Capturing a great drum kit recording is a challenge, even for the most experienced engineers. If many inputs, preamps, and microphones are available to you, it might be helpful to use a complex mic setup to capture all elements of the kit well. But what if you only have one microphone? What if you only have a simple 1 or 2 channel audio interface? Do you need to go out and buy a bunch of new equipment to record good drums? Not necessarily.
Today’s video covers just one of the ways you can get a balanced and punchy drum kit recording using only one microphone. As you may have guessed, where you place it is key. Let’s take a look…
[The following is a clip from my REthink Drums video tutorial series]
Comments
I’ve been recording drums for 20+ years Graham… I’ve never thought about putting the mic there… sounds really good too!
I’ll be trying that next time!
Man, you think outside the box… way outside… I love it.
Thanks Kevin! I never thought it would work…but it does!
Good stuff Graham, so glad I could help with these videos! Can’t wait to check out the full boot camp!
Hi Graham
very intersting. What polar pattern did you use?
Cardioid.
Graham that was AWESOME! Next time someone ask me “dude you know how to mic up drums?” I am going to say “SURE DO”, and when they see I use one mic and get great results at first they are going to think I am crazy but then when they hear it They are going to flip their wigs lol That is so simple without miking up every freaking drum in a kit. Thanks
I really loved this video! Thanks.
[...] be honest, you don’t need a ton of mics and preamps to capture a kit well. In fact you really only need one mic to do it justice! Today, though, I want to show you one of my favorite techniques, the Recorderman [...]
[...] mics like the above mentioned overheads in phase, but the infinitely easier option is to simply use one mic instead. You will get a nice full and rich sound of your drum overhead and have no phase issues whatsoever. [...]
Woah – that’s awesome! Thanks for sharing bro. Will definitely have a crack – here’s to keeping things simple….
Cheers
tom
I’m about to watch this video for the first time so I might be jumping the gun by asking this question, but wouldn’t drums normally be recorded in stereo? If they are recorded in Mono then how will they sound full?
I will watch the video and I might be retracting this question…. I hope
Drums haven’t always been recorded in stereo. In fact a mono drum sound can be great for being focused and clear in the mix. But yes, this won’t be a stereo recording.
Panned Center?
Yes. Just pan it center and you’re good to go!
I watched it,although its absolutely brilliant, my question still stands.
Based off of my first question, If I wanted to get the drums in stereo, would you recommend one mic the way you showed and an overhead? Or somewhere else?
Great drumming! that’s also the key.