In this tutorial series for Production Expert, Drummer James Ivey continues to build on his drum kit recording rig.  In this video, James adds an under-snare mic and Tom Tom mics to increase control and flexibility when it comes to the mix. 

The under Snare mic helps to add some sizzle to the drum sound. The mic, in this case, a Sontronics DM-1S is pointed directly at the center of the resonator head about 3 or 4 inches away.  The most important thing to know about this mic is that it has been phase inverted on the recording interface. This is to make sure it is in phase with the snare drum top head mic. 

James also talks about the Remo snare drum dampening system which he is using on the top head to control the snare drum tone. He demonstrates tones both with and without and talks a little about his ideas when it comes to dampening other elements of the kit.

Finally, James adds the Tom Tom mics. In this case, he is using Sontronics DM-1T small diaphragm condenser mics as they have a small footprint around the kit but have a nice bright sound with plenty of attack. 

In the next part of this series, James goes on to talk about room mics and the different options you have to give your drums some natural space. 

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