Overhead mic ?

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ronnelamir

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What is an overhead mic , if I use 4 mics (floor tom snare and kick ) can you use 2 overheads to capture all of the drums together with cymbals ? or you should use 4 mics separately 2 for the overhead and 2 for the cymbels ? , can you use a dynamic mic as an overhead (shure bg 2.1 ) ?, if I would just put the cymbels mic a little higher can I call it an overhead mic ?


Thanks
 
Its common to blend both close mic'd individual drums with a pair of overheads to capture the entire kit. I use a pair of small diaphragm condensers for over heads, 3 tom mics, a snare mic and a kick mic. Some people like to mic individual cymbals (usually the hi hat), but I've never found that to be necessary.
 
Overheads are traditionally used as the primary microphones for recording the entire drumset. The idea is to use two matched microphones and record a stereo image that sounds similar to how they do from a drummer's perspective. Similar, but not identical: Kick and snare up the middle, toms hats and cymbals panned all around.

Most people use small diaphragm condenser mics for overheads, but there's no law written in stone that says you can't use a dynamics, ribbons or whatever you can dream up for them.

Do a search for these terms: "X/Y overheads" and "recorderman technique" - that will get you going on how to successfully use overhead mics.
 
in my band we record the drum set with four mics 2 sure sm81's as overheads an akg d707 on snare, and a akg d112 on bass drum. we use the 3/1 technique to record the overheads. close micing toms is good too but my drummer feels its not necessary as the overheads give him a good sound.
 
As everyone above.
To add two things - do a search of drums and miking techniques on this forum, there's plenty of good stuff and food for thought. Secondly, you can use dynamics as overheads. I used to think of the overheads as "cymbal" mikes because I close mic the toms as well as snare, kick (and sometimes hi-hat). But they're not. In fact, sometimes it can be good to place them below the level of the cymbals. But only sometimes.
 
There are also several other methods that can be employed upon your reading through out this forum you'll note he various technical terms and microphone placements.
Once you understand the placements it will be fun and educational to experiment and know what will work for you on any given project.



:cool:
 
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