Drum mic's

[Razorjack]

I need some help choosing some mic's for a drum recording session next week. I have the kick, snare and overheads covered but we need to hire mics for the hi-hat, 2 roto-toms, 3 rack toms and a floor tom, maybe even a ride mic.

I've been looking at hiring some MD421's (maybe a couple of e609's for the roto-toms) for the toms but I have no idea what to use on the ride and hi-hat. In the past I've had good results using an AKG C-1000 on the hi-hat but I was wondering what you guys would use.

 

[Brett - K A L I S I A]

I use AKG C-451 for the ride and hat, I'm very happy with them. You'd be fine with a Shure SM-81 as well.

 

[elmuchoescadawg]

AKG c451s are great as are Shure SM81s. Having said that a cheaper alternative that Ive been getting good results from recently is the SE Electronic SE3s for ride and hi hats.

 

[Impy]

I've used AKG C451 on hihat with great results. But i think a C1000 would work as well.
Lots if people seem to like the c414 on ride, i've never tried it myself, and maybe there's no budget for one of those...?

 

[Razorjack]

Thanks guys, I'll look into the C-451, any other options for the tom's other than the one's I'm already looking at (MD421, e609)?

 

[elmuchoescadawg]

I really like the e604s. Could be cos ive been using them for years though.

 

[Brett - K A L I S I A]

Besides the classic SM57, MD421 and e609 (you should try the e604 by the way), maybe you could try a condenser on the toms as well (like Audio Technica ATM-35), never done it but if you have the possibility to, why not give it a try...

 

[elmuchoescadawg]

If your feeling rich a friend of mine uses C414s on the toms. Id only ever do that with a drummer i trusted. Or for making samples. The same guy has also been raving about the new Audix drum mics.

 

[Frank'nfurter]

Last recording session i tried AKG 419 hypercardioid (the little goosenecks) for ride and hihat in lack of microphones. Belive it or not, the results was awesome.

 

[Herman_theGerman]

try the Shure BETA57 for the toms, that will do the trick!

 

[Matt Crooks]

For toms I've never had bad luck with the 421s. Also, the EV N/D 457 is nice, but can be a bit muddy.

For hats and ride the KM-154 is awesome, as is the Royer 121/122.

 

[Skaldir]

Thanks guys, I'll look into the C-451, any other options for the tom's other than the one's I'm already looking at (MD421, e609)?

Sennheiser MD 441 are great on toms. If you can hire them, do it.

 

[Exsanguis]

For toms other than the 421 and the e609, I'd recommend the ATM25, MD441, or the Audix D2 or D4. For the hihat, I'd recommend the AKG 451, Shure SM7, or Neumann KM84. For ride, I'd recommend those three mics as well as the 414 or even a 57(sometimes is really nice). Have fun.

 

[metalkingdom]

57's and 421's rule for toms. KM84 or 451 for hat. 414 is a great choice for ride. I'd stay away from the C1000...


Like KALISIA suggested, the AKG clip-on condensers are good for toms, too.

 

[Razorjack]

I think I might try two ATM-35's on the roto-toms, with MD421's for the rack & floor toms and two KM84's for the ride and hi-hat.

For a week it will cost £120 for all the mics, which I think is reasonable when you take into account the fact that a single MD421 costs around £200 to buy.

 

[Glenn Fricker]

With toms there's many choices....

the 421 of course,
but there's also the e604
Audix i5
Sm57
ATM 25


For the hats, try the Oktava Mk012

 

[Razorjack]

Argh...I can't get hold of the ATM-35's by next week, has anyone got any experience with SM57's on roto-toms?

 

[Exsanguis]

The 57's won't sound bad, but you'll probably have to do some more in depth eqing to bring out any kind of depth to them. They can work, but it takes more effort.

 

[unsilpauly]

the 421's are great on toms for sure. i use them at a studio i work at. at my studio ive been using the i5s on toms and they work pretty good i must say. but if you can get the 421's im sure they wont fail you, they are definetly a safe bet for toms.

 

[Disconnekt]

+1 for 421s on the toms... I just love the way they sound. For hats, I've had good results with the AudioTechnica AT4041. I've never had enough available inputs to put a mic on the ride before, though, so can't help with that.