XY overhead placement

  • Thread starter Thread starter wes480
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wes480

wes480

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Ok, I am using RODE NT3s as overheads...

I have them in a stereo mic clip, with the "capsules" (i assume this means where you sing into?) pointing together...so, typical XY mic configuration...

Will this work well for drum overhead placement? I guess i won't get much of a true stereo image of the set that way....maybe I could space them apart a bit more, but...then I might have phase issues...?

And, my real question is, should I put the two mics back behind the drummer...so they are kind of over the drummers head? Or should I set them in front of the set?

Thanks!

-Wes
 
Together doesnt mean XY.

XY is when they are 90 degrees - overlapping and almost touching each other - sort of forming a - "V" but 90 degrees.

The stereo image in XY is quite good and gives a big sound but you might want a wider image and then you will have to seperate the mics more.
AS usual your going to have to play with placement and distance in your room. Start with over his head.
lso try a "^" configuration for a wider seperation of the image.

AS to phase - I'll tell you a very unpopular thing with people who read text books on drums and phasing.......Phasing is not always a negative thing. True if your kit is phasing wildly and your sound suffers from it then of course you should reset the mics BUT !!
you can get a fantastic overhead phasing sound were the cymbals are swirling all around your head from back to front (due to phasing) and still get a full and satisfactory sound.
I NEVER take a tape measure and start to check that the mics are exactly sitting in place and I dont let a bit of phasing bother me.
I listen - it sounds good ? I leave it !.
Sometimes I'll check the panning to see just how bad it is.

The world is full of phasing and its natural.

If you feel that you dont have the abilty to reconize phasing at its worst then XY is defenitly the safest to start with.
 
i see....

ok, that gives me some good things to start with....thanks man.
 
hey wes...

I sometimes use NT3s as overheads and have gotten great results setting them up in a spaced stereo pair (about 6" apart; 2" in front of drumkit; 6" high)

no phase issues here


experiment!!!!
 
hmm...

i only use one overhead because when i use two it tends to pick up some kick parts and can make my kick distort. i place my
overhead(nadyscm900) about 2-3 feet above the hi and mid toms
 
hey zeke...re: bass drum 'distorting'...

have you tried either repositioning the mic or backing off on the preamp gain a bit?? you should be able to get a level that isn't distorting


you can take care of that distortion.....what I mean to say is don't not do something (mic in stereo) because of an issue that can be solved (make sense??)

just a thought, 'cause=I love stereo!
 
to pratt,

i don't have any pre-amps right now,but i'm saying my money to
get some made by "art" hopfuly!

do you think it would help if i moved the mics back or up more?
 
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