What are the best overhead mics for drums?

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groggybosty

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If you feel you're knowledgeable on the pros and cons of over head mic pairs, than please share any data you think might help.

What are the different price levels you think you could pick up some great sounding overheads at?

I've been looking at some Rode and Oktava mics in the price range of ~200-300 used, each. Do you have any other suggestions for this price range? Do you think it's possible to get a "professional" sounding recording at this price range, or even lower? or is it necessary to save, and invest in pricier mics?

I know these are open ended questions. Any info, I am very grateful for. I think I have a good ear for producing and mixing, and I'm looking to take my craft to a new level.

Thanks!
 
My fave, after trying very many over the years is a single Shure VP-88 set to a fig 8 pattern. A bargain for approx. ~US$500+ new, less used; right in your range considering you only need one. Sounds great as drum OH and has a zillion other uses with it's internal switchability between fig. 8 and M/S decoded pickup. See upper left corner of pic:

p_studio_071910_0008.jpg


G.
 
I'd like to have a pair though (hopefully at a decent price). I just mixed this band's album, and I found it super limiting that they only used one overhead for the drums (and same mic for everything else! produced some "interesting" problems in mixing). I think it was a Rode K2 they used. It sounded GREAT to me as an overhead, but dealing with a drumset in mono is not fun!

edit: Oh! my bad, ha! So it's a stereo mic, I've never used one of those before.

What do you think are the advantages/disadvantages to using a single stereo mic on a set vs. 2 separate mics? It seems like a great option to get more "bang for the buck". And thanks for the reply man!
 
groggybosty said:
What do you think are the advantages/disadvantages to using a single stereo mic on a set vs. 2 separate mics? It seems like a great option to get more "bang for the buck". And thanks for the reply man!
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2-channel mics like the VP-88 have the advantages of being able to switch pickup/decoding patterns between fig 8 and mid/side without needing extra hardware or software. Also, you only need one mic stand.

Separate mics have the advantages of mixing/matching mics as you see fit, and more flexibility in individual mic placement location.

My choice of the VP-88 really had nothing to do with it being a single two-channel mic; that just so happened to be. I just love the way it performs as a drum OH. I also wouldn't pick Angie Jolie for my studio groupie just because she's a brunette; that just so happens to be. I'd like her to hang out at the studio all the time if she were blonde or redhead too.;)

G.
 
Best?

I'd say Neumann U-47s into vintage Neve 1073 preamps, into a Fairchild 670 compressor.

$60K later, you'll have some nice tracks!
 
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