Log in
Log in
Forgot your password ?
or
Create an account
or
Log in using a Facebook account
NotificationsNo new notification
< Back to Getting Started
Enlarge
Getting Started
Thematic Forums
Getting Started
Actu 245 245
Articles 589 589
Media 4,583 4,6k
Tutorials
Forums 1,253 1,3k

Thread getting the best live sound out of a drum set

  • 1 comment
  • 2 participants
  • 586 views
  • 0 follower
1 getting the best live sound out of a drum set
i was reading where a fellow user needed advice on recording drums but we have live drums and they are so muddy with the other instruments what or how would i get the best sound oh yeah is it ok to ask about live questions in a studio forum
2
Well there are several hints I have for live drums.

For the drummer:

1) Tune them up. Each drum should sound good on its own. There should be a slight drop in pitch from the initial hit on the toms. This should be more pronounced on hard hits.

2) Fix them up. Hitting a drum should not make another rattle except the snares. If the snares are off there shouldn't be any rattles.

3) Clean them up. Get the grunge off the cymbals so they can shimmer (and shine)

For the soundman:

In order of venue size:

1) Mic the kick. Use an AKG D112, Audio Technia ATM25 or even an SM58 :o

2) Mic the snare. Start with an SM57. (If I am micing the whole kit I put it on the bottom other opinions WILL differ.)

3) Put up overhead pair. Use 2 good large diaphram condensers. (These should be good enough to auto eq the pa which is a whole other thread)

4) Mic the toms. I like the AKG clip on mics but SM57 or Sennheiser MD421 work well for me.

5) Mic the hi-hat. Use a good small diaphram condenser. I use AT4041.

If you are micing the whole kit you will need a hefty sound system. Even if all you mic is the kick you will need subs. Friends of mine with smaller systems run an aux with only the kick to the subs.

EQ each of the above in turn. I like the toms to really speak out with some slight hang time.