Drum MicrophoneTechnique

by: elton charles

Microphone Types

Dynamic

• used close to drums• can handle high spl (sound pressure level)• rugged

Condenser• are normally room or overhead mics but

not unusual as close mics• delicate to an extent• require phantom power• more detailed signal

Ribbon• overhead or room mics• very delicate• warm lush sound • best reproduction of instrument sounds

Microphone Positions

• Batter-top head of drum • Resonant- bottom head of drum• close mic• overheads• room mic

Usual mic choice for drums

• dynamic on toms (MD421)• dynamic on batter and resonant snare (i5,SM57)• dynamic on kick (D6, Beta 52, D112)• condenser for overheads usually large diaphragm

(AT4050)• ribbon mic also for overheads usually stereo

(AEA R88)• condenser or ribbon for room mics (earthworks

TC25)

Microphone Placement

Toms

• 1-4 inches from batter head• angled away from other drums/cymbals• out of way of sticks

Kick

• with hole• place inside the middle of the drum

pointed at beater• without hole• place off center of resonant• 4-6 inches away

Snare

• 2-4 inches from batter head• aim at center• 2-4 inches from resonant head• aim at snares

Overheads and Room mics

Overheads• spaced evenly over drumset• one over left shoulder looking at snare and

hi-hat/crash• one over right shoulder looking at

ride/crash and floor toms• within 2-6 feet from top of cymbals

Room• vertical to the floor• placed 3to however far you dare away

from drums• usually about 2-3 feet off ground or 6-12

feet in front of drums