How Many Drum Mics Do You Need Live?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,
N Stereo Mics Spot / Close Mics
6-12


Stereo

overhead microphones One or more microphones for each of the drums in the kit
8-20 Stereo overhead microphones One or more microphones on each of the drums in the kit Microphones positioned close to each group of cymbals

What kind of microphone do I need for drums?

Beyond that, the

SM57

has long been the go-to microphone for snare drums. For toms, Sennheiser 421 dynamics are extremely prevalent. And the Electro-Voice RE20, the AKG D12 and D112, and the Shure Beta 52A, all of which are dynamic mics, are common models for miking bass drums.

Do you need drum mics?

Miking up a drum kit on stage

isn’t always necessary or possible

in small venues. However, if the size of the room and the PA system can handle it, even a single mic on the kick drum can really contribute to the live mix.

Can you use one mic for drums?

Believe it or not, you

can totally get away

with recording drums with one microphone! Even though we’re accustomed to close miking each piece of the kit in order to get the biggest, punchiest sound we can, that isn’t always the result.

Do you need an overhead mic for drums?

The overheads are

the unifying element in any drum sound

. Don’t think of them as cymbal mics, but more as “everything” mics. If placed correctly, the overheads will capture the entire drum kit, in phase and with the same basic frequency balance and tone.

How many inputs do I need to record drums?

  1. Drum Microphones (Preferably 8 or More)
  2. Mic Stands and Cables.
  3. An 8 Input (or More) Audio Interface.
  4. Bonus: A Tuning Key.
  5. Bonus: A Good Room.
  6. Bonus: Acoustic Treatment.
  7. A WARNING.

How do you mic a drum with 2 mics?

Using just

two microphones

is a perfectly valid approach for tracking drums, especially if you are looking to capture the drums exactly as they sound in the room.

Can I use a condenser mic to record drums?

If you only have two channels to record an entire kit… The two mics you undoubtedly use are a pair of overhead/room mics… Since their purpose is to provide a balanced stereo image of the drum kit as-a-whole. The standard choice for room mics is a

matched pair of condenser mics

(either large or small).

Can you record drums with a condenser mic?

One of the more abstract microphone placements to record drums with one microphones involves placing the microphone approximately 10 feet in front of the kit. … From this far away, the only type of microphone I recommend is

condenser

.

How do you record drums without a mic?

Miking up a drum kit on stage isn’

t always necessary

or possible in small venues. However, if the size of the room and the PA system can handle it, even a single mic on the kick drum can really contribute to the live mix. … They tend to be more rugged and better able to handle the peaks produced by drums.

Where do you put drum overheads?

Position the

mics low above the cymbals

to remove emphasis from the rest of the kit. Position them at a higher elevation for a more balanced sound. The farther apart you position the microphones, the wider your stereo image will become.

How do you make an overhead mic for drums?

The Importance of the Overhead Mics

The overheads are

the unifying element in any drum sound

. Don’t think of them as cymbal mics, but more as “everything” mics. If placed correctly, the overheads will capture the entire drum kit, in phase and with the same basic frequency balance and tone.

What are the general purpose of OH mics on a drum set?

They are used in

drum recording to achieve a stereo image of the full drum kit, as well as orchestral recording to create a balanced stereo recording of full orchestras

.

What is the best way to record drums?

  1. Tune your drum kit. Any recording engineer will tell you that the most important element to a great-sounding recording is a great-sounding instrument. …
  2. Mic the kick drum. …
  3. Mic the snare drum. …
  4. Set up overhead microphones. …
  5. Mic more individual drums (optional). …
  6. Set a preamp and compression sound.

What equipment is needed for drumming?

Drummers should be well equipped with a

drum kit

, a cymbal set, necessary hardware, drumsticks and hearing protection. In addition to these basic necessities there are several aids to help make life easier.

How can I make my recorded drums sound good?

  1. Tune your drum kit. Any recording engineer will tell you that the most important element to a great-sounding recording is a great-sounding instrument. …
  2. Mic the kick drum. …
  3. Mic the snare drum. …
  4. Set up overhead microphones. …
  5. Mic more individual drums (optional). …
  6. Set a preamp and compression sound.
Leah Jackson
Author
Leah Jackson
Leah is a relationship coach with over 10 years of experience working with couples and individuals to improve their relationships. She holds a degree in psychology and has trained with leading relationship experts such as John Gottman and Esther Perel. Leah is passionate about helping people build strong, healthy relationships and providing practical advice to overcome common relationship challenges.