Conga mic?

[slapinandpopin78]

we are going to be recording a jam kind of song soon, and the band is planning on using conga, how would u guys mic the conga

placment info, type of mic, and anything else helpfull

thanks in advance,
andy

[brandondrury]

It depends on what the song calls for really.

If we wanted more attack, I'd probably use a small diaphram condenser mic. If we didn't like that, I'd probably toss up a 57, 421, AKG 414, or Royer R121 and see who won.

It's so hard to predict without being there and hearing the song and hearing the conga drum.

Brandon

[Bushman_212]

Congas are made to be played in pairs, i wouldn't recomend playing with one. Secondly, one mic is almost always used to record them. Placed between the 2. The idea is that the congas "dance" together when played, and they resonate immensely. The "open air/open room" problem would really come into effect even in a dead room.

[brandondrury]

The "open air/open room" problem

What is this? I've never heard of it.

Brandon

[Middleman]

Do you want em fat or thin?

If you want them thin in the background a pair of even Oktava 012s placed L&R about 2 feet off the rims works. Any small condenser pair works. Good for a dense mix.

If you want more of the barrel than a single condenser? midway between the bottom and top, in the center of the congas (usually works best with wooden floors for the bounce). This works for a sparse mix where the congas are the primary rhythm instrument.

[brandondrury]

Great post, dude!

I've recorded a few Jembes in my day and to get maximum low end impact, I mic'd the bottom of the Jembe with a Shure SM 91 and tossed whatever on the top. The top was the "thin" part and the bottom was the cock n balls.