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Welcome to The Recording Website
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How to mic Drums
by: The Recording Website Staff
Getting a good drum sound to tape is about the hardest thing to do in a session. In preparation, you should put new heads on, and make sure there aren't any squeeks or buzzes. If the drums are ringing a bit too long, you can tape small pieces of foam, or small sponges to the bottom head. But, it is better to have the drums sounding a bit too live, rather than them sounding too dead and flat. Below are some pictures illustrating some common mic placements on drums.
- Stereo Microphones--these should be placed about 5-6 feet above the kit to start with. If they are too loud or quiet, adjust them accordingly. The best mics to use overhead are small diaphram condensers. They have a sharp, bright, clean sound to them.
- Toms--if you want to individually mic the toms, place the mic about two inches above the head, near the edge, and looking at the center. Usually a Cardioid (unidirectional) dynamic mic is used for this. Try a Shure SM-57.
- Snare--A good position for the snare mic is about 2 inches above the head, and about two inches from the side, pointing to the middle. A dynamic mic is used here, also. You can also place a second mic below, on the bottom head. This will really add to the sound. If you do this though, you should probably reverse the phase on the bottom mic.
- Bass drum--Place the mic in front around the center pointing slightly upward. To speed up the decay, you can put a blanket or pillow inside the drum, resting on the bottom, and touching the front head. Another method is to place the mic inside the bass drum, right on top of a pillow (if a pillow is used). Try both methods. You want to use a mic that has good low frequncy response. Try a Shure Beta 52, or the AKG D-112.
- Cymbals--you should put the mic about 6-8 inches away from where the stick hits the cymbal. A dynamic mic can be used with success in this application, however a small diaphram condenser is prefered. Try a Shure SM-81, or SM-94.
Individual Pieces
On the snare drum, place the mic about 2 inches above the head, and about two inches in from the edge of the drum. The mic should be at approxamately a 45 degree angle, as shown in the picture. A Cardioid dynamic mic is generally the prefered type.
On toms, the procedure is about the same as on snare drums. Put the mic about two inches above the head at a 45 degree angle, and about 2 inches in from the edge, pointing at the center of the head. A dynamic mic is used on the tom as well.
For the kick drum, a dynamic mic with good LF response is placed from inside the drum, to 20 inches from the head. Point it at the center, and angle the mic slightly. If there isn't enough attack, you can place a second mic on the drummer's side pointing at the point where the beater hits. This mic doesn't have to have good LF response--it's purpose is to get more "slap". To get more attack you can replace the beater with a wooden one, if it isn't wood already.
(You are allowed to copy and use this essay for your own non-professional use. You are prohibited from
distributing copies to others for a fee or for no-charge. You may not publish or quote this essay without obtaining the written permission of the author.)
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