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Miking a drum kit is all about knowledge and experience. Getting good results is hard work. As a minimum microphone setup we recommend to position two cardioid condenser microphones such as AKG C 414 B-XLS 32 to 48 inches (80 to 120 cm) above the drummer’s head. If your budget permits, you can use this overhead pair for the cymbals only, cutting frequencies below 1 kHz on the EQ, and mic up the various drums individually as follows: Hanging and floor toms: Place the microphones very close to the perimeter of the head.
Snare: Place the microphone extremely close-in, 1.2 to 2 inches (3 to 5 cm) above the top head. You may perhaps use an extra microphone directed at the snares from below, making sure to reverse its polarity.
Hi-hat: Use a hypercardioid small-diaphragm microphone pointing away from the snare drum. Bass drum: Make sure to switch the preattenuation pad in (sound pressure levels may be as high as 160 dB SPL). Remove the front head and place the microphone inside the shell. The further you place the mic away from the rear head, the fatter the sound will be. Directing the microphone exactly at the point where the beater strikes the head may be less desirable as this will produce a dry click with virtually no bass content. |
