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would cheap dynamic microphones work well enough to mic my drum set?

i don't have money for expensive drum mics or anything. i'd run these into a mixer and then into my 8-track.

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anonymous Tue, 10/26/2004 - 11:57

I definitely would not use really cheap mics, such as most anything from a consumer electronics store.

Since you are on a tight budget, inexpensive mics will work. I don't know how well they would work for you, but when I was first starting out, I used some pure junk mics on my drums, and it sounded acceptable.

Kev Wed, 10/27/2004 - 16:56

Dynamic range and sheer level can be a problem for the cheap mics.
Pattern can also be an issue.

Check out some of the Mic Kits made for drums. These often come with drum mounts to fit to the drum rim. By saving money and time with mic stands around the kit you may find these with a little extra money compared to the cheap dynamics.

You can have a drum kit set-up off stage and just lift it on and connect to the existing mic lines placed by the band before you.

Sometimes the next band can be pissed off when you leave the stage empty and take your cool mics with you. :-)

Be sure to check that the mics and parts are replaceable as I'm sure you will have the occasional breakage.

Kev Thu, 10/28/2004 - 13:42

The clips I was talking about come with the mics and sometimes are part of the mic.

For home recording I'd suggest getting industry standard mics. These will offer better value for money in the long run.

Even if you have to go with cheaper units.

SM57 is a fine mic for many Rock and Pop situations.
Vocal, Guitar and Drum ... even a kick until you have something better.

M88 is a fine Vocal and for a while was the Kick mic of choice in the 80's.

At least one SM58 or SM58-Beta is worth having.

Then chose two of the budget condeser mics as main workhorses. Use them on OverHeads and later as main vocal and accoustic instrument mics.
Multi pattern of you can afford it.

Close mic'ing drums with a tight pattern mic can be advantagous.

ATM21 is pretty cool for a cheaper kick mic and works well on low tom ... this mic has a strange EQ curve to it that suits this job.

Kev Fri, 10/29/2004 - 14:24

:shock: ... :roll:
directivity
....
it listens in a direction better than other directions.
Cardioid - listens in the forward direction
Hyper Cardioid - forward but tighter
Shot Gun - very tight and long
Figure 8 - forward and back
Omni - listens in all direction equally well

do a search and read up on Microphone theory.

anonymous Tue, 11/02/2004 - 08:44

I'd recommend two studio projects B1 as large diaphragm condensers. You can use them as overheards, vocals and acoutic intruments. Then, sm57 for snare and toms will do the job. Consider the ATM21 for bass drum. If you learn to place your mics in the sweet spots, you can definitely get a good sound with these mics (if your room, your drum tunning and your drummer are excellent that is)! Good luck!

P.S This should cost you around 500$ for 6 mics!! Pretty good deal!