Drum recording

[dashboard182]

Will,

I'm looking to do some home recordings of my band. I'm going to be purchasing the Digidesign Mbox (w/pro tools software), which has 2 mic inputs and phantom power. My question is...which would be the best way to record the set? I was thinking that a decent instrument condenser would do the job for the snare/toms/cymbals, and I was thinking of buying a kick mic to use for the kick. I keep the kick muffled a bit to get somewhat of a punchy sound...it's not that boomy...so i'm thinking that the only way to really get a good bass sound would be to use one mic solely on the kick, and I was hoping that maybe an overhead condenser would pick up the rest of the kit enough. I was wondering if you had any microphone recommendatons as well. Any input from anyone is greatly appreciated.

[Thrill Kill Will]

wow, so many options.

well first off there are other options than the mbox. but if you want to use protools, thats the obvious choice. (if you haven't, take a little time to explore other options like cubase, sonar, nuendo etc)

if you've got only 2 inputs like with the mbox, then your idea is a good one. a condenser and a kick mic would probably make for a decent drum sound. though it will be a very natural/room type sound. as for mic recommendation there are a thausand options, so do lots of research, and ofcourse try to borrow and actually use everything before you buy. an audix D6 on the kick would give you a really tight modern punchy sound. akg D112 and shure 52 are the most common kick mics. senhessier 421 or EV re-20 would be more expensive, and more dark/dry alternatives. as for condensers you could go small or large diaghram. a nice option might be an MXL V67g. i've heard good things about them for the price (about $100 new off ebay). you could use that for vocals and acoustic guitars after you track the drums.

another alternative would be to use a small mixer (4-6 channels...or more) and use more mics. unfortunately you'd have to be very careful with your levels because you'd be mixing all the mics down to 2 tracks.

before you worry about mics and placement etc. make sure your drums are in good shape (round shells, smooth edges) , your heads are in good shape and tuned well, and so forth. also consider what your drums sound like, and try to work WITH that and not against it when recording.

and here are a bunch of links for you to start your researching:

good luck! -will

(list of links taken from http://www.gearslutz.com)

www.tapeop.com
Tape Op - The coolest little recording mag's website

www.RecordProduction.com
Hundred's of video interviews with record producers and recording
studio tours

recforums.prosoundweb.com/
R/E/P (Recording Engineer & Producer) Hang out on Fletcher's forum!

audiomastermind.com/index.php
Here's a directory of LOTS of cool sites!

www.3daudioinc.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi
Lynn Fuston's Pro Tools adventures! 3dB Recording Forum

duc.digidesign.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi

Pro Tools a go-go!

www.digitalaudiorock.com/
The Pro Tools Plugin preset Co-Op - Cool!

www.recording.org
Jules' old moderating 'home'

groups.google.com/groups?q=rec.audio.pro&hl=en
Perhaps the daddy of em all! rec.audio.pro!

www.good-ear.com/servlet/EarTrainer
Free Online Ear Training, Chords, Cadences, Perfect Pitch...

www.goodcans.com/
Place to get reviews on headphones!

www.drumweb.com/profsound.shtml
the best drum tuning website?

www.gearfora.com
Forums for a lot of different electronic music gear and software.

www.taperssection.com
A group focused on 2 track stereo field recording with ultra portability. Lot of resources on portable pre's etc

www.recordingconsoles.net
Chatter about recording consoles here

www.gearjunkies.com
A growing equipment index / review site

www.livejournal.com/community/digital_opiate/

and

www.livejournal.com/community/endorphinanalog/
Live Journal Digital and Analog Blogs!

www.protoolsusers.org
More Pro Tools users!

www.hearnet.com
Hearing loss advice organisation

recforums.prosoundweb.com/in...7fc2ec9743a5a85
Klaus Heyne's Mic Lab - detailed mic tech forum

[dashboard182]

Wow, thanks for all the awesome info...I definitely have a lot of things to consider. I was also wondering if you were familiar with the MXL V63M condenser mic...That mic actually comes free with the Mbox from musiciansfriend.com, and it seems pretty good from the reviews. It's a large diaphragm mic...would that do a decent job for tracking the drums or do you think a small diaphragm would be better? And then I could just use the other for vocals.

[Thrill Kill Will]

i've never had any experience with the mxl 63. i've actually only heard of a "603" model. that's a small diaphram condener. if you get it for free, definitely start there. you could even skip the specific kick drum mic and use any mic you can get your hands on real cheap or free. its always best to start cheap, then find out what you need to move forward.

definitely take a look at some of those recording forums/message boards. use the search function and just drop in the mic or whatever you want to find out about.

keep an open mind and explore all your options.

-will

[twistchi36]

i've been told by a producer i know that when your tuning the drums its a good idea to leave a lot over tone so it cuts through. especially on digital. i'm not a drummer so i'm not really sure if it works or not but take it for what its worth.

good luck.

steve