Simple drum mic setup...

[bowler_man]

Okay, so I've got to record a drum set with three microphones.

1) An MXL 993 Condenser (pencil mic)
2) An MXL 992 Condenser
3) A crappy RadioShack microphone (or I could probably borrow an SM58 from my church)

I've never mic'd a set before, but I was thinking of a setup like this:

I would use the MXL 992 as an overhead, above the drummer. I would put the pencil mic inbetween the snare and high hat, and just set the RadioShack mic (or SM58) inside the bass drum.

Would that be the best arrangement I could get out of just those three mics? If not, what changes should I make (and no, I'm not going to buy a drum mic kit )

Thanks!
-Jimmy

 

[Russtopher]

Are you looking for a decent stereo image, or will mono drums be OK for your project? I think the setup you mentioned would give some decent snare response, but the stereo image would be very small.

With those mics you can definitely give the ol' Recorderman setup a try; use the 993 over the drummer's hi-hat shoulder and the 992 to cover the floor tom side of the kit. Stick the RS mic in the kick drum (or the 58, which actually can sound pretty decent in a kick in a pinch), and use the OH for your snare sound.

Experiment, try both, and see which sounds better to you

 

[Herm]

Yes what you have in mind is what I would do. Since you have never done it before and your gear is limited I would keep it as simple as possible.

 

[bowler_man]

Alright guys, thanks for the responses. I'll give that arrangement a shot too, Russtopher. I'll just try different thinks. Thanks!