One mic only to record drumset

[Proximus]

What is the best way to record a drumset with only one mic (where to place, what to point at...)? I've tried several methodes and there was always some clipping!

*Prox

 

[kristian]

i would have to say that bove the drumset is the first given. but you can always try out infront of it. if i could only use one, i would use a large diaphragm condensor. i would put it up above about 5 feet ontop of the head of the drummer pointing at the kick and snare since thats where your groove/beat/crap will come from. everything else should filter in. this will be very roomy sounding. ive had some cool sounds from this.

 

[Shailat]

Or

* Over the drummers head - behind the kit 6 inchs, pointing at the kit.

* 4-5 inchs directly over kit pointing down

* 7- 8 inchs with a mic that hears from the side in front of the kit but
with the mic the same height as the toms (or a bit higher.

Closer to the kit -more drums less room
Futher to the kit -more room less drums

 

[Proximus]

Because english is not my first language I have some problems with several terms concerning recording: What does kit mean? Is it the whole drumset?

*Prox

 

[John Sayers]

You got it prox

 

[Tonewoods]

A nice ribbon mic (STC 4038, RCA 44BX, B&O, etc.) positioned over the drummer's head will pretty much get it all...
Add a 57 to the snare and a U47 in front of the kick, and that's usually my standard set-up, regardless of genre...

 

[poo]

My house must just suck. NO matter what MIC I use for overheads thet cymbals sound like shit! So if you get any good placements tell me! My cymbals come out soundin TINNY and thin...i mean the rest of the kit is good the cymbals dont resonate or nothin. THEY DIE. ARGGHH!

 

[ametth]

I'm with tonewoods here! (or an m201 on the snare!)

 

[Tonewoods]

My house must just suck. NO matter what MIC I use for overheads thet cymbals sound like shit! So if you get any good placements tell me! My cymbals come out soundin TINNY and thin...i mean the rest of the kit is good the cymbals dont resonate or nothin. THEY DIE. ARGGHH!

Hey, poo...
Try a ribbon or two for OHs...it'll smooth everything out, regardless of your room.

 

[kristian]

"A nice ribbon mic (STC 4038, RCA 44BX, B&O, etc.) positioned over the drummer's head will pretty much get it all... Add a 57 to the snare and a U47 in front of the kick, and that's usually my standard set-up"

 

[ametth]

why the frown?

 

[Tonewoods]

He's bummed that we gave away his (and Sir George's) secret...