Overheads posted by timexone

Overheads

Posted on May 30, 2008 12:03 pm
timexone
producer
Member Since: Dec 07, 2006

I haven't found a whole lot on drum overhead processing. Is it standard to compress the overheads independently or is that something that just gets compressed with the whole mix during mastering? if so, what is a good starting point with ratio? im assuming a soft knee and it would probably be somewhat subtle?

Also, for EQing overheads, is it standard to eq them to make just the cymbals shine? (ie: rolling-off the lows) or is it better to get the over heads to sound good on their own as if there were no other drum mics, then start bringing in the close mics? i notice if i give the overheads too much popularity, it takes away from the punch of the close mics and i lose them in the mix more easily. I been finding its a tough balance sometimes. Any suggestions?

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CptTripps
Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006

May 30, 2008 02:36 pm

Personally, I like the overheads to capture a bit of everything and it really seems to enhance all drums with that natural air. I capture using the recorderman technique, bring them to a good level with the kick, and then bring up an close mics so they are just above the OH's in volume.

On compression, I use only a tiny tiny bit as I compress each drum seperately.

Loki
Cone Poker
Member
Since: Apr 07, 2002

May 30, 2008 04:43 pm

I have just begun recording drums, and until i get another couple preamps or a decent desk I'm stuck recording only with two overheads. What I'll usually do is set the compressor pretty hard to compensate for the placing as well as the room (and, I also like squashy drums), but each mic gets compressed seperately. This is mostly because I'm actually not using a matched pair of mics, but two completely different mics as overhead, an AKG C1000s, and a Shure SM94, so I have to eq and compress them a little differently, being different mics and having different sounds.