Miking a drum set can be a daunting task, whether it’s for a studio recording or a live performance. To achieve the best sound, it’s crucial to understand the essential techniques for capturing the full range of tones, dynamics, and nuances that a drum set can produce. In this blog post, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to help you mic up your drum set effectively, both in the studio and live settings.
Studio Miking Techniques
1. Kick Drum
– Choose the right microphone: Opt for a large-diaphragm dynamic microphone with good low-frequency response, such as the AKG D112, Shure Beta 52A, or Audix D6.
– Placement: Position the microphone inside the kick drum, aimed at the beater, approximately 2-4 inches from the drum head. Adjust the angle and distance to find the desired balance between attack and low-end resonance.
2. Snare Drum
– Choose the right microphone: A dynamic microphone with a tight cardioid polar pattern and a frequency response suited for snare drums, such as the Shure SM57 or Audix i5, is ideal.
– Top Head Placement: Place the microphone at a 45-degree angle, 1-2 inches above the rim, pointing towards the center of the drum head. This captures the attack and brightness of the snare.
– Bottom Head Placement (optional): To capture the snare wire’s rattle and add depth, use a second microphone beneath the snare, with the same distance and angle but aimed at the snare wires. Don’t forget to flip the polarity on your mixer or audio interface for the bottom mic to avoid phase cancellation.
3. Toms
– Choose the right microphone: Use dynamic microphones specifically designed for toms, such as the Sennheiser e604 or Shure Beta 56A.
– Placement: Position the microphones 1-2 inches above the rim, angled towards the center of the drum head. Experiment with the angle and distance to achieve the desired attack and resonance.
4. Hi-hat
– Choose the right microphone: A small-diaphragm condenser microphone with a tight polar pattern, like the Shure SM81 or Audio-Technica AT4041, works best for hi-hats.
– Placement: Place the microphone 2-4 inches above the hi-hat’s edge, angled slightly away from the snare to minimize bleed. Adjust the distance and angle to balance the brightness and airiness.
5. Overheads
– Choose the right microphone: Use a pair of matched small-diaphragm condenser microphones, like the Rode NT5 or AKG C414.
– Placement: Position the microphones above the drum kit, aimed at the cymbals, in a spaced pair or coincident pair configuration. This will capture the overall drum kit sound and provide a sense of stereo imaging.
Live Miking Techniques
1. Kick, Snare, and Toms: Follow the same techniques as in the studio setup, but make sure to use microphones and stands that can handle the rigors of live performances.
2. Hi-hat: Due to the loudness of other instruments on stage, it may not be necessary to mic the hi-hat separately. However, if you decide to do so, follow the same techniques as in the studio setup.
3. Overheads: In a live setting, it’s often more practical to use a single overhead microphone or a pair of overheads positioned closer to the cymbals to minimize bleed from other instruments.
4. Monitor Mix: Make sure to provide the drummer with a good monitor mix, including the rest of the band, so they can play in time and with the appropriate dynamics.
5. Feedback Prevention: Be mindful of microphone placement and monitor speaker positioning to minimize the risk of feedback. Use gates or expanders on the kick and snare channels to help reduce bleed and feedback potential.
6. Mixing: In a live setting, you’ll need to consider the acoustics of the venue and the presence of other instruments on stage. You may need to adjust EQ, compression, and reverb settings to achieve a balanced and powerful drum sound that cuts through the mix.
7. Soundcheck: Always make sure to conduct a thorough soundcheck before the performance. This is essential for identifying and fixing any potential issues, adjusting levels, and ensuring that the drum sound is consistent and well-balanced.
In conclusion, miking a drum set for both studio recordings and live performances can be a complex task, but with the right techniques and attention to detail, you can achieve a professional and powerful drum sound. By understanding the unique challenges of each setting and adapting your miking approach accordingly, you’ll be well-equipped to capture the full range of tones and dynamics that a drum set has to offer.
