Recording drums with 1 mic

  • Thread starter Thread starter Chewie
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Chewie

Chewie

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I'm in a bnd and just playing around with this recording thing. I have no cash to invest. so is there a way to record drums with a computer mic?

Also I might be able to source a four channel mixer. If I use this and vocal mics how would I use it to record drums.
 
First off - with questions like these you might want to check into the newbies section. However - to "answer" your question. Technically, yes, you can record drums with one computer mic but it isnt going to sound that great. This is like saying can FOX show a football game on TV using one camera - yeah but its not going to be that exciting.
As far as your second question - it sorta depends what vocal mics you are using and what you actually are intending to do. Basically - once again - you are not going to get the best sound because you are micing with the wrong tool (most likely). However, if you have 4 vocal mics (for instance) - put each one onto its own channel, set the levels, and while listening thru headphones adjust the mix (this is if you are just dumping it down to a mix instantaneously). As far as placement - try one on the snare, 2 overheads and one on the kick. Your kick will most likely sound like crap if you are using some radio shack vocal mic but you can try it out.
 
I used to record drums with a single mic back in my 4-track days. I used a single omni directly above the drummers head pointed between the kick 'n snare. If your drummer/kit/room is good this can be quite usable though definately not "pro" unless your going for a '50's/'60's drum sound. It can actually work quite well for traditional style jazz stuff.

The biggest disadvantage is obviously the lack of punch in the kick & toms. You can make up for this a bit with some strategic EQing & compression. The other disadvantage is the lack of a stereo field to provide realistic space.

The advantage is you won't have any phase issues to deal with.:cool:

I don't know about the computer mic though. If it's a cheap electret condensor type it might not like being close to a loud drum kit. You could have some diaphram distortion issues.
 
I used to record drums with a single mic back in my 4-track days. I used a single omni directly above the drummers head pointed between the kick 'n snare

i second that!
 
Thanks a lot fr your help. I'll have to try this out. Then hopfully get something more professional to do it.
 
yeah, i tried it in the past, i use one condenser mic to rec, i feel it's suit some lo-fi style, pretty good!
 
Remember that if your drum kit sounds amazing in the room, then one mic can capture it reasonably well (I'd say computer mic aside)...
 
What would I need to do to the recording, if I get it, afterwards to help it sound better?
 
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