Recording drums with 3 mics: Karma K-10 (x2) + Blue Kickball

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killer_deep

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Hello All,

I wanted a simple way to record my drums for cheap. The idea of close-miking everything seemed like overkill for my needs, and I've heard that John Bonham's recordings were often done with only 4 mics.

Based on my shopping around, it seemed like the Blue Kickball was the cheapest way to get decent sound from a bass drum ($49.99), and Karma, was going to give me the best bang-for-the-buck overheads (a matched pair of Karma K-10s was $99.99). I've got a GLS Audio ES-57 coming for my snare, but I'm not even sure that I'll need it. The recording interface used is the Presonus Firepod. The left overhead was panned left (9-o'clock position), and the right overhead panned right (3-o'clock position). I did no EQ-ing, adjusting, or whatnot.

So, here are the fruits of my labor:



Forgive the sloppy playing - once again, I've only been playing for 2 years, and I hadn't warmed up before pounding this out. The overhead mics are in the Recorderman configuration, and the kickball is right in front of the port on my bass drum resonant head. There's a towel in the bass drum touching both heads (although I normally play with no muffling).

My drum kit specs and set up are here:

http://www.pearldrummersforum.com/showthread.php?t=218629

I would appreciate any comments, critiques, suggestions. One thing is clear though: there's nothing wrong with value picks! Especially those Karma K-10s... absolutely outstanding overhead mics to my inexperienced ears. Hopefully these sound samples will help others that are in similar positions, looking for cheap, value recording equipment

S
 
Dude that sounds killer. Glad to hear I will be able to get sounds like this without breaking the bank. loved it.
 
Hey killer,

Your kit sounds highly decent! I'm also new to recording, trying to figuring out what modest gear to get to record my own kit, which is still a work in progress. Your clip sounds like a pretty good first effort!
 
Thanks for the very positive comments!

I was very pleasantly surprised at what was possible with only $150 in mics. I've always been the guy that finds products at that point of maximal value for each dollar spent.

DrJosh - was it you that recently posted that very nice piccolo snare on PDF? That thing was gorgeous... I bet it sounds absolutely outstanding. Your small kit definitely looks like its going to be awesome. Make sure to post it up on PDF when you're finished!

S
 
killer_deep said:
DrJosh - was it you that recently posted that very nice piccolo snare on PDF?
Click to expand...
If it looked like this then it was mine. =P I'm still waiting on one last part but I'll post pics up when the kit's all together. Keep up the tracking!
 
Yup, thats definitely the one.

Have you got any recording equipment yet? I'd love to hear what that thing sounds like (along with the rest of your kit)..

Great stuff
S
 
Nice! My only suggestion is to get a mic on that snare for some SNAP but otherwise it's damn usable.

Damn stupid Australian dollar dropping to like US$0.60 from near equal footing or I'd have those Karmas already.
 
killer_deep said:
Hello All,

I wanted a simple way to record my drums for cheap. The idea of close-miking everything seemed like overkill for my needs, and I've heard that John Bonham's recordings were often done with only 4 mics.

Based on my shopping around, it seemed like the Blue Kickball was the cheapest way to get decent sound from a bass drum ($49.99), and Karma, was going to give me the best bang-for-the-buck overheads (a matched pair of Karma K-10s was $99.99). I've got a GLS Audio ES-57 coming for my snare, but I'm not even sure that I'll need it. The recording interface used is the Presonus Firepod. The left overhead was panned left (9-o'clock position), and the right overhead panned right (3-o'clock position). I did no EQ-ing, adjusting, or whatnot.

So, here are the fruits of my labor:



Forgive the sloppy playing - once again, I've only been playing for 2 years, and I hadn't warmed up before pounding this out. The overhead mics are in the Recorderman configuration, and the kickball is right in front of the port on my bass drum resonant head. There's a towel in the bass drum touching both heads (although I normally play with no muffling).

My drum kit specs and set up are here:

http://www.pearldrummersforum.com/showthread.php?t=218629

I would appreciate any comments, critiques, suggestions. One thing is clear though: there's nothing wrong with value picks! Especially those Karma K-10s... absolutely outstanding overhead mics to my inexperienced ears. Hopefully these sound samples will help others that are in similar positions, looking for cheap, value recording equipment

S
Click to expand...

not bad at all. lots of crisp attack, and you're obviously using quality drums and cymbals. and the karmas are some of the best deals out there as long as you know how to manipulate them.

one caveat--based on what i hear, your toms are gonna get lost in a mix. you'll need to add some low mids to your OHs. but you're off to a flying start. the snare sounds really good, but i would add the snare mic and track it just in case you find you need some reinforcement when you mix down. nicely done on a budget, man.
 
Way good. Both sound and look. You play and sound good for your efforts, props to you.
I don't think the toms will disappear unless you are playing really heavy music, your kit sounds a lot like mine and my drums sound fine when played back in the mix.

I may have to get me a pair of those Karmas.
 
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