Mic'ing drums (minimal amount of mics needed?)

[kable_guy]

Just wondering for recording how many mics would I need if I were to stretch thin... I have a 9 piece... so atleast 2 kick mics... 2-3 over heads... How thin could I stretch it for the number of mics and still get a pretty decent sound/volume from all drums?

[coyote-1]

Are you recording drums without other instruments?

If so, ONE mic is enough. Record it from across the room. With a well-tuned set and a good mic, it'll sound huge... think Zep's When The Levee Breaks.

[ulank]

Yeah, if you know what you're doing, 1 mic in a good room with a well-tuned kit will get you pretty far.

The next step up would be 2 room mics for stereo setup.

Then you could do kick mics and 2 overheads.

Then you could do kicks, snare and 2 OH's.

Then you're at the point of micing everything.

All of these would work, it's your recording ability and knowledge that will make the biggest difference.

[Actionsquid]

Originally posted by kable_guy
Just wondering for recording how many mics would I need if I were to stretch thin... I have a 9 piece... so atleast 2 kick mics... 2-3 over heads... How thin could I stretch it for the number of mics and still get a pretty decent sound/volume from all drums?

One can sometime work, but I think you can definitely get a great sound with two (quality) condensers.

[manoeuver]

spend $35-$50/ hour and have a pro do it.
get the right guy...worth every penny.

I learned the hard way.

[ulank]

Originally posted by T Hofmann
spend $35-$50/ hour and have a pro do it.
get the right guy...worth every penny.

I learned the hard way.

This too is not a bad suggestion...just depends on the dudes goals/intentions and if he plans on expanding his recording knowledge/skill.

[manoeuver]

you learn fast watching a pro.

starting from scratch, getting advice from a drum forum isn't gonna net very good results anytime soon.

shit, $35/hour's a deal just for being able to pick an experienced engineer's brain.

[DiamondDaveRig]

Yes, definitely the room and the tuning control 90% of the process! I am actually an Audio Engineer and a drummer. In my experience, room mics and overheads sound great, but you have to mic any part of the kit you want to hear with clear definition. Such as putting mics on all the toms individually. However, the more mics you use the more difficult it is to get the whole kit sounding great. Yet, having the right dude behind the console is key. He or She really needs good mic preamps. Also, recording to 2" tape is killer for drums!!! There are many ways to record and mix live drums. A good engineer knows all the tricks. Good Luck!

[headway]

these are all you will ever need www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DK25R/

[kable_guy]

Well Thanks for the advise everybody. I might as well do it myself and try multiple ways of doing it. I have some basic ideas. And those mics would probably be all I'd ever need...They look so shiney!