How to Align Overhead Mics for Drum Recording

The overhead microphones are often considered the basis for the sound of the drum kit as a whole. I tend to agree. The placement of the mics are very important to the execution of the desired sound. I will offer insight into obtaining an accurate representation of your drum kit.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• 2 condenser mics
• Drum kit
• Recording studio

1. The first step to achieving a great snapshot of the drums is to understand the "sound" of the room in which you are recording. Because all rooms have different dimensions and construction materials, no mic setup will work for every application.
2. Once you have determined the best location for the drums, you can now have the drummer set up his kit. After the kit is set up you can begin to arrange the mics. One personal pet peeve of mine is the method of placing the mics equidistant of the kit. I prefer to place them in relation to the center of the kit. I generally use the snare drum as my "center" from which I will arrange the mics. This makes it much easier to obtain a balance with the kit.
3. Determining the proper height of the mics is dependent upon the drummer's dynamic. If he is playing a rock track that is really slamming, then you'll probably want to move the mics well above the crash cymbals. If the drummer is playing lighter, then it is possible to move them down lower. One thing to remember is that the sound pressure level (SPL) will build up and be distributed throughout the room. If the room is small, then the SPL will build faster than that of a larger room. This needs to be considered when placing the mics.
4. The width of the mics is equally important a factor as the height. Much of this is an aesthetic decision based upon how much room sound or ambience you wish to capture. One of my preferences for modern pop/rock mic placement is that once the mics are in place I tend to slowly point them away from the snare drum. I want them to take a picture of the kit, while ensuring that the snare drum is less prevalent. This makes it much easier for me to blend the snare mic once it's ready to be mixed.