The Finest Microphones for Drum Recording. ·
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Kenny Eliason / Unsplash / beyerdynamic
Have to seize drums? We’re taking a look at the very best microphones for drum recording in numerous environments. We’ll talk about the fundamentals, and take a look at a number of the instruments greatest fitted to the job.
For those who’re fortunate sufficient to have an area the place you possibly can file drums on an uninterrupted foundation, it helps to know which mics will go well with the method you’d wish to take.
That are the very best microphones for drum recording?
Earlier than even having a set of well-tuned drums, the drummer is by far an important a part of getting a great drum sound. The flexibility to strike the skins appropriately and articulate dynamics in a recording surroundings, ought to by no means be taken as a right.
With out nice drummers like Dave Grohl and Josh Freese, lots of the data that we love couldn’t have been made in fairly the identical manner. So get this proper earlier than you think about your room, drum package, and microphone strategies.
For those who’re confronted with a less-than-ideal recording area, do what you possibly can to dampen the drums. In the meantime, utilizing absorbers and diffusers will enable you to management the room’s reflectivity.
In excessive instances, shut miking might be the one answer for capturing a professional drum sound. So hold the music manufacturing course of in thoughts, and take a look at to consider the area you’d like your drums to occupy in your combine.
Shure SM57
The SM57 is among the most utilitarian recording instruments ever produced, with the flexibility to get nice outcomes on virtually any supply. It’s been the trade normal snare drum mic for many years and in addition does extraordinarily effectively on bongos, congas, and different percussion devices.
As a result of it’s a low-output mic, you will get extraordinarily shut even on loud sources, which additionally makes it simple to gate any noise or undesirable reflections. The 57 is thought for its detailed midrange and pleasing high-frequency copy, and can simply stick out the combination with out an excessive amount of processing.
Shure SM57.
Sennheiser MD-421
The MD-421 is famend because the go-to tom mic, and the unique model remains to be wanted right now. Relying on what you’re after, you will get a terrific drum sound with shut miking or pulling the mics again barely and letting your preamp transformers earn their hold.
The 421 is an especially versatile mic which you can additionally use to seize speech, amp cupboards, brass devices, and lots of different sorts of sources.
Sennheiser MD412-II
Electro-Voice RE20
Though principally referred to as a broadcast and vocal mic, the RE20 has incredible off-axis cancellation, and its frequency vary makes it a extremely nice selection as a kick drum microphone.
As soon as once more, the benefit of low-output mics means you will get shut and seize a pleasant spherical sound with loads of punch and readability, with out having to do an excessive amount of post-production afterwards.
Electro-Voice RE20.
Beyerdynamic M160
For those who solely have one mic to seize a complete package, the M160 is a wonderful selection. Its double ribbon design lets you naturally mix the transients with the atmosphere in a uniquely pleasing manner, particularly when compression is added.
The M160 reached legendary standing, because the mic that captured the long-lasting John Bonham drum sound throughout the recording of Led Zepellin IV at Headley Grange in Hampshire, UK.
Whether or not you employ the M160 in a mono or stereo configuration, carrying headphones whereas carrying the mic across the room will enable you to uncover the best place in your recording.
Beyerdynamic M160.
AKG C214
Stereophonic overhead miking is an artwork type by itself. So if you happen to don’t have a lot area or price range to work with, you may wish to strive an XY method with a pair of small-diaphragm mics. Nonetheless, if you happen to do have extra atmosphere to seize, a large-diaphragm mic just like the AKG C214 can do wonders in wider overhead configurations.
The C214 makes use of the 1-inch gold-coated double diaphragm capsule primarily based on the basic design AKG is known for. With wealthy element throughout the frequency spectrum and easy excessive frequencies, you’ll have the ability to seize drums, percussion, acoustic guitar, vocal teams, and instrumental ensembles.
AKG C214.
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Picture Sources:
- Shure SM57.: Shure
- Sennheiser MD412-II: Sennheiser
- Electro-Voice RE20.: Electro-Voice
- Beyerdynamic M160.: beyerdynamic
- AKG C214.: AKG C214
