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I'm about to record my drumkit. I have been collecting mics and other stuff to make this recording the best in my power at this moment (i think!). So here are the mics i have now:

Bassdrum - AKG D112
Toms - Shure SM57
Snare - Shure SM57/RODE NT3
Hihat - RODE NT3
Cymbals - RODE NT3/MXL 1006BP

I have PreSonus TubePre micpre's which i think sound very nice and warm. Any thoughts on these as well?

My drumkit contains a not too expensive baseset (kick, toms and snare) which i upgraded with Sabian Xs20 cymbals/hi-hat (Rock Performance) and a set of Remo heads have been ordered.

Comments

captaininvisible Sun, 07/13/2003 - 06:14

Well, you appear to have a fairly decent collection of budget mics. Have you thought about using two of the NT3s as overheads (that is, if you want a stereo drum track. If not ignore the suggestion)? I'm guessing you have three of them. You could put the 1006BP a few feet in front of the kick at the end of a tunnel made of chairs and blankets. That might sound nice. Especially as low frequency signals always take a greater distance to develop than mid or high frequency ones.

As for the pres. I'm British, we don't use outboard pres*. :D

*Note: That's not a rule

KurtFoster Sun, 07/13/2003 - 08:44

DmDreams,
It sounds to me, as if you are on the right path. You have chosen some of the standard mics for this task and they can also double as mics to record guitar and bass amps as well.. The MXL will work well to record vocals and acoustic instruments..

The 57s and the D112 are time tested workhorse standards found in every well equiped studio in the world. New developments on this front also include the ATM 25 and Audix D6 for kick drum and low frequency aplications. I don't know if there will ever be a replacement for the venerible SM57.. but for tom toms you might want to try the Sennheiser 421, another well used studio standard. I am confident you will be able to capture your drums very well with the mics you have selected. Now it time to practice and get in the best shape you can be in and start recording! Have fun! Kurt

anonymous Sun, 07/13/2003 - 12:21

Hey Guys,

Thnx for the reply's. I'm not going to record my drums while they are being played. Well, one at a time that is. I'm sampling my drumkit. Let me explain how i set the mics up. Ohh and i have just 1 NT3 Mark :)

Bassdrum - AKG d112 in the bassdrum (no frontskin)

Snare - SM57 on top, Rode NT3 on bottom

Hihat - Rode NT3

Cymbals - Rode NT3/1006BP

Sometimes i like the SM57 on hats as well. I can never make too much samples so i try every combination which can be made with this set of mics. I will look into that Sennheiser you mentioned Kurt. If it can give me a better sound from these toms that would be great. And i'll also try that bassdrum micing trick you mentioned Mark.

When i recorded some sounds i'll let you guys have a listen so you can give me your opinions :)

Dave