Recording drums on a budget

[Cold Fusion]

I have two 58's and two 57's what is the best arrangement i can use for recording drum tracks. would I be better off using two mikes on the kick and the other two as overheads? or should i try and get a mike directly on the snare?

richard

 

[eh91311]

For reference, check here: http://www.shure.com/shurenotes/may2004/default.asp#drums

 

[GABritton]

Cold, for what you have/need, I would use one of your 57s on your kick, the other on the snare, and your two 58's as your overheads. Directly over the top of the kit, appx 1-2 feet above the kit.

Also do check out that article. good background information...

 

[Cold Fusion]

Thanks people, this forum is a godsend to a back yard studio like mine where help is often hard to find and comes at a fairly thick cost. how do I avoid the loud crash from the cymbals while still picking up the toms and high hat. In the past I have used a mike on the high hat to get a clean crisp presence out of it.
Does anyone have advice on tuning the snare drum or tightening the springs so that the tone is rich with a nice rattle?

I read the above mentioned article and it is loaded with great information, leads me to believe that I need a better understanding of the microphone and how each model performs and responds to situations. If there is an article that breaks it down for me mic by mic that would be very useful. Talking to different people I get conflicting information, I assume because most folks had limited experience and are too happy to share their one time experience as if it were the law of moses.

I use my 58's for vocals my 57's for instruments.

thanks

 

[Cold Fusion]

Ok Ok I should have looked a little deeper into the www.shure.com site. everything I am looking for is in there.

 

[chessrock]

how do I avoid the loud crash from the cymbals while still picking up the toms and high hat.

Don't hit them as hard.

 

[glimmer_doll]

how do I avoid the loud crash from the cymbals while still picking up the toms and high hat.

you should be able to work that out by properly adjusting your mic placement...


btw, hope you're enjoying this wonderful BC weather!

 

[LRosario]

One mic for the bass drum

One for the snare

Two over heads with an XY set up (crossed from each other)

Considering the room you're in will help that as well.

 

[Cloneboy Studio]

Don't expect the overheads to sound too great. Dynamic mics aren't so hot on cymbals. But that's all you have so...

Look into picking up a pair of AKG C1000's for overheads. Probably the best low budget option for you. They're okay little mics. C2000's are better though but 200 each.

 

[Cold Fusion]

Thanks for all the good advice people.
I will post my results and comparisions to the old miking technique I was using.
Is it better to apply dynamic processing when recording the drums or apply those effects to the track after it is recorded?

Glimmer Doll.........I hear ya. soemtimes we have to make our own weather to stay sane in this climate.

 

[LRosario]

Thanks for all the good advice people.
I will post my results and comparisions to the old miking technique I was using.
Is it better to apply dynamic processing when recording the drums or apply those effects to the track after it is recorded?

Glimmer Doll.........I hear ya. soemtimes we have to make our own weather to stay sane in this climate.

after..good luck with your project

 

[photoresistor]

if you need cheap, get a pair of marshall mxl 57m mics... awhile back they were selling for like $50 on MF and they really don't sound that bad as drum overheads. I think my drums sound great.