Toms

[PlnsMstkn4Jacob]

Recently a friend and I we're recording some drum samples at our practice space. We had two different drum sets to work with. We were curious about some tom micing techniques so we decided we wanted to try micing the bottom of the toms instead of the top. On one of the drum sets it sounded amazing. Picked up a lot more resonance obviously and it eliminated the boxy sound that we often hear from micing the tops of the toms. We tried the same thing on the other drum set but with this one, the micing the top sounded better. I guess it all depends on the drums, heads, and the tunings being used.

I was just wondering, does anyone else ever bottom mic the toms? I'm doing a session for my band this weekend using the drumset that sounded good with bottom mic'd toms, so I may try that, I have a feeling it will also eliminate some cymbal bleed.

 

[jonnyc]

I've never personally mic'd the underneath of a tom but I've seen it done. In fact I've seen pictures of the drummer from mudvayne's mic'd kit and he was using md421's on the top of the toms and shure beta 52's on the inside. Thought that was interesting.

 

[jeff5xo]

This was a big thing over in England in the 80's. Although they removed the bottom head as well. The important thing to remember is if it's the sound you're after, there is no right or wrong way. If it's fitting in the context of the song, and sounds good..........do it!

 

[Bdrum]

Bottom Mics

I would make note of what circumstances were present,
What type of wood, how they were tuned?
Now I hear my toms differently from when I sit and play v.s. sitting and
listening to them. They sound flat when I'm in front of them.
Personally I like to capture toms with top mics and room mics.....
Oh yeah, the overheads pick them up to.
I say have fun and experiment!