question: Improving crash cymbals attack on overhead mics

[mumazza]

Anyone has a tip for improving the crash cymbal attack on oh mics?
In my recording, the crashs seem to be "exploding" a little after the drums bass or snare. I need more power on them.

One more extra doubt (that's easier): Do you use to add some reverb effect on the oh mics?

Thanks

 

[theblackmoon]

Try compressing it, be sure that your attack time makes the whole thing more punchy and not the other way around. Also, you should try some side-chaining using you BD as key input. And maybe next time use diferent cymbals and maybe heavier drum sticks.

 

[BassTard]

Compression may help. Another suggestion would be a dynamic EQ. Try the Demo of the Voxengo GlissEQ or CQ-1 and DQ-1 by Sonalksis. And there is this nice little freeware plug:

http://www.platinumears.com/

 

[mumazza]

Thanks, I'll try it.

I already had put compression before, but I think I can manage it better.

 

[TheDude]

In that case: Less compression, higher threshold, and slower attack.

 

[colonel kurtz]

^bingo

remember that too fast of an attack with the compressor will KILL your transients!

transients = punch

slow attack por vida!

 

[botus99]

hmmm, speaking of transients; anyone think Waves Trans-X would work good on cymbals?

 

[TheDude]

I'd say no to that. If you want the snare to pop out: yes.

 

[botus99]

fair enough

 

[Slate]

I'd start with eq before you go messing with the dynamics. Whack some 2k, I mean slam it like 8 db till your hearing a shitload of that crash in your brain let alone your eardrum. Then back it down a bit, referencing with the rest of the mix. If you need to, throw a compressor after that eq whack and squish it with a mediumish attack and medium release which will smooth it a bit because after a huge eq whack it'll need it. Let me know how that works.

 

[mumazza]

I'd start with eq before you go messing with the dynamics. Whack some 2k, I mean slam it like 8 db till your hearing a shitload of that crash in your brain let alone your eardrum. Then back it down a bit, referencing with the rest of the mix. If you need to, throw a compressor after that eq whack and squish it with a mediumish attack and medium release which will smooth it a bit because after a huge eq whack it'll need it. Let me know how that works.

very insteresting idea, Slate. Thanks!
I'll try it later, and tell you all.