Something different for a change: drum overhead mic samples!

[Daunt]

Ok, I have three pairs of different small-diaphragm condencers here:

http://www.arthor.fi/studio/overheads/

The recording chain was Samson S-phantom -> Tascam M-308 (Direct Out) -> RME AEB8-I -> Cubase SX3 (24 bit/44,1 kHz).

Which ones do you prefer?

 

[Frank'nfurter]

where did you place them??? right above the china and the hihat?
China and hihat are to much outstanding for overheads.

But about your question: go for the 2nd pair.

 

[black sugar]

I'm listening on crappy Sound Blaster speakers at work with a lot of background noise so I can't tell much differerence between the clips.

But I can tell that it sounds like the drummer is barely hitting the cymbals.

They're pretty washy and distant until he gets to china city.

How did you position the overheads?

 

[Glenn Fricker]

put a muting ring on the snare.


as for cymbal sound, i'd go with #1 or #3. #2 sounds like #2.

 

[Daunt]

The room is so small and low that it's hard to get good balance between the mics. The placing was pretty normal AB. Maybe I should try XY. And yes, these samples were played too softly.

 

[Frank'nfurter]

#2 sounds like #2.

Oz?

 

[Glenn Fricker]

Oz?

North American joke.... #2 is a 'bathroom code' parents use for 'shit.'

 

[Frank'nfurter]

stange...

 

[militantmandy]

Sounds ok to me. I'd go with 2. the snare sounded excellent, I would leave it right alone. The china is horrible though! Overally, I think the drummer is using fairly heavy cymbals and not hitting hard enough to really open them up.

Really though, what kind of china is that? It's awful!

 

[Daunt]

Overally, I think the drummer is using fairly heavy cymbals and not hitting hard enough to really open them up.

You are right about this.

Really though, what kind of china is that? It's awful!

It's Paiste 2000 (18"). Damn good china but positioned wrong.

 

[Frank'nfurter]

can you do one or two pics of the drums with the mics. Specialy the overs.
So we can see upcoming probs.

 

[KeithRT99]

i think they were all useable if the drummer hits harder on the cymbals, and you mute that snare alittle. the 3rd was probably the best in my opinion, but they are all pretty similar.

 

[cobhc]

North American joke.... #2 is a 'bathroom code' parents use for 'shit.'

not just north american man, we use it over here in the uk as well

 

[Daunt]

can you do one or two pics of the drums with the mics. Specialy the overs.
So we can see upcoming probs.

It's not possible because the drumset is not in the studio anymore. These samples were done just for the sake of comparison.

 

[Frank'nfurter]

Ah ok. I thought you just start tracking your new album.

 

[Daunt]

Thank you all for your input! Here's a list of mics used and their list price (for a pair):

1. sE Electronics SE3, 525 €
2. Sontronics STC-1S, 430 €
3. Rode NT5, 389 €

I already own the NT5's but I need a second pair of SD condencers. I'm going to test some more mics later but at the moment my favorite is SE3. It also has nice shockmounts included. I'm suprised that so many of you liked the Sontronics.

http://www.seelectronics.com
http://www.sontronics.com
http://www.rodemicrophones.com