Which mics on toms/snare

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rock God
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R

Rock God

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After years of recording MIDI drums, or drum loops from samples, I now desperately want to get some real drums recorded.

I'd be grateful if someone could tell me what are the "standard" mics to use on the kit (mainly toms and snare). I know it's probably greatly down to personal taste, but I know that there are very popular options such as SM57s/MD421s.

Thanks

P.S if anyone has time, I'd also like to hear opinions on overhead/hi-hat miking, how about compressors/gates?
 
Hey there RG-

You've pretty much got the right idea. I don't know too many people who would have a hard time using a 57 on snare and 421's on toms. I also like to use an EV RE-20 on snare if I can find a way to fit that schlong of a mic in there. If you use those mics and it sounds bad, it's not the mic's fault! Either the drums need to sound better, or the positioning needs to be worked on.

For overhead mics, your best option is a pair of small diaphragm condensors. Large diaphragm works too, but small diaphragms will get you a crisper sound. For me, the overheads are cymbal mics, the tom mics, and the overall kit mics, so I spend a lot of time working on placement. If you realize that you have to consider height, side to side, front and back, AND mic angle, you can understand that this can take quite a bit of trial and error. My main goal as I search for the right position is balance between the toms and cymbals.
 
At a show I just played the other night, the sound guy used ATM25Pro's on the toms and kick drum. Sounded really nice.
 
SM-57's all around and a good condenser mic over the top.
 
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