Tom mic recommendations?

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duped

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OK, I've been recording a while now and am starting to get a bit more creative with drum micing. I used to primarily use SM57s on toms but recently after exhaustive testing I've started to use Oktava MC-012s' on rack toms and a Shure KSM32 on the floor. I put 10dB pads on the Oktavas'..

Getting a great sound but I'm worried that I may be damaging the condensors? Any thoughts/views and other tom recommendations would be appreciated.

Cormac

my music
http://www.broadjam.com/artists/artistindex.asp?artistID=22132
 
I use AKG C-1000s all the time for tom mics. It hasn't damaged them yet.
 
The Sennheiser MD421 is "the" tom mic but it can do some damage to your wallet. I use an AKG c419 and c418's. I like how they sound.
 
I'd be surprised if you're damaging anything. I guess the only worry would be a wayward drumstick. But if you're happy with it, stick too it! Don't get caught up in "if I only had..." frenzy if you can help it. (if I only could take my own advice!!!)

But if I can't change your mind. Keep an eye out for Electro Voice n/d408's or n/d 468's on ebay. Good sound, good isolation, good size for positioning. Great bang per buck - esp. used.
 
The 421 WAS the mic for toms. Now there are a lot of excellent options available. ^04's represent a good economical mic with escellent durability, decent clamps, and a decent sound. Personally, I own an old set of EV 408's. I have yet to find a mic I like better for toms:) The 468's though in my opinion don't sound nearly as good.
 
High SPLs

I once read a thread (maybe here) where a guy said that if you use your small diaphragm condenser mics in a high-attack high-SPL situation you can actually warp and stretch the membranes.

This was a thread about mic'ing a bass drum with a SDC.

Anyone?
 
Sennheiser 421's, Sennheiser E604's.

If youve got a decent gate system setup then you could go with some LD mxl condensers too.

Lotsa choices, youll just have to experiment.

But for an all around great tom mic that can be used on many other things id go with the 421's.

-Finster
 
Cool, thanks for the info. Will keep going with what I have for now. Those EVs' sound interesting tho'. I recently bought an EV RE18 and its great!

Cormac :)

my music
 
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