Miking Bongos

Posted on

Member Since: Apr 10, 2006

I'm checking other posts too, but how does one go about miking a pair of bongos? What kind of mic (not to mention how many?) should be used and where should they be placed? One on each drum? one in the middle? I suppose that's preference, but as far as what kind to use I'm lost. Personally, all I have to choose from is a shure sm57, and a small and large diaphragm audiotechnica condenser.

[ Back to Top ]


Member
Since: Feb 02, 2006


Jul 03, 2006 05:35 pm

You can go to this and it will help you out.

www.homerecordingconnecti...tory&id=133


Ken sutton
WaterFall Records.
www.waterfallrecordings.com

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jul 03, 2006 09:13 pm

The condensors would be the mic's I would choose. They will definately pick up much more of the nuances of the fingers and the drum itself.

Ultra Magnus
Member
Since: Nov 13, 2004


Jul 04, 2006 02:23 am

I'd go for your SDC around a foot back, outfront and slightly above the bongos. If you have a nice room then use the LDC a few feet further back as well for a room mic, but watch for phase issues. I don't think there's any need to mic bongos in stereo personally unless it's for an effect.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jul 04, 2006 02:20 pm

Yep, what Rigsby said. The SDC placement is about right. But for the LDC I would make sure you are playing them a bit elevated and place the LDC as Rigsby stated about 3 feet back, but aimed to the bottom of the bongo's. That will help pick up a little more of the lower end of the bongo's. And the SDC will pick up more of the top and finger slapping.

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


Jul 06, 2006 11:15 am

I've done this a few times, and used a single SDC right between the 2 drums, about 8" or more directly over the bongos. I've always ended up with average results...not necessarily good nor bad.

I'll have to play around with the LDC room mic, although the acoustics in my live room are terrible.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jul 06, 2006 08:38 pm

Tadpui, if you can set up to paly about 6 feet from a good wall. Then set the LDC about a foot or two from the wall facing the bongo's. That might help eliminate the bad room sound. Not always but certainly worth a shot. And try moving closer in from there till you get a good sound.

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


Jul 07, 2006 09:47 am

Cool thanks Noize, I'll give that a try next time I record bongos.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jul 07, 2006 08:22 pm

Ya, I guess I should state you might need the mic closer or farther from the wall as well as the distance between the bongo's too.

Related Forum Topics:



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