Quality SDC's that wont break the bank?
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Posted on Apr 21, 2005 02:17 am
YouOweMeAPony
Member Since: Apr 21, 2005
What's up everybody, this is my first post here, even though I've been reading these forums for a while. I'm recently started recording live drums, and up until this point I've been using a mismatched pair of LDC's (Studio Projects C1, and an econo cheapo Superlux) as overheads. I've not gotten terrible results considering I know nothing about Overhead mic positioning, but everything sounds a little bit harsh without EQ. The hats really cut through the mix and sound cheap (I've tried several different sets, which all sound great in the room). It could just be mic positioning, but I've played around with it quite a bit, and so far nothing has helped significantly. I'm looking into Studio Projects C4's since I've been incredibly happy with my C1. Also I believe Rode has a Stereo SDC mic that would foolproof placement issues. If anyone has any experience with either of these mics, or has any recomendations for other good overheads and feels like lending an opinion, that would be pretty sweet.
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RigsbyUltra MagnusMember
Since: Nov 13, 2004
Apr 21, 2005 08:32 am Using a stereo mic won't ness sort out your positioning problems, it could actually cause more as you'll have to position one mic for two directions. Kits aren't always completely balanced volume-wise and sometimes you need to create a balance that isn't there in the room by moving the OHs closer/further away/blah blah blah, so i wouldn't go for that.
If you're getting harsh sounds then i figure you're tracking to digital, if so, maybe a pair of octava 012s might be a good idea, they're a little darker than a lot of the cheaper SDCs and get used in a surprising amount of higher end studios by people who swear by them for OHs, shop around and i'm sure you'll get an excellent deal.
What other mics are you using on the kit? Is it just OHs or are you micing the snare, kick, toms, what? I ask this as:
a) to get a cohesive sound you'll need to be thinking about how the mics compliment eachother as there's always bleed pretty much no matter what you do.
b) If you're just using OHs there may be better methods of micing a kit with one, two or three mics that doesn't involve just using OHs.
Also, look around for some mic positioning info (too much to go into in one post) for kits, especially OHs, this might help you with your issues.
Hope that's of some use.
Apr 21, 2005 11:22 am Samson C02's are pretty good and cheap, ahem afordable, you can hear them in action in my profile.
Apr 21, 2005 07:40 pm I have heard really great things about the MXL 603's. You can get a pair at Music 123 for under $200 with shockmounts and a case! The matched pair is a bit more money. The Oktavas are really difficult to find at a good price anymore because they're no longer distributed in the US. (Or nearly anywhere else, for that matter...)
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Apr 21, 2005 09:44 pm Yep, I'll second WYD on the Samsons as well. Got talked into a pair, and I'm not sorry I bought em. They are great for what they are priced at.
Apr 22, 2005 12:05 am Ok Ill give a rundown of my current setup.
I'm using Audix D6 on kick, SM57 on snare, D2's on toms, D4's on floor toms, and the mismatched c1/superlux for overheads. I run those into an M-audio Octane and run that into a digi002R.
I looked into the Octava's on Ebay and theres a few sets for under 300, but I've also of people getting ripped off buying the 012's off of ebay. Right now I think my best bet is the C4's. But I'd definately like to get a set of the octava's if I knew I was buying a reliable set. I'd say my budget is right around 400-500 bones though, so I think that puts buying a new pair out of the question.
RigsbyUltra MagnusMember
Since: Nov 13, 2004
Apr 22, 2005 10:08 am I agree with porp too, i've heard some nice things recorded with 603s.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Apr 22, 2005 12:01 pm heh, i'm thinking the best nickname may go to this thread author. way cool.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Apr 22, 2005 10:16 pm If its the Oktava's you want then go here. sound-room.com/customer/home.php?cat=2
This is the only reliable place I know of in the US at the moment. They are selling the real Oktava mics, in pmatched pairs and single as well.
