Micing

Posted on

Member Since: Nov 16, 2010

Hi

I just bought two SM57s and I was wondering how do I use these mics in conjunction with some cheap Superlux mics? The Superlux mics are:
- Two overheads
- One bassdrum mic
- 4 tom/snare mics

These Superlux mics only cost around 100 USD all together so they are really cheap and not the best quality. Would I get a better result by using them at all? I was thinking having one SM57 on the snare and one in the bassdrum, two overheads using pair technique and the tom mics on the toms(...). Should I do this or should I leave some mics out? Thanks in advance!

[ Back to Top ]


MASSIVE Mastering, LLC
Member
Since: Aug 05, 2008


Nov 16, 2010 07:30 am

I'd try them all and use the ones that sound best on a particular source.

www.TheLondonProject.ca
Member
Since: Feb 07, 2005


Nov 16, 2010 03:38 pm

Use them all and let your ears decide. I would say that the 57 on the snare would be a given.

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


Nov 16, 2010 04:27 pm

I use a Superlux drum mic set, but it wasn't $100. It's all about taste but the type of mic/pickup pattern will define which direction the mic should be pointing, and how far away it should be. For starters, read the manual that came with the mics. They have a great visual reference that will help you become familiar with the types of mics included and the way they pick up sound. Become familiar with the pickup pattern and visualize that pattern as you place mics. As MM and BH said, experimentation is key. However as a recent beginner myself, it's nice to have a little direction to get you started:

Based on my experience with the Superlux pro series kit, the overheads are likely small diaphragm condenser mics. This type of microphone is directional and I like to use the XY overhead mic'ing technique with them. If you google XY overhead technique you'll come up with many different variations of the technique. I'd recommend trying some and finding one you like.

One SM57 would probably be most useful on top of the snare (2-6" away). If it were my recording, I would start by placing your Superlux kick mic in the resonant drum head sound hole (if one exists) and putting the SM57 in front of the beater contact point on the batter head (2-5" away). The idea is to capture the 80-100Hz boom with the kick mic, and the mid-rangey click of the beater on the batter head with the sm57.

My PRO series Superlux kit includes a PRA series snare noise mic for some reason. I hated it, but it certainly cuts through the mix. You might experiment with that too.

Since this is a drum mic kit assembled with close mic'ing techniques in mind, the tom mics are typically pointed at the tom heads and, for me, between 6" and 12" away.

Other fun google friendly techniques you can utilize with your news mics:

-Recorderman drum mic technique
-Spaced pair

If you want to continue learning more drum mic techniques, I'd recommend getting 2x Large diaphragm condensers (MXL 990 is a great inexpensive mic for this). These large diaphragm condensers (LDC's) will work with your spaced pair method better than the Superlux overhead mics provided (assuming they are small diaphragm condensers). Using your two Superlux small diaphragm condenser mics (SDC's) in conjunction with the LDC will enable you to try the:

-Mid/Side OH mic'ing technique. This is my current OH mic'ing method of choice, but I use 2x Cascade Fathead Ribbon mic's (figure 8 pickup pattern) instead of three relatively unidirectional mics.

In the end, it's all about pickup patterns, individual mic's frequency response (most manufacturers provide a nice little graph to get an idea for what freq's get picked up), and trying stuff in your space with your stuff. The environment changes everything, and environments are never the same. We all like this Interactive Frequency chart around here: www.independentrecording....ain_display.htm That chart in conjunction with a working knowledge of how your mics work (pickup pattern and freq response) will help you decide what mic to use on what instrument.

Good luck! And feel free to post recording samples and mic setup photos for critique.

Related Forum Topics:



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