Placement of overheads on a drumset?

[MSG_VT]

Is there a rule of thumb to go by when placing a single condenser overhead over the drums? (AT 4033)


I want a well balanced sound, but at the same time I dont want my bright cymbals to dominate the mix.

So far I have the sm 57 on the snare and the at pro 25 on the kick.

 

[chessrock]

Well, the best method is to just move it around untill you find where it sounds the best. It's pretty unscientific.

 

[knownuttin]

He's right, you know? The visual center may not be balanced. You have to listen in isolation (control room, or closed headphones at a distance) while the drummer plays. It helps if you have a monkey you can direct to move the mic while you listen. The player's style will dictate where to put the mic.
-kent

 

[Herm]

also tell the drummer to try and have some control on how hard he hits the cymbals.
Or the other drums, That will get you a better balance then anything else.

 

[littledog]

also tell the drummer to try and have some control on how hard he hits the cymbals.
Or the other drums...

So you've actually met a drummer who would pay attention to an engineer instructing them on drum technique? And not decide to kick your ass on general pricnciples for trying to tell them how to play?

You're a braver man than I am. Or else you have been fortunate to work with really small drummers!!!

 

[chessrock]

LOL.

Or you can stick a small piece of electric tape underneath the crash when he's not looking. You'll notice some funny looks on his face when their sound dies out quicker, but it will work well.

 

[heylow]

MSG,

I have had much luck with a single 4033 as an o head in the past. You are using a kick and snare mic...thats good...shouldnt be a lot of trouble to get balance as you only have to think about the toms and cymbals.

Its true that you should listen for the best possible spot but I have had a lot of luck placing it almost directly over the kick pedal....sometimes between the kick pedal and snare and sometimes right over the snare.

Height should probably be at least a foot and a half over the cymbals but i've done lower. I guess it depends on the player and the music.


Good luck,


heylow

 

[heylow]

So you've actually met a drummer who would pay attention to an engineer instructing them on drum technique? And not decide to kick your ass on general pricnciples for trying to tell them how to play?

You're a braver man than I am. Or else you have been fortunate to work with really small drummers!!!

Drummers...............(head shake)....nuff said

(I say the same about singers and guitar players.....ESPECIALLY myself!)

 

[Light]

Just a starting point, but if you are not afraid of the drummer hitting your mic, I like to put it 2-3 inches above, and 2-3 inches in front of the drummers head. It is really close to the drummer, but if he can handle it, it is a nice sound. Make small moves as your ear dictates.