Recording drums w/o preamps

[Solar Temple]

My band is looking to start recording our full length. We are looking at a couple of interfaces so we can record directly into Logic(I believe that's what we are going to use). One of the interfaces we are looking at getting has two mic inputs with preamps and 6 without. Now for recording the rest of the band, it's not a problem. We will be recording a scratch track for all of us and then overdubbing our individual tracks. There for, we wouldn't need more than 2 mics for anyone else. But what about recording drums. Will not having preamps on the other inputs make a difference? I plan on adding various effects to my drums in post, since it fits our style, so I really just want a dry clean sound.

 

[Steenamaroo]

it will make a difference,

the preamps bring the input up to a usable level...


not having one is a bit like trying to drive hifi speakers with a headphone output,

if you can lay your hands to a small mixing desk or something like it, it will have preamps that you may be able to use in your setup,

hope that helps.

 

[mattr]

It may not be to everyone's taste, but if I were in your situation and there was no possibility of getting some extra preamps (either outboard, direct outs from a desk, etc) I would probably use the two preamps of overheads then plug triggers or mics (considering the quality or noise won't matter) into the line inputs and trigger samples for the rest of the kit.

Not ideal, but its a solution with the potential to actually sound really good, and makes the best use of the gear you have.

And when I say potential, I mean if used carefully and wisely, i.e...
- Getting the overheads sounding as good as you can
- Picking appropriate and high-quality samples
- Maybe recording your own samples of the kit first, then trigger those?

 

[dintymoore]

One way: get impedance adapters that take the XLR plugs and convert them to 1/4" and use that as a gain boost. I see them for under $20... best along with a neodyne hi output mic if you have. You can use outboard compressors to raise volume too.

Another better option is to just use two mics on drums - which isn't bad at all... I don't mind even just one mic on drums, and would rather that that tight miking with a zillion mics (421 under the cowbell, 421 above the cowbell). I did 1 mic drumset recording and loved it.

Use two, one mic on the kick (SM58's actually work on kick - that's the only place I found they sorta work) and another, maybe SM57 either overhead, or in front pointed at the snare, wherever it balances the set the best.

It's not stereo but because of bleed through it won't sound bland, and actually has the potential for greatness.

I consider the drumset one instrument, and using multiple mics takes away the drummer's control over balancing his set.

On playback you could put the snare track a tiny bit left and the kick track a tiny bit right (because when a drummer sits at the kit the kick is slightly to the right and snare to the left). I always, being a drummer, mix as if I was sitting at the set (I'm right handed), not from the audience side.

Then when you mix the tracks, put other tracks hard left and hard right to make a wide screen affect.

Another way is to use two well placed mics in stereo position, maybe waist level in front of the set. It could definately be all you ever need if the drumset and drummer are on it... so much of it is that most drummers don't play with good proportions between their limbs - most often the hi hat is way too loud, the snare is ok, and the kick is soft... but if the drummer bakances that from the set, two mics is fine.

I do not like the whole "tight miking kotex on the drums" thing that I saw start in the early 70's and basically was drummers trying to sound like a Linndrum before it came out. Drumset is 1 instrument and it's up to the drummer to make it sound right.

Early Beatles had very minimalist mics on Ringo, and afterall the whole band was recording on 4 tracks and it sorta worked.

 

[darrin_h2000]

Go to ebay...I bought an 8 channel preamp there for a song...there might be another Yamaha MLA7 to be had...I just watched a sony one go for 65 bucks yesterday.

 

[dastrick]

What interface are you considering? And what is your budget?

You can pick up good used interfaces on ebay that have 8 preamps.

 

[ermghoti]

. I don't mind even just one mic on drums, and would rather that that tight miking with a zillion mics (421 under the cowbell, 421 above the cowbell).

Well, there's your problem. Everybody knows you use a U87 under the cowbell. Duh.