Greetings. I will be attempting to record a drum set for the first time ever, Monday, and was wondering if anyone would be willing to offer up any advice on getting a decent sound with what I have available. I know the kit is made by Tama and sounds pretty good live. He also has an assortment of Zildjian cymbals. I'm looking for a starting point as far as mic placement goes. From what I've gathered elsewhere on this forum, "less" is oftentimes "more" when it comes to recording a kit. The room is about 25ft by 45ft and the set is currently in a corner looking out into the room. The mics I have at my disposal are as follows:
1 - Shure Beta 52a
3 - Shure SM57 with drum mounts
2 - Nady CM90 SDC
1 - Nady CM95 SDC w/ low-cut and -10dB switches
1 - RODE NT1a LDC
1 - Sennheiser E822s dynamic
Recording Through:
PreSonus Firepod into 1.83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Macbook
also have ART Tube MP Studio as an optional pre-amp
I have multiple mic stands and cables, so I'm only limited by the Firepod as far as how many tracks I can record at once (eight). I also have a couple of heavy blankets if for some reason anyone thinks that dampening could be required.
His set consists of:
1 - Bass Drum
2 - Floor Toms
1 - Mounted Tom
1 - Snare Drum
1 - Piccolo Snare Drum
Looked like 15" Zildjian Hi-hat s
Again, with quite an assortment of Zildjian crashes, a splash or two, a ride, and a china.
THANK YOU! In advance for your help.
Comments
Yeah, I understand it's an art AND science. Was just asking for
Yeah, I understand it's an art AND science. Was just asking for any advice. I did check out the Recorderman stuff and I have to say this is fantastic. It certainly would be better if I had a set of better SDC's though. After reading the Recorderman stuff I'm thinking of going against your advice and using the Nady's in the Recorderman configuration. If it seems to need more snare and/or bass, I'll probably also use the Beta 52 on the bass and a 57 on the snare and busting out those blankets around the kit. With what I have access to, does this seem like the best starting point? I do understand that the Nady's are FAR from being SM81's or better, but I have to work with what I've got. Thanks again.
Just one tid bit of advice - Get the drum kit out of the corner
Just one tid bit of advice -
Get the drum kit out of the corner.
If you have the whole room to work with, try putting it at about the 1/3 point in the room with some heavy blankets behind the drummer and 2 in front of the kit about 5 feet flanking it at 45 degree angles.
Try Googling: recorderman Your question is beyond the scope of a
Try Googling: recorderman
Your question is beyond the scope of a short reply here. Getting a decent drum sound is an art and a science and encompasses many aspects, including: the heads, the kit, the tuning, the room, the player, etc., not just the mics and where to aim them. I will say that I wouldn't bother with the Nady mics. And, yes, with a room as large as you listed, I'd have a few heavy blankets available. So, start reading the recorderman article(s) and get ready to rock, baby!