Home Studio Drum Miking Setup - Shure SM57

[kiteboarder]

I'm going with the standard Shure SM57 microphones for all the drums and overheads in my home studio. The only exception would be a Shure Beta 52A for the kick. Am I on the right track??

[thesilentdrummer]

Yah, that sounds pretty good. The only suggestion I would make is getting condensers for overheads - they generally handle the high end of cymbals better (the 57 kinda rolls off in the upper frequencies). Maybe some MXL stuff??

good choices though. The SM57 is a good utility mic that sounds great on just about anything (especially drums).

[.tom]

yes but, use a set of these msh1's 4 ur oheds, clik. and don't let the price put u off -these mics outperform most sdc pencil mics.. they are condensor mics, which are best suited 4 stereo ohed capture of drums.. actually, 57's are a terriffic choice for close miking drums so, ur good there. the only change up would be having pg56's and of course, md421's as alternates 4 close miking tom toms. i'd choose the beta 91 for kik... it's twice the mic 4 $30 more..

[kiteboarder]

Thanks for the input, I'll look into condensers for overheads. I'll check out the beta 91 as well...

[dhassay]

just last night i did a comparison between my shure beta 57 and a audio technica atm25. the atm25 is discontinued so if you can get one i suggest you jump on it.
i was able to get a usabe bass drum with the beta 57 but it took alot more eq than i like to use but it was at least usable.
the atm25 has alot more bottom end and didnt need as much eq. it had more of the kick you in the gut feel.
i suggest that you stay away from the akg d112. most people are split, they either say you must have it for bass drums and the other half say dont buy it. for me it was muddy without a good attack (clik).

[.tom]

the audix d6 has the modern metal thud/clik sound if ur wanting that. it's limiting tho, it's not very flexible beyond that sound.

[brandondrury]

choose the beta 91 for kik...

I always just assumed that getting kick drum sounds was relatively straight forward. Then I tried a few other mics and realized that the Beta 91 kicks major ass. When I was at the Michael Wagener workshop he said, "You want to know the secret to my massive kick drum sound?". He grabbed his 91 and sat it in the middle of the kick drum. DONE!

I've always wanted to use 57s for overheads. I never seem to think of it until it's too late. I could see them being awesome in situations where I don't want any boom in the overheads.

MSH-1 Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone

I've never heard of these. I always love finding robo cheap mics that have their secret uses.




Brandon

[kiteboarder]

Beta 91, huh? From your description sounds like the mic I need. I've been busy with other aspects of the studio that I've left this on hold. I'm busy with the software, interface, etc,etc.

Hehe, yesterday I recorded this (below) through my iSight cam and a SM57 through a Line 6 Toneport. There was no intention of it sounding any good, as I was just experimenting for possible setups for online lessons. Check it out...

YouTube - Fiddling Around on my Drums

[brandondrury]

Is that a DW kit? Is so, my buddy has the EXACT same one. Interesting.

Check it out...

Your playing seams really solid, dude!

What drum were you using for that alarm clock sound?

[kiteboarder]

Hehe. I wish it were DW! The kit's new actually, but it's a Gretsch Catalina Club Mod. Since I'm spending so much money on the other studio gear, I couldn't afford spending too much on drums. Luckily, I ran across this kit a few months ago online. I was very skeptical thinking, "How can such a cheap kit sound any good!" Well, I had the chance to try one out at guitar center, and I instantly bought it! I got the shell kit for only $438, including tax. I'm blown away with the sound of this kit. I mean, I've played drums before that are 3 times more than this and don't sound as good.

Thanks for the kudos on the drumming!