Overhead mic choice

Posted on Feb 16, 2004 11:53 am
el musico
Freeleance Producer/Engineer/Gtr
Member Since: Aug 11, 2002

anyone using large diaphragm condensors for their overheads? i am planning to upgrade my drum mics and thought of just adding a 2nd NT2 and using those instead buying 2 more mics like the SM81's or AKG 3000's...

I've heard small and large diaphragm mics used and always thought of the large ones as sounding fuller, but there may be cases i don't want it to be.

what are your guys' opinions on this?

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jues
Contributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002

Feb 16, 2004 12:08 pm

Small diagphram (sp) condensors are good when using the "crossed" overhead micing technique which I describe in my drum mic'ing tutorial - this will give a hyped sense of seperation to the drum sound.

However, if you plan on just doing "standard" overhead mic'ing, then I personally prefer large diaphram condensors.

I have a pair of NT-1's for that role.

jues.

el musico
Freeleance Producer/Engineer/Gtr
Member
Since: Aug 11, 2002

Feb 16, 2004 12:17 pm

that's currently the technique i use, but i wanted to see how it translates with the large diaphragm mics.

Walt
Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Feb 16, 2004 10:43 pm

The large diaphrams are going to be a lot more sensitive than the small. The diaphram has to move and flex. The larger the area the more flexable therefore more sensitive. As Jues mentioned above the NT1's are especially sensitive and crisp (slight high end boost) which will bring out the sutbleties of the higher frequency cymbals.

Noize2u
Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Feb 18, 2004 07:39 pm

And I as well use large diaphrams for over heads for that very reason. The pick up with a fuller sound, which can include more of the room sound as well, so be carefull.