Tom Mics

[Eschatologist]

Having a hell of a time getting great tom sounds (yeah, I know I gotta spend more time getting the toms to sound great to, that's in progress as well), but I am definitely looking for a solid set of mics for the toms, preferably to clip on...despite the vibration flaws, space is at a premium so I think it's worth the sacrifice. I know MD421s are the holy grail of tom tones, but I'm thinking maybe the Senn e904s are the next best thing? My buddy also suggested EV PL35s as an enconomical option, also suggesting their cymbal rejection is better.

Any thoughts?

 

[Loren Littlejohn]

To be honest I think the D2/D4 setup sounds just as good as MD421s.


I personally use a couple of sm57s (racks 10"/12") and D112s (floors 16"/18") and think the setup sounds great.

Unfortunately, no experience with the 904s.

 

[Eschatologist]

Thanks for the input. After doing some reading, alot of people are expressing preference for the D series over the Senns for metal, and a scooped-sounding tom is definitely the sound I want. The upgraded clamps look good as well. I also like the fact they are hypercardioid...I need as much rejection as I can get.

 

[JeffTD]

I like the D2 on rack toms but the D6 kills the D4 on floor toms and the D4 sounds like shit on rack toms.

 

[KHE]

^complete oppotiste for me... d4s for all toms, really started to dislike the muddy d2.

 

[crillemannen]

And i recommend what i always recommend.. AudioTechnica ATM450. Greatest tom mic ever!

 

[Heabow]

^ Bought a pair of ATM450s, I just did a few quick tests and they sound really good. A bit afraid of the bleed in real situation tho.
To the OP: I'm currently selling a D2 if you need one

 

[crillemannen]

^ Bought a pair of ATM450s, I just did a few quick tests and they sound really good. A bit afraid of the bleed in real situation tho.
To the OP: I'm currently selling a D2 if you need one

It sounds so great on snare but that's usually where the HH will bleed into the mic to much, but you get the same problem with an sm57.

It wont bleed to much if the drummer plays good and don't have an weird setup of cymbals.

 

[Heabow]

I think I will make little isolation panels with foam to reduce cymbal bleed. But the good thing is that this mic has a good amount of attack naturally so there is less need to boost high end later on.

 

[Trevoire520]

As far as dynamic's go the E604 is my favourite tom mic, I prefer it over the 904. D112 is cool on floor toms too. I haven't tried the Audix stuff though.

I generally prefer condensers though, CAD M179 or Studio Projects B3 are both great.

 

[TiagoAlves]

D2 on rack and D4 on floor works for me

 

[MartijnPaauwe]

Definitely Audix! Still loving mine to bits, also don't exclude Audio Technica ATM25, killer as well

 

[Loren Littlejohn]

CAD M179

You know, this isn't the first time I have heard this. I was shown the difference between a set of those and a set of MD421 mics and I can honestly say they were easily just as good surprisingly.

Not exactly a small mic though.

 

[Eschatologist]

I think I will make little isolation panels with foam to reduce cymbal bleed. But the good thing is that this mic has a good amount of attack naturally so there is less need to boost high end later on.

That's exactly why I'm considering it

 

[Eschatologist]

It wont bleed to much if the drummer plays good and don't have an weird setup of cymbals.

Unfortunately I have both the above problems haha. I'm trying to get my drummer to work on his technique when recording, and his kit is often tightly-packed. Space is also a premium in my little project room, so I will be going with clamps at least for the 2 rack toms.

 

[Delitzsch]

I've had experiences with techs using different mics on the toms and I prefer the MD421. Kind of cliche, but it sounds the best IMHO.

 

[Eschatologist]

I've had experiences with techs using different mics on the toms and I prefer the MD421. Kind of cliche, but it sounds the best IMHO.

Me too, but like I said, space and cash is a premium (particularly the space). I need best bang (pun intended) for the smaller footprint.

 

[Studdy]

I still like sm57 on toms, I never really run across any bigger than 16 inch toms and I find I can use proximity effect to get enough to low end on bigger toms. What I came to to realize is that soloed a thunderous tom sound amazing but come mix time I find the 57 has just the right amount of low end for me. I also will use a d112 if I want more lows. I prefer to have all the toms micd the same for a uniform sound.

 

[Delitzsch]

Me too, but like I said, space and cash is a premium (particularly the space). I need best bang (pun intended) for the smaller footprint.

Sorry, didn't see the part where you were looking for clip-ons. In that case, I'd check out the Sennheiser e604 mics. Very nice sounding.

 

[KillFrenzy]

If you need clip-ons, E604 FTW. Otherwise, CAD M179