- 10 -
Recording drums
• There are various ways to record drum kits. Single
mics ‘overhead’, multiple mics (X/Y or spaced pair)
or multiple mics close to individual drums and
cymbals (‘close miking’).
• To record a kit using a single microphone we
suggest that you begin by placing the mic above
the direct centre of the kit at the same height as
the kit is wide (see below), with the front of the
microphone (gold dot) facing down.
• To record a kit using two overhead microphones
they should be placed at a similar height to the
single technique and, depending on the kit size,
approximately 1-2m (3-6’) apart. The mics should
generally be equi-distant from the snare drum.
• To record a kit using a matched pair of
microphones in X/Y stereo technique, the
microphones should be placed in the location of
the single mic technique, with the front of each
microphone (gold dot) pointing down and at an
angle of 90 - 110 degrees to each other.
Drum kit width =
x
Ideal mic position
X
Id
e
a
l m
ic h
e
ig
h
t =
x
