Hello all
I am basically looking for some advice on how to mix/process multiple recorded tracks of the same sound source. For example; I recorded my drum kit with a total of 12 mics, 3 on my snare drum alone. I had a SM57 paired with a small diaphram condenser on the top of the snare, with another 57 on the bottom(inversed of course). Now, I basically want some insight on how to balance the 3 mics in terms of compression, EQ, and reverb.
Also, I recorded my guitar amps with the classic 57 and 421 combo, arranged in a V about an inch from the speaker cone. Now, since this is rock music, I doubled a lot of the rhythm guitar and panned each take hard left and right, giving me a total of 4 recorded tracks for 1 guitar part. I would like a starting point as to how to balance all of these. What I have been doing is having more 57 on the right channel, with more 421 on the left channel, but I don't really know what to do in terms of compression and EQ. Do I EQ and compress all the tracks the same, or do I do something more?
...I also recorded bass with a mic on the amp combined with the DI, for 2 tracks of bass...and two mics on the kick drum. Same questions as above.
Thanks to anyone who can lend a hand.
Comments
it's all about phase You don't need all of the drum mics you us
it's all about phase
You don't need all of the drum mics you used i'm guessing, but it's good to cover your bases and eliminate from there. I usually end up using 3-5 mics on drums. Anytime you have several mics on one source you'll have phase issues. I bus all of my drums together and apply a phase meter/adjuster to this bus. I adjust the panning of the drums to achieve the best phase relationship. Once your drums are close to being in proper phase, you'll hear more clarity, what I call a "snap" to your drums. As far as eliminating tracks, listen to each one one-by-one to see what sounds decent. Any tracks that are muffled, crackly, distorted, etc. should be discarded(or just muted if you're like me and don't like to trash anything). Two mics that sound good are better than 5 that sound bad. I hope the "phase meter on the drum bus" helps you as it has me. Good luck!