• Single Mic.
Using a single mic, the best you can attain is some sense of balance between the
individual drums, along with the amount of room reflection versus pure drums. Using a boom, try
angling a cardioid mic toward the kit at about 6 feet off the ground and about one foot in front or
behind the kit. Alternately, place the mic four feet above the center of the kit. If you desire more
room sound, try pointing the mic directly at the kit at a distance of about eight feet and auditioning
both cardioid and omni patterns.
• Two Mics.
Several techniques are available using two mics. If you have a matched pair, try an X-Y
pattern about three feet directly above the kit. Alternately, place the matched mics level with the
drummer s ears and facing forward about four to eight inches on either side of his/her head. (The
drummer s head actually acts as a form of baffle in this technique.) If you do not have a matched
pair, try placing the one with the larger diaphragm inside the kick drum and the other on a boom
about two feet over the rest of the kit.
• Three Mics.
Where only three mics are available, two main techniques are favored. The first is a
hybrid of the aforementioned dual-mic techniques where one mic is placed inside the kick and the
other two form an X-Y several feet above the kit.The other is to mic the kick and snare separately
along with one overhead. (See individual close-miking techniques for more information.)
• Four Mics.
The use of four mics begins to open the possibilities for professional results. Place
individual mics on the kick and snare, then use a matched pair in X-Y configuration for stereo
overheads. (See the information on individual close-miking techniques for more information.)
29
Choosing & Using Microphones
6'
Three different approaches to miking
a drum kit with two mics
When only three mics are available for
drums, try featuring the kick and snare,
capturing the rest with a single overhead
6'
Four mics provide for featuring the kick and snare,
while capturing the rest of the kit with a stereo
X-Y configuration
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