steel drums help

[wattchmann]

what is the best way to record steel drums....and what type of microphone should you use.

[whomper]

for what use

live stereo or multitrack to mix from

probably an LDC figure in in a midside arrangement

get too close you may be hearing handslaps and not just the drums

[garageband]

In what context? As a solo instrument, I'd go with a nice SDC. LDC have a tendency to go klunk on sources like this. If it's part of a mix with any complexity at all, a nice dynamic mic like an SM57 or such might be good, as they are somewhat compressive by nature. Ironic, a "dynamic" mic is a less dynamic in it's reproduction.

[boo]

Originally Posted by whomper

get too close you may be hearing handslaps and not just the drums

Interesting since they're not played with hands.

I would second garageband, you might have to try a few mics to see what works best. Have you already tried something and had it not work out?

[whomper]

Originally Posted by boo

Interesting since they're not played with hands.

I would second garageband, you might have to try a few mics to see what works best. Have you already tried something and had it not work out?

well......

been to the islands 5 times
but only once did i bother with the music at the hotel
which they forced on you during dinner

in our hotel the guy did play with his hands
the night we had to listen cause we ate there

go figure

[whomper]

Originally Posted by garageband

In what context? As a solo instrument, I'd go with a nice SDC. LDC have a tendency to go klunk on sources like this. If it's part of a mix with any complexity at all, a nice dynamic mic like an SM57 or such might be good, as they are somewhat compressive by nature. Ironic, a "dynamic" mic is a less dynamic in it's reproduction.

i envisioned it as part of a small ensemble

when we saw it at our hotel
they did not do any solos on the steel drums

sdc could be good for a smaller drum
the ones we saw were large and had more low freqs

[garageband]

I think most assume this is the sort of music from these instruments. I can imagine in a supper club, they might be played with the hands to cut down that natural racket. But as far as mics go, treat them like cymbals.