MIC DRUM RECORDING TECHNIQUES
Recording a drum set with limited microphones can be challenging, but here are three approaches that can yield good results with only three microphones:
THE THREE-MIC TECHNIQUE
Overhead + Kick + Snare: This setup uses three crucial mics to capture the overall drum sound.
Overhead Mic: Position a large-diaphragm condenser or a stereo pair of small-diaphragm condensers above the drum kit, capturing the overall sound, cymbals, and stereo imaging.
Kick Drum Mic: Place a dynamic microphone inside the kick drum to capture the low-end thump and depth.
Snare Drum Mic: Use a dynamic microphone placed close to the snare drum to capture its snap and detail.
This setup allows you to capture the essence of the drum kit with a balance between the overall kit sound, kick drum impact, and snare drum detail. Experiment with mic positioning to find the best balance.
ONE OVERHEAD + ONE KICK MIC TECHNIQUE
Overhead + Kick + Snare: This setup uses three crucial mics to capture the overall drum sound.
Overhead Mic: Position a large-diaphragm condenser or a stereo pair of small-diaphragm condensers above the drum kit, capturing the overall sound, cymbals, and stereo imaging.
Kick Drum Mic: Place a dynamic microphone inside the kick drum to capture the low-end thump and depth.
Snare Drum Mic: Use a dynamic microphone placed close to the snare drum to capture its snap and detail.
This setup allows you to capture the essence of the drum kit with a balance between the overall kit sound, kick drum impact, and snare drum detail. Experiment with mic positioning to find the best balance.
GLYN JOHNS TECHNIQUE (TWO OVERHEADS + KICK)
Overhead Mic (Mono): Position a single overhead microphone (large-diaphragm condenser or dynamic mic) directly above the drum kit, aiming toward the center of the kit.
Overhead Mic (Side): Place a second overhead mic on the drummer’s side, capturing the drum kit from a different angle, often over the floor tom.
Kick Drum Mic: Use a dynamic microphone inside the kick drum to capture its low end.
The Glyn Johns technique creates a balanced stereo image using the two overheads while the kick drum mic adds depth and impact to the overall sound.
Regardless of the technique chosen, mic positioning and experimentation with placement are crucial to getting the best sound. Also, consider room acoustics, as the natural ambiance can significantly affect the recorded sound when using minimal microphones.