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Recording a band live to stereo in a basement. After putting together all our mics, and Micing everything (DI for bass and keys) except for two overheads for drums and two guitar cabs, we are left with a pair of SM57's and a pair of SM58's.

Which would be the best choice for either...will it make much difference at all...and why? I realize either may not be THE best for overheads, and either is OK for guitar...but that's what we have.

I think I know the answer, but just wanted to see what more expert folks thought.

Thanks,

Kapt.Krunch

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Kapt.Krunch Wed, 03/04/2009 - 12:08

Thanks Mr. Freak,

But...didn't QUITE answer the question. :wink: I assume you mean go with the 57's for OH, and stick the 58's in front of the guitar cabs? Since there is less "pop filter" on the 57, they would be the better bet on OH? A few inches from the grill shouldn't matter much with the 58's ball, but it may affect the overall pickup if 58's were used as OH? I'm assuming the polar pattern is a BIT different with the ball on or off, and from the 57?

That's kind of what I was thinking. Are you also suggesting removing the ball from the 58's for EITHER app? I'd feel a bit better doing that on a guitar cab, than with some wild drummer's sticks flying all around them, don't you think?

Thanks,

Kapt.Krunch

Guitarfreak Wed, 03/04/2009 - 12:14

oh I see what you mean, I thought you had the guitars covered and were down to four mics and a drumset. That does change things a bit. But yes I was recommending that you remove the ball on the 58s either way because for these uses they won't be beneficial. I don't have any first hand experience with miking drumsets though, so someone else would probably be more useful. Sorry :$

Codemonkey Wed, 03/04/2009 - 15:28

Drum mic, I don't personally like Recorderman - our drummer has an off-centre snare. It sounds awful.
I really liked an XY I tried, but my standards are incredibly nonexistent and it still needed work.

Best tip I can give is to try pointing your overhead mic at the snare regardless of where it's placed - unless you find something objectionable about it.