In this free tutorial for Pro Tools Expert, Technical Editor, James Ivey along with producer and engineer Jack Ruston continue their experimental session at the Old Chapel Studio by recording drums on a single mono microphone.
With a little extra time at the end of the day, Jack and James decided to experiment with 3 different mics as a single mono overhead.
They start with the Sontronics Mercury set to cardioid. The mic is placed parallel to the snare drum just above head height.
Next, the Mercury was then swapped out for its slightly older sister the Sontronics Aria set in the same position.
Then the Aria was swapped out for a Brauner VM1 again set to cardioid above the snare drum and I think you will agree that all three mics sound very different.
The final take is using the Sontronics Mercury in what Jack calls the Crotch mic position. The Mercury, set to cardioid, is positioned above the Kick Drum pointing down and a little towards the Snare. This position gives an interesting Kick and Snare sound so could be used as a single kit mic.
You can also listen to and download each of the takes below...
Please do share with us some of your recording experiences with minimal numbers of mics on a drum kit. What worked and what didn't work for you.