Which mics where?

[pdadda]

I just got 2 SM57's for Xmas. So here's my current mic closet:
2 SM57's
1 Sennheiser e609
1 Audix OM2
1 Behringer B1
1 Sennheiser e835 (bandmates)

As for pres and converters, I have a MOTU 828mkii, SP VTB-1, and a Mackie VLZ SR24-4.

My band is going to try and record a less crappy demo than our first one. This is just to hand out to local bars. We are not interested in buying studio time right now.
Anyway, my original plan was to record a scratch guitar and vocal track with a click and then use that as a guide for my drummer to lay down tracks.
Now for the question:
I am thinking it might be easier to have me play guitar (mic it with the e609) and record my drummer at the same time (with the other 4 mics). Any suggestions on what to use and where? Or do you think I would be better off still doing them separately. We have some extended solo sections in songs, and I think it would be easier to record if we did drums and 1 guitar at the same time. Before you ask, my band consists of me on lead guitar and vocals, a drummer, and a rhythm guitar player (also sings harmony). No bass player right now even though we are hunting.

 

[pdadda]

Has anyone tried using SM57's as OH's? They are the only mic I have 2 of. The other mics all sound quite different to my ears.

 

[distortedrumble]

i havent heard anyone talk about using them but if thats all you have....give it a shot..just play with the eq...and merry christmas

 

[tallman]

You should record drums and bass together at first. Use all of your mics on the drumkit, and DI the bass (plug it in directly, or use a DI box).

If you're not very experienced with mic placement, you might try using the SM57's as room mics. This assumes that your room sounds okay, but eliminates problems of one particular cymbal getting picked up too much, and will be fairly faithful to what was originally played.
Place the rest of the mics on your kick, snare, and toms (in that priority order!). The top two toms can share a mic if they are close enough and your placement is good, and the snare and hat can share a mic if you don't plan on gating the snare.

 

[pdadda]

I don't have a bass player right now.

 

[faderbug]

then start with recording just the drums.