Recording live drums

masdoggydogg wrote on 6/21/2002, 6:22 PM

I posted this in the FX topic, but I thought I would poll this group also...

I'm recording a live drum kit, and I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on how to improve the recording. I only have a directional mic (for the kick drum) and I'm using an omni mic for everything else.

First, where is a good location to place the omni mic? Also, it CAN record as a cardioid; would this be a better way to use it, and if so, how should I position that mic?

Finally, what are some good effects to use to pump up the recorded drums?

thanks for all your help

Comments

drbam wrote on 6/21/2002, 7:06 PM

Getting a *good* drum sound is one of the most difficult tasks on the planet! There are soooo many factors and variables involved, not the least of which is having a good drummer and one who knows how to tune the drums properly. And you have to determine what "kind" of drum sound you're striving for. With that said, the only suggestion I have in your situation is to experiment a great deal with your mic placements. Try ANYTHING! You never know what might get it happening for you. And try placing the kit in different areas of the room. Compression (sometimes radical) is pretty standard on drum kits. However, I'm a drummer and I like a very "open" and "wide" sound most of the time, so I generally only use compression on the kick and snare and use some decent condensor mics (mostly AKGs) about 8-10 inches above the toms with some overheads blended in. No tape or muffling on the toms!

drbam