How do I record drums?

1. Answered: 113 day 19 h (6) | Permalink

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   Martin Swain

   How many mics do you have to record the kit? I would get two large diaphragm condenser mics if you haven't already, try placing them in a recorderman configuration about a foot-a foot and a half above the cymbals (search google and/or youtube for more info). This gives you quite a tight drum sound and gives you some sort of stereo spread.

   If you only have one mic though, try placing the stand next to the drummer's right leg (or left leg if they've set their kit up to be left-handed) tucked in by the floor tom and bass drum, and set it so it faces the snare and hi-hat. This doesn't give you a stereo image, but you get a really focused drum sound with a lot of attack which picks up the whole kit evenly and it also eliminates phase issues.

   If you've got loads of mics though, close mic each drum but start off with the overheads as these are the foundation of any drum sound. Try placing them in a spaced pair configuration and use the 3:1 rule (google this) make sure you get these right otherwise the whole drum sound will suffer due to phase. An easier overhead mic'ing technique is XY as this eliminates phasing issues.

   Then close mic each drum, with the kick drum try getting a lot of click from the beater by placing it quite close to the beater (not too close, about 3 inches away from the beater). Modern Metal kick drum sounds are really clicky. With the snare, try placing the mic about two inches above the drum aimed at where the stick meets the head. For toms, do the same as the snare.

   If you have enough mics and channels, place a mic under the snare to get a snappier drum sound but make sure to reverse the phase of this mic in the mix.

   • At the moment i have two sm58's, not really that useful for recording drums are they? i was going to try and put them in an overhead position but still need mic stands... inless i can find some vlever, yet dodgy way of suspending the mics... :P but that would just be a test. when i get paid next i will have a look at getting some drum mics, or at least two overheads.

     MrPlasticCrocodile | Jan 26 at 04:01

   • what are some cheap but good drum mics (not too much of a compromise on quality though) and same with overheads? and what would i need to connect them to the mbox? thanks for the tips as well :)

     MrPlasticCrocodile | Jan 26 at 04:01

   • You definitely need mic stands. A good mic to start out with is the NT1-A. Try and get a matched pair of these if you're recording stereo. These will set you back around $300 for the matched pair but are a good cheap mic. They're about $100 seperately. To connect them to your Mbox, you'll need XLR cables and switch phantom power on. If you only buy one mic and do the method I suggested, get a table top mic stand with a heavy round base.

     Martin Swain | Jan 26 at 11:01

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