How to Mic Drums

Micing drums for a recording or live show can often be as important to the overall sound quality as the drums or drummer. A good microphone setup can result in a great concert or recording, while poor mic placement can put a damper on any performance. With the right equipment and a little knowledge, micing drums can be done quickly and properly every time.

Things You'll Need

• Snare Mic and Stand Tom Mic and Stand Kick Drum Mic and Stand 2 Overhead Mics and Stands 5 mic cables

Instructions

1. Insert the snare mic into the snare mic stand. Attach the mic stand to the center of the snare drum at its furthest point from the drum stool. Make sure the mic is pointing down towards the drum head.

2. Insert the tom mic into the tom mic stand and attach it to the to outside rim of the tom. Again, make sure the mic is pointed down towards the drum head.

3. Insert the kick drum mic into the kick drum mic stand. Place the mic stand 2 to 3 inches in front of the kick drum with the mic facing the drum set.

4. Insert the 2 overhead mics into the overhead mic stands. Place each overhead mic stand 5 to 7 feet away from the front corners of the drum set. Make sure that the overhead mics are facing down, and are 3 to 5 feet above the drum set.

5. Insert the female end of each mic cable into the male end of each of the 5 microphones.

6. Insert the male end of each of the 5 mic cables into the appropriate slot in the mixer, or recording device, being used.

Tips & Warnings

• To get more ambient room sound in the mix, place the overhead mics 8 to 10 feet away from the drums. The fewer microphones being used the easier it will be to get the "natural" sound of the drums in the mix.

Resources

• Where to Buy Drum Mics and Cables