Vocal Mic for Drummer

Posted on

Music Loving Hack
Member Since: Jul 13, 2009

Any tricks of the trade on the best method for micing a drummer for vocals (BGVs mostly). Any mics or mic placements recommended to limit bleed from the drums as much as possible? In practical scenarios does a switchable mic work or is it too hard for the drummer to turn off and on (assuming he remembers)?

Thanks!!

[ Back to Top ]


Member
Since: Sep 30, 2009


May 12, 2010 01:35 pm

Well, the switchable thing i'd say would be up to the drummer and depend on the song. Personally, i'd say if he's singing every song, it'd be too difficult to turn it on or off. You could possibly try something like a noise gate, and set the level fairly high. That way (in theory) it'd only come on while he sings. But of course you'd have to tweak the level just about right. but if you have feedback issues, thats an option.

As for actual mic, i don't really have much to say. I know my brother in law used to use a headset mic (like the kind dancers often wear) and i think he was pretty happy with it. I'm not sure what model he used or anything, but i know personally i'd prefer to have it attached to my face rather than have to crook my neck all the time.

On the flip side of that argument however, you might be able to find a "sweet spot" where the mic's axis rejects most of the sound of the kit and it'd be beneficial that way. I'm not really sure, just throwing ideas out there.

Anyway, with both of those decisions, i'd say ask your drummer for what his preference would be. They are going to affect his vocal and drumming preformance, and he'll be the one working harder to make it work. So might be best left up to him, unless anyone else has something to say about the pro's and con's of headset mics.

sorry i don't know enough to give you real recomendations.

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006


May 12, 2010 02:12 pm

I'd avoid switchable, just something else to go wrong. I have seen drummers singing through an SM58 and never noticed a problem (besides the extra mic stand).

You could go wireless if you wanna spend the money.

www.zzounds.com...em--SHUPG14PG30

Other than that, this is similar to the setups I have seen.


http://www.beyondreflection.com/pictures/concerts/atreyu/071004/Brandon04.jpg


Music is everything
Member
Since: Apr 01, 2010


May 12, 2010 02:22 pm

I've seen a lot of drummer mics hanging down from above, where the drummer has to look slightly up to sing into. Probably directional so it doesn't pick up a lot of the cymbals. I've also seen a lot of headsets like Fragile says.

Jov

http://www.unitedmusicians.info
Contributor
Since: Nov 11, 2007


May 12, 2010 02:55 pm

SM58's work fine live, don't point it at a drum head and especially steer clear of pointing it at the snare. That's what we did, anywho.

The Czar of BS
Member
Since: Dec 31, 2007


May 12, 2010 09:03 pm

My vote is for a SM, or Beta 58 as well.

It has a cardioid pattern to it. And that will reject all signals coming from behind the mic.

edit0r
Member
Since: Aug 17, 2004


May 12, 2010 11:42 pm

Make the drummer eat the mic when they sing and point it away from the drums? I'd have a listen while setting up, see what its picking up the most (cymbals + snare for me), and point it away from that.

You could try a noise gate with a frequency side chain if available...

Typo Szar
Member
Since: Jul 04, 2002


May 13, 2010 03:40 am

It depends on ur drummer as well, wat he/she is comfortable with and how use they are to using a mic to sing while drumming.

Most drummers ive seen either have it to the side or behind, but in either case they have to have the option to quickly bat the mic out of their way, or back into position so that they can wail becoz wat would drummers do if they couldnt wail?!?!?!

i dont htink ull have a ton of issues in terms of leakage with standard SM58s and other commonly used live vox mics

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006


May 13, 2010 01:38 pm

Yeah I agree with Crux. On most stages I play on, they are so damn small that the SM58 is only a few feet in front of the kit and practically pointing right at the drums when the singer/other guitarist is moving around and it causes no problems.

Live Sound Audio
Member
Since: Apr 21, 2010


May 13, 2010 10:45 pm

There are floor switches the drummer can turn on and off when he sings if it is infrequent. SM58 is my vote too. It's tough though depending on how loud he sings and how loud he playes.
www.livesoundaudio.com

Related Forum Topics:



If you would like to participate in the forum discussions, feel free to register for your free membership.