Week 8 Audio Arts - Drum Recording

We recorded the in-house drumkit in two different multi-track configurations. I roughly processed the tracks because I decided that as this was usual for drums, it would help me compare the possible results for each setup better.

Configuration 1: Mic Everything

Overheads: U87s (cardoid) spaced pair

Kick: 2 beta52s in hole and on skin

Snare: SM57 top angled 45˙, beta57 bottom

Hi Tom: Beta56

Mid and Low toms: md421s

Hi Hat:NT5

Room: AKG C414 (omni) in corner of room

• Soft, polished sound 
• Wide stereo spread
• Seperated elements
• Reasonably natural
• Room mic adds depth and body to snare
• The kick does not have very much definition in slap, maybe too much air movement
  
• Imaging of overheads perhaps a little unstable. Maybe too much separation of mics
• Probably better for most modern, commercial pop/rock

Configuration 2: 3 Mic Setup

1 U87 in omni high over the kit

SM57 12ish cm from the snare facing inwards

Beta52 about a foot back from the kick

• Low-fi but present tone
• Kick sounds huge and natural and snare cuts nicely, though toms are not very loud or defined. 
• Kit elements less separated due to further-away mics and no stereo panning
• Kick and snare can be mixed quite loud while keeping the kit homogenous. Important elements get priority.
• Mono makes drums more compact so they could fit nicely into a mix without dominating
  
• Nice natural ambience from omni overhead
• Maybe useful for more vintage production styles or to sample in electronic pieces

Note: Sorry about the excessive bass - I mixed these on cans