Quote:
Originally Posted by BLUElightCory  No one has really mentioned the source yet, so here are a couple of tips:
1. Try to get the drummer to not play the cymbals as hard. Ideally, you want drum takes where the drummer is solidly hitting the kick/snare/toms but finessing the cymbals. Drummers who play live a lot but lack much studio experience often tend to really lay into the cymbals.
2. Try to beg/borrow/steal better cymbals. Many drummers will bring in loud, thick cymbals like Z Customs (or something similar), which can sound God-awful in a recording situation (and create a lot of nasty sounding bleed in your drum mics). Using thinner/quieter/ and/or darker cymbals (like Zildjian As, Ks, and their equivalents) can go a long way towards a better overall drum sound and less bleed.
Don't forget to experiment with mic positioning! Try to get the null area of the close mics' polar pattern to cancel out as much of the cymbal content as you can.
Best of luck,
Cory |
Okay- the cymbal part of what he said may or may not be a good piece of advice. If you're doing louder/heavier music..or you plan on replacing snare/kick/toms etc etc- then I wouldnt really worry about how hard he's hitting the cymbals. cause honestly- if his snare is a big player in the overheads instead of the cymbals...guess what you have to try and EQ and blend together?
yup- the snare sound that you thought you would have control over and the one thats dancing allllll over the overhead tracks now.
If its softer music..where you really desire an overall balance in the overheads..then yes- appropriate cymbal quality and how hard he/she hits them will be very important.
ANYWAYS:
Here's a quick list of things you can try:
-Once the kick drum mic is in position correctly, lay a thick blanket over it...to minimize bleed both ways.
-Experiment your overhead placement...ie: move them from center to outsides, or from sides to front and back. etc etc
-Be very mindful of where your mics are facing..if you have your high tom facing downward towards the tom where the ridiculously loud snare if banging away- then yes you are going to have some serious bleed...that even the beloved gate wont be able to fully hide. So get creative and dont just assume you have to always place mics in the same spots on the kit.
(this means..mic'ing the bottom heads could be an answer)
-Try improvised means of isolating the microphones from outside interference. Example: Put white foam cups over the mic to help shield it from the splash cymbal 2 inches away. etc etc
-And in regards to the idea of putting up blankets in the room and such...i would totally do that...IF you are having issues with the room. Like if you are in a garage and sweet Lord i hope you arent
