[DanRock101]

Now can anyone tell me why no one else has been doing this?!?!? ie., Pushing an API to it's bloody hardest with a dynamic mic like an SM57.

As we all know an API pre sounds best when PUSHED into that cream-your-jeans-transformer-pushed-to-hell territory! Well using a condenser that does not have a pad onto can wreak havoc in this app, even using Line Attenuators. So, what's the solution?

Well the Royer R121 has been a great answer....a $1,200 EACH MIC answer.... I myself have not tried it but would love to based on the reviews.

Recently I've been trying my API 3124 with FOUR SM57's; OH Left & Right, 1 Snare, 1 Kick (yeah I know)....HOLY SHIT! The SM57 take gain all day as well know, as do they take EQ any which way! I've got to say, it has to be heard! Pushing those transformers is pure heaven (especially with Apogee's 'Soft Limit'). I've also tried this with my Wunder Audio pres (also very nice, softer than the API), and my Ridge Farm Gas Cookers (each 2 channeler cascaded into each other with pads ON; nice 'n spicey!) and my Millennia (YUCK!!!! Not a good thing!) and my Ensemble's pres (again, not made for that type of stuff).

For discussion's sake, we'll stick with the API, since most people have those around here (even though I like Wunder Audio differently; not necessarily better, just different) and we're all used to them.

Anyhow, has anyone else tried this (4 SM57's)???? I must say it's a revelation! Pushing the API and the 57's into this territory really brings the best out of drums. It is a GREAT starting point! I'd still say to have AT LEAST an OUTSIDE condesnor for the KICK, an underneath mic for snare, a center condensor & a couple of ROOM condensors.....but, slamming 4 SM57's on OH's, Kick & SD are a GREAT basic pallette on which to build drums.

I'm slammed/busy all this week, but I'll try my best to get some sound samples up of the API (and maybe the Wunder & Gas Cooker to if I have time). Give it a try!