Tips for recording drums with 4 microphones

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crazylongboard

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Hey guys, so I'm trying to record an EP with a friend and obviously we need to record drums. He has the Shure drum mic kit with 3 SM57's and a Beta 52 for the bass drum. I was wondering what your recommendations are for placement of the microphones and such. I have a M-box 2 Pro with 4 inputs, so that's the max I can put in without having to buy an external mixer. Thanks!
 
Hi,
I usually record drums with only three mics and I'm very pleased with the sound. I use an SN57 on the snare, an AKG D112 on the bass drum and an Oktava KM-219 overhead. I place the SM57 pointing directly at the snare rim from 1-2" away. I put the AKG D112 inside the bass drum about halfway between the two heads and pointing at the spot where the beater hits. I put the Oktava overhead about 5-6' in the air over the kit.

It would be very useful if you could get hold of a condenser mic for the overhead but if not, an SM57 will probably give an acceptable sound. Put an SM57 on the snare and the Beta52 on the bass drum.

Once recorded I compress the snare and the bass drum and add EQ to give them more 'punch'. I leave the overhead uncompressed and just add some top end to bring out the 'sparkle' and low end to bring out the toms. When I mix I mute the overhead and get the right balance between the bass and snare. I then just raise the volume of the overhead until it sounds right.
 
Cool, thanks for the response! I have an AKG Perception 120 right now, but only one. That's a large diaphragm condenser if you aren't aware of that mic. I'll probably just try both and compare and make a decision on that. I also have a tube mic-pre, which mic should I use that with?
 
The AKG would be good for the job. It might be worth giving both that and the SM57 a try but you'll probably prefer the sound of the AKG. If your interface supplies phantom power then you won't need to use a preamp at all. If you like the sound of your preamp though then it would be worth using. I imagine it would be best to use it on the overhead but again, whatever you like the sound of.

Good Luck :)
 
Cool, I'll give the AKG a try through the pre and see how it sounds. Eventually I'd like to get another Perception 120 and pre so I can have stereo overheads running through the pres. Thanks.
 
I must confess, I've never tried having sm57's as overheads. Maybe you're onto a winner that nobody else thought of! Might be the unique sound that makes you millions.
However, I suspect someone else has and decided it wasn't worth pursuing.

Enjoy your experimentation!
 
Though I've not used the SM57 as an overhead, I have used a 58 which is rumoured to be almost the same thing. It was OK. I've also used Shure prologue dynamics as overheads and I personally found them interesting. I like condensers, I prefer them and use them more. But I can't rule out dynamics as I've got fairly good results and also, I can vouch for a one mic overhead. Obviously this depends on the music and the mix of instruments, but it can work well. It's one of many many options.
 
cobaltaudio said:
II've never tried having sm57's as overheads. Maybe you're onto a winner that nobody else thought of! Might be the unique sound that makes you millions.
However, I suspect someone else has and decided it wasn't worth pursuing.
Click to expand...
Just because YOU'VE never thought of something, doesn't mean someone else hasn't. :)

It's been done already on a multi-million selling song.

Hall and Oates' song "Sara Smile" was recorded with all 57's on the drums, including overheads.

I can't find the original article I read it from years ago. But this should send people in the right direction:

sarah smile sm57 drums - Google Search
 
p.s. They're using pencils but I'd go ahead and give it a shot with the 57's. If it works, great. If not, blame Rami.

:D
 
RAMI said:
Just because YOU'VE never thought of something, doesn't mean someone else hasn't. :)
Click to expand...

I couldn't agree more.

Thanks for the info, I will def look into it, would be really interested to hear the sound!
 
cobaltaudio said:
I must confess, I've never tried having sm57's as overheads. Maybe you're onto a winner that nobody else thought of! Might be the unique sound that makes you millions.
However, I suspect someone else has and decided it wasn't worth pursuing.

Enjoy your experimentation!
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'm pretty sure 57's have seen every possible use ever! Including for open-heart surgery and probably as a murder weapon too. :D
 
Usually when you use condensers for the over head you use "small diaphragm", and if you really want to put that perception 120 to good use try using just that by it self to record the drums. This is a technique that I heard was employed by john bonham. Just place the mic about 6ft away from the kit and about 3ft off the ground or just try different placements and see what works for you.
 
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