just takes extra time to balance the image - and of course, do NOT expect that clear, spatially-accurate kind of image you are used to. IT just aint gonna be like that.

I am thinking in this case to be real expermental about the height of the SM-81. I don't know WHY, but I have found that cymbal "definition" tends to change a LOT with mic height.

Anyhow, I agree, give it a go - and please holler back about the results!

T