using condensers as overheads... why?

[drummersteve]

just a quick question, ive noticed that using condesor microphones is highly popular for overhead microphones on a drum kit, and i was wondering why? is it because they have a duifferent frequency responce compared with dynamic, better for bring out the best in cymbals? i really have no idea why, but responses would be great. cheers.

Steve

 

[GABritton]

Steve, condensers are your best way to go. They are very sensitive mics with high output. They're not only great for overheads cymbals, but they can also fill in the mid frequency that tom mics miss. I've recorded an entire drum part with 4 mics that could rival pro studio sound ( beta 52 for the kick, snare, 2 shure sm-81 condensers). Condenser is defenitely the way to go. Spend about $150-200 on a pencil condenser and you'll be happy. spend $400 on an sm-81 and you'll flip...

 

[Massive Master]

I'd like to sidenote on the 81... In this "era" of SP's and Oktava's, MXL's and Nady... Let's not forget that for years before and years to come, one of the greatest, most versatile, decent sounding mics on the planet is the Shure SM-81. Overheads, harps, vocals, horns, guitars, cello, harmonium, kazoo...

The SM-81 rarely argues and always performs. The are better mics for many things, but there are few mics that work so well on so many things that doesn't break the bank.

Alrighty then. Back to your regularly scheduled program...

 

[drummersteve]

so you suggest me getting two sm-81 condensers for the overheads? i was planning on getting the pgdmk4 with the 3 pg56's and the pg52, but, as you can see in my other thread that i have been advised away from this. what other mics do you suggest for the rest of my kit? i have a high input capability so close micing all the drums is no problem, im open for sugestions!
Thanks again,

Steve

 

[Big Kenny]

don't get a package. get a pair of sdc's and a nice bass drum mic. Oktava, sp, rode, shure, flavor of the week. out six and up five....work from there, xy, spread 'em out, work your show

 

[GABritton]

Now this is just my opinion, and it is just, and I'm NOT thinking with your budget in mind, but here's my setup....

Kick Drum - Shure Beta 52 or AKG D112 (I personally prefer the Shure)

Snare Drum - Shure SM57

Toms - couple options here, depending on how dependent you are on toms, your overheads will pick up a lot of the tom sound if they're good mics and placed properly. If not, sennheiser makes awesome tom mics (clip-on). I've also got real good sound from an Audio Technica Pro 25 on toms.

Overhead/Cymbals - Plenty of room to work with here. I use 2 SM-81's placed relatively close to the kit...about a foot over the kit over the floor tom, and one over the crash pointing straight down to the drummer, not the drum.

A lot of different mics will get what you're needing....just remember, mics are your MOST important recording tool. You'll be much more happy saving money to piece together your own personal drum mic kit.

 

[drummersteve]

thanks guys for the advice. ive been searching the net on the suggested mics, the shure sm81 seems quite expensive for me! i noticed on a website a shureKSM109. looking a little more affordable for me, is this microphone worth its money? may not be as good as the sm81, but thats a bit too expensive. what do you think? thanks,

Steve

 

[hasbeen]

Use the Josephson C42's as overheads on drums and your question will be answered in spades!

 

[Big Kenny]

ksm 141 is in the same ballpark as the 81's and it also has an omnidirectional setting. that might be cool for drums and lots of other stuff

 

[Richard Monroe]

Yo Steve! Condensers are often used for overheads because of their ability to capture high end detail, which is good for crash, ride, high hat, etc. Small diaphragms are often selected because they capture fast transients well. This does *not* mean that large diphragm condensers won't work. They can and do. If you want less expensive mics than SM81's, consider Oktava MC012 (you'll have to buy them from Guitar Center in person) or Studio Projects C-4's.
Other people have done well with Marshall MXL603's and Rode NT-5's. For more expensive, it goes up from there. I like AKG C451, AKG C414B-ULS, Neumann KM184, Josephson C42. Earthworks and Schoeps seem to be the to-die-for mics (out of my price range). For my money, the best budget overheads are the Oktavas and the C-4's.-Richie

 

[drummersteve]

ok, thanks alot! i thought it might have been the fact they can capture more high up frequencies well, i didnt want to say anything in case it was wrong and look the fool though! thanks for the mic suggestions aswell - il check out all the mentioned ones and see which suits me best. thanks guys!

Steve

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

One more hint - stay away from the Shure PG-series for any serious work. While they're useful as throwaway Talkback mics for studio <--> control room communication, they're complete garbage for recording.