Tom mics

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Wannabe Producer/Tech Student
Member Since: Aug 11, 2005

hey
ive been recording a drum kit for some time, but because of the budget ive just been using 2overheads, sm57 on the snare, and pg52 on the kick with good results.

Im looking now to get 3 good dynamic mics to pick up the toms as ive got a bit more spare cash now.

The main thing i dont want to get tom mics i.e. clip mics that go onto the side of the drum, the reason being, if its a normal hand held mic it can be used for other aplications. A good exmaple of this i have already of this is my shure sm57 i.e. works great for the snare, use it on guitar cabs and also is a fine vocal mic for live. If i had got a snare mic with a clip on bit, would only be useable with a snare.

I have been at college for 2 years and we have always used shure sm58s on the toms with good results, however i am still not so rich tht i can spend 200+ on 3 58s.

summary:
anyone know of any good dynamic mics that work well toms but also would make fine live vocal mics too? ive layed eyes on the much cheaper behringer mx8500 and the samson q7. Either of these worth using for this application?

cheers guys

chris

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Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Jun 02, 2006 10:11 am

Have you tried SM57's on the toms too? Many of the clubs I have played have done it that way, may not be the best tool for the job, but can do the job well enough, plus you have more of one of the most versatile, affordable mics available.

Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004


Jun 02, 2006 10:16 am

Sennheiser (sp?) 421 are excellent...although they might be a bit expensive if ya need three of 'em.

I am not a crook's head
Member
Since: Mar 14, 2003


Jun 02, 2006 10:46 am

Dont' those Sennheiser 421s get a good rap as a guitar cabinet mic as well?

If so then they may have that versatility that you're looking for.

Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004


Jun 02, 2006 11:18 am

yep even kick drums aswell...they're a beefy mic with a 5 way bass rolloff (trust me, you need 5 different levels of rolloff with this thing)...definately one of my fav. dynamic mics.

JR Productions
Member
Since: Mar 03, 2005


Jun 02, 2006 11:41 am

The 421 is pretty much to the toms as the 57 is to the snare. Unfortunatly, they cost 3 times as much as a 57 and you need at least two of them most likely 3 or 4, easily setting you back upwards of 600$ (for 2).

The 421 picks up a nice cab sound for metal or heavy low end guitars. And like wyd said its also used on kick drum a lot for its lower mid range presense.

I am not a crook's head
Member
Since: Mar 14, 2003


Jun 02, 2006 02:09 pm

Well it sounds like a good option would be to keep an eye on eBay for SM57s. They can be had new for about $85 or used for about $55. Or maybe even local pawn shops..surely some starving musician sold his mics in your area recently.

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