Peaking as far as drums go.

[Creep]

Hi,

Was wondering, if I was to use one mic to record some drums (yeah, I know one mic isn't a good idea for drums but I'm just testing it out) and I was wondering if I was to place the mic perhaps near the bass or snare (I would use it as an overhead but don't want the cymbals splashing everything up moreso than they already will) and I was wondering if I was to place it so close the drums, would it make the sound distort heaps because of it being so close?

By the way, i'm using a LANE LM-580.

Cheers for any replies and sorry for the nub questions.

PS: Does anyone have a sample recording of what drums will sound like with one microphone, just so I have an idea of what I'll be looking at?

-Creep

 

[mixsit]

..I would use it as an overhead but don't want the cymbals splashing everything up moreso than they already will) and I was wondering if I was to place it so close the drums, would it make the sound distort heaps because of it being so close?

Not neeing alot or accurate cymbal sound opens up options to stay lower and in tight in the kick/snare areas. Sticking out of the drummers tummy would be.. well, never mind. Tight as you can get then; Drummer's right arm or sholder (lots of floor tom, maybe too much ride'), out front top of the kick shell (+/-), peaking to the left-center= more floor, less snare. Right-center= more snare/hat.
Don't know that mic but most mics that would overload would have a pad switch. Some mics close to drums will clip the input of some pre's in which case you'd want an in-line xlr pad. Once the analog gains are in line there's no dif to the record level -which needs to not clip in any case.

 

[Freudian Slip]

I'd try over the left shoulder assuming the drummer is right handed. I have no idea what the pickup pattern of that mic is. If it has a cardiod pattern I would point it more tward the kick passing by the rim of the snare and test it. Adjust accordingly.

Good Luck.

F.S.

 

[drossfile]

the only time i've even had a small level of success with a 1-mic technique was in a large, well-furnished living room on a jazz recording. the mic was a LDC omni, about 8 feet away and in front of the kit, about 4 feet off the floor.

lots of "air," moderate definition, and minimal "punch."

with an sm-58 style, cardioid dynamic (as your lane is), i see no hope.
if you can get something usable out of it, more power to you!

good luck!

 

[Creep]

the only time i've even had a small level of success with a 1-mic technique was in a large, well-furnished living room on a jazz recording. the mic was a LDC omni, about 8 feet away and in front of the kit, about 4 feet off the floor.

lots of "air," moderate definition, and minimal "punch."

with an sm-58 style, cardioid dynamic (as your lane is), i see no hope.
if you can get something usable out of it, more power to you!

good luck!

So that's not good? Alrighty.

What if I bought SM57? Also, what's a pad switch?

Cheers.