Three Overhead techniques

  • Thread starter Thread starter Sonixx
  • Start date Start date
the difference on the modified space miced clip is so huge. the 3 technices sounds like 3 different kits with the different sets of cymbals. i can't wait to try the modified space technique.
 
I must say that of the three techniques I definitely found the Modified Spaced Pair to be most satisfying. Especially when listened to over headphones where it didn't have the exaggerated stereo spread of the Trad Spaced Pair or the narrowness of the Coincident Pair (though no doubt all three methods can be useful in different circumstances).

What I'd like now is to hear them again but with close mics added. Just to see how much of a difference they make in each case. Maybe post up some samples with just the Kick and Snare mics first, and then another set with the Tom and Hat mics (if you use Hat mics).
 
Mark7 said:
... What I'd like now is to hear them again but with close mics added. Just to see how much of a difference they make in each case. Maybe post up some samples with just the Kick and Snare mics first, and then another set with the Tom and Hat mics (if you use Hat mics).
Click to expand...
I can do this, but not with the presently posted clips. I'll do another take and post the separate mics and then the combined...

Thanks...
 
Mark7 said:
I must say that of the three techniques I definitely found the Modified Spaced Pair to be most satisfying.
Click to expand...
I agree with you... The modified spaced mics have a depth and width the other two just don't have...
 
The Modified Spacing has a much wider stereo field to my ears, but the snare is pushed farther away from my ears. That said, I still like this technique best of the 3.

The other two are very 'mono' sounding.

First, thanks for the efforts and the education. Next, how about some better photos that actually show the details?

On camera flash lets the background go black, and the mics were lost in the blackness. As the perpetual newbie, I'd appreciate seeing some good, clear photos of the setup. If necessary, shoot natural light on a tripod, but ditch the on-camera flash.
 
bgavin said:
On camera flash lets the background go black, and the mics were lost in the blackness. As the perpetual newbie, I'd appreciate seeing some good, clear photos of the setup. If necessary, shoot natural light on a tripod, but ditch the on-camera flash.
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LOL...

I'll try to get better pics...
 
My friend plays for christina and on the last tour it looks like theirs 3 over heads. But to me it looks like the far one past the hi-hat is for the other part of the kit. It's not really a double bass kit. He sometimes stands and plays over on the side set up.

http://brianfrasier-moore.com/Photo.htm
 
Mark7 said:
... What I'd like now is to hear them again but with close mics added. Just to see how much of a difference they make in each case. Maybe post up some samples with just the Kick and Snare mics first, and then another set with the Tom and Hat mics (if you use Hat mics).
Click to expand...
Here you go mark7

[Full Kit] Modified Space Mic

Look for the Full Kit Title.

There's three drum clips in the MP3:

1) Overheads Dry

2) Overhreads with some EQ and Compression (Vintage Warmer)

3) #2 plus the close mics (Kick, Tom bottoms and Snare bottom)
 
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Recordingman's Stereo micing (the modified - just to give him some credit) is by far (IMHO) the best of the 3 - I've used it myself in the past and it really opens everything up.

Thanks for the postings.

Rod
 
all of the spaced overheads seem like the bass drum is not in the center. and a on one of them, dont remember which, the snare is way off center too. from what i would think this would create alot of problems when the close micing was put in.
 
btr31 said:
all of the spaced overheads seem like the bass drum is not in the center. and a on one of them, dont remember which, the snare is way off center too. from what i would think this would create alot of problems when the close micing was put in.
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I should have taken more time ensuring center placement. my intent was not as much center placement, as showing the difference in imaging. getting the snare and kick in the center is fairly easily accomplished... regardless of technique. hopefully the modified spaced mic technique imaging quality is evident in the clips.
 
One trick for making sure the snare and kick is centered is to use a piece of string. Just tape one end to the center of snare and the other to the kick where the beater strikes. Then pull the center up to create a triangle. It gives you perfect phase relationship and imaging with spaced pairs.
 
Sonixx said:
Here's the Modified Spaced Mics. It's difficult to get a good picture of the mic placements.

Both mics are 38 inches from the snare center and pointing at the snare and 54 inches from where the beater strikes the kick head. One mic is directly above the Snare and the other mic is peaking over the drummers shoulder.

This places the snare and kick in the center of the image.
Click to expand...

Hey i'm interested in trying this method, but have a question about mic palcement. Are the placements of the mics in the picture correct? becuase one is pointed straight and the other is to the side. I'm not trying to be fresh, i'm a total noob! Thanks, this really helps!

-Shoe
 
shoe1 said:
Hey i'm interested in trying this method, but have a question about mic palcement. Are the placements of the mics in the picture correct? becuase one is pointed straight and the other is to the side. I'm not trying to be fresh, i'm a total noob! Thanks, this really helps!

-Shoe
Click to expand...
hey Shoe,

I guess you are referring to the Modified Spaced Mic technique

Yes, it does look odd, and yes one is directly over the Snare and the other is positioned to peak over the drummers right shoulder. The trick is to keep the two mics equidistant from the Snare and Kick and so that the drummer can't hit the mics with the drum stick.

A quick way is to tape one end of a string to the Snare strike point and the other end to the Kick mallot strike point. Next pull the string, slightly taught, up over the Snare to a point where the Snare taped string is verticle. The Snare mic goes here. Now, holding the string at the same point, move it over so the mic is basically over the drummers right shoulder. The 2nd mic goes here. Now both mics are equidistant from the snare and equidistant from the kick.

I've used snare distances from about 34 to 38 inches which make the kick distance a bit longer also.

Let me know if this helped.
 
No more clips?

I would really love to hear the clips you talked about, Sonixx. Are these to be found anywhere now?
 
I don't believe these are still available, but I'll check...

here's some other clips... maybe these will help

-Keith-
 
Just trying to give credit where credit is due -

The method described as the Modified Spaced Mic technique was brought to us by a gent who goes by the name of Recorder Man - he's a pro in the industry who has shared a ton of info with folks looking to record at home...........

Rod
 
Clips are cool

Thanks for the clips -- downloading now. If you (or anyone else) can get a hold of those 3 clips from earlier last year, I'm still interested. I'll be doing some comparisons of my own, of course, but I want to hear what someone with more recording experience is able to get.

(and yeah, Ron, Recorderman's name was what led me to this thread -- it's getting around).
 
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