Wood hoops and recording. . .

[shaggythedrummer]

This has two parts to it, so I'm sorry if it's lengthy/confusing. . .

1) I've been into a studio a few times using the drum mics that are supposed to latch on to the metal hoops and fit perfectly. My problem was that, with the wood hoops on my C&C, the clips tended to slide off and fall off which really limited where exactly I could put the mic, sometimes having it get in the way. How can I fix that next time I end up in that situation or when I buy my own mics? Which leads me to my next recording question. . .

2) My band and I are trying to record our whole demo with a mac, an M-audio box, and garage band. So far, it gives us no problems and records quite well, but the problem lies with the drums. I'm limited to 3 overhead instrument mics and one Memorex mic from Target run into a PA, and the problem I'm experiencing is not being able to a- bring out the drums enough and b-bring out the essentials such as ride and hat. Should I just spend a lot of time messing with mic placement, or are there certain places the mics should go?

Again, sorry for it being a little lengthy, but any help would be great, thank you.

[Thrill Kill Will]

1 - i wouldn't try to attach anything to the wood hoops. i toured with wood hoops for a while and i've noticed that attaching anything to the hoops will effect the resonance of the drum, basically choking it. i couldn't even keep my rack tom in a snare stand because simply resting it on a stand totally killed any sustain the drum had. i would recommend attaching any mic clips to the mounting hardware of the drums, or asking the engineer to use mic stands. (or if you do it yourself, then find the mic stands)

2 - mic placement is the key. depending on what you're going for, 1 mic can give you a great sound. or two small diaphram condensers (typical overhead mics) can give you a great stereo recording. if you want it to sound a little more modern you might have to try to get the kick and the snare a little more isolated with close mics then get some cymbals and kit in the over heads. don't discredit an SM57 or SM58. a 57 on the snare has been used on probably most of the records you've ever heard. research and experiment will go a long way.

keep us posted on the progress!
-w