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Kennith Hillis 20 October 2010

I am looking into getting some drum mics for both live and studio. We do play a lot of styles of music from straight worship to Heavy Metal. Our main style is Metal though. Because of this I want to get the appropriate mics to get that metal sound. Good high-mids on the kick, nice pop in the snare, lows in the toms... What is your experience with these mics? What are your thoughts and why are those your thoughts? Remember I am looking to use these both live and in the studio.

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soapfloats Thu, 10/21/2010 - 01:30

I'll preface this by saying I'm not really a live sound guy - mostly studio.

SM57, and Senn 421s.

Get a few of each, and you're set pretty well for live and studio drum work.
Then all you have to think about is overhead/cymbal mics, and maybe a second kick mic.
Think condensers, then search this site for a few hours. Seriously.

4x57s ($400) + 2x421s ($600) + 2x condenser of choice ($800-$1000) + 2x58s ($200) + 1 other "choice mic" ($300+) =
That's 11 mics for a total of around $2500, or just under $250 per mic.
In a very good place to record almost anything, especially metal.

By the way, all of those mics (including your OHs) can be used to cover almost any other source admirably.

Consider a ribbon mic or different condenser for your "choice mic".

Hope that helps, and use the search engine on this site - use terms you and I have both mentioned.

Kennith Hillis Thu, 10/21/2010 - 02:10

Well, I didn't state a budget because money can't be an issue when you want to perfect your sound. Although, sometimes you can get a better mic for a cheaper price. That's why I wanted to post this thread.

The Audix D6 is a sub impulse kick drum mic. Would that take away from the highs that generally stand out for metal drummers.

Also I have heard great things for the Sennheiser MD421 II. Does any one know how well it would perform live?

In the end we may end up triggering the most of the kit in the studio. I know a lot more people are doing that now. We did that last time, and it sounded great. But if we can get a good sound with the mics, I would rather keep it real.

audiokid Thu, 10/21/2010 - 02:28

The Sennheiser 421 are excellent for both apps as is the SM57. Everyone should have a bucket of 57/58's. If you need more snap, add some upper mids. Triggering takes you into a a magical world in my opinion. Unless you have a whole arsenal of great gear and an outstanding room, I would trigger any day over micing drums. Much more options especially when it comes to BIG.

Link555 Fri, 10/22/2010 - 10:30

I actually don't like it on the Earthworks mics, but the AKGD112 its just right :)

For slap happy Kick with thud potential .....

I have tried it on the RE20 it was ok but...not really suited for this application, as I go to this mic for fullness.
Sm7B you need a strong pre for that combo, but it sounded good with the presence boost enabled.
ATM-25 had similar results to the RE-20, its more of full sounding mic, so its ok but not a metal sound.
u87 Actually sounded pretty cool on kick with the kickpad- Big thick slightly scooped in the mids
Rode Nt2- Sounded aggressive on kick but better with the kickpad.
AKG C3000- better with kick pad,

So far thats all I have tried.

Kick Pad is a passive filter that scoops out the 400-1k range.

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