Overheads For Drums

ichiro · 15th June 2006

Hey guys, i am pretty new to recording though, can u guys out there recommend me a good overheads that wouldn't burn a hole on my pocket??

dbbubba · 15th June 2006

At a bare minimum I'd use some Shure SM81s.
They work great live and I have recorded using them in the studio in a pinch.
I'd have prefered a large diaphragm condenser, but the SM81s were not awfull.

Truthfully, I'd try to get a good pair of AKG414s.
They have been my bottom line choice when I had to use things like Nuemann TLM103s or U87s on other stuff.

I have also used AKG 451s with decent results but in my mind I think of them as small, jazz kit mics. Don't know why!

You do want a condenser pair though.

Danny Brown

transfiguration · 15th June 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by ichiro

Hey guys, i am pretty new to recording though, can u guys out there recommend me a good overheads that wouldn't burn a hole on my pocket??

What's your ceiling price on a pair? $400...$600...$1200?

fastlane · 15th June 2006

All depends on which pre's you are going through.
If you can get a pair of Rode NT5's. They sound very good for the money, if not a pair of SE 1a's. They are only around 100 euro each, they are ok but there is nothing better for that price that I know of.
If you don't have high end pre's then there's not much point spending much more.

Steve

slowdive · 15th June 2006

first of all, try the search function. this has been discussed many times.

and we need more info. what is your budget? what kind of drum kit? is your room treated? how high are the ceilings? what kind of sound are you going for?

Brian Middleton · 15th June 2006

The AT 4040 is worth a look if it suits your budget. You can get them in the $150-175 range used (that's per mic, not per pair). I've been very happy with the OH tracks I'm getting from mine.

NateSmith · 15th June 2006

I've been very happy with my StudioProjects C4's. They sound great and look equally impressive with the shockmounts and case. For $299, they're pretty hard to beat for OH's.

musical5 · 15th June 2006

Just went from SM81's to the Peluso SD mics. Amazing improvement.

15th June 2006	#1
ichiro Gear interested Joined: May 2006 Location: singapore Posts: 1 Thread Starter	Overheads For Drums Hey guys, i am pretty new to recording though, can u guys out there recommend me a good overheads that wouldn't burn a hole on my pocket?? __________________ Determination is the key to success.....

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Roland V Drums with BFD instead of real Drums in the Studio???	Andi Rauscher	Drums!	44	10th March 2012 01:55 PM
technique: old punk drums/disco drums	shanghaitang	So much gear, so little time!	16	22nd February 2008 10:10 AM
track ur drums, etc im ny home studio for cheap. great gear, great sounding drums	vcode	So much gear, so little time!	1	8th July 2006 11:58 AM
Best Placement for Overheads and 1-2 other mics on Drums?	tragedybysyntax	High end	1	15th May 2006 10:57 PM
Overheads/drums	Froombosch	So much gear, so little time!	20	20th June 2004 07:57 AM

15th June 2006	#2
dbbubba Banned Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 7,099	At a bare minimum I'd use some Shure SM81s. They work great live and I have recorded using them in the studio in a pinch. I'd have prefered a large diaphragm condenser, but the SM81s were not awfull. Truthfully, I'd try to get a good pair of AKG414s. They have been my bottom line choice when I had to use things like Nuemann TLM103s or U87s on other stuff. I have also used AKG 451s with decent results but in my mind I think of them as small, jazz kit mics. Don't know why! You do want a condenser pair though. Danny Brown

15th June 2006	#4
fastlane Lives for gear Joined: Oct 2005 Location: ireland Posts: 892	All depends on which pre's you are going through. If you can get a pair of Rode NT5's. They sound very good for the money, if not a pair of SE 1a's. They are only around 100 euro each, they are ok but there is nothing better for that price that I know of. If you don't have high end pre's then there's not much point spending much more. Steve

15th June 2006	#5
slowdive Gear nut Joined: Sep 2005 Location: NJ Posts: 91	first of all, try the search function. this has been discussed many times. and we need more info. what is your budget? what kind of drum kit? is your room treated? how high are the ceilings? what kind of sound are you going for?

15th June 2006	#6
Brian Middleton Gear addict Joined: Jun 2003 Location: Dorchester, Mass., USA Posts: 393	The AT 4040 is worth a look if it suits your budget. You can get them in the $150-175 range used (that's per mic, not per pair). I've been very happy with the OH tracks I'm getting from mine.

15th June 2006	#7
NateSmith Gear Head Joined: Jan 2006 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 65	I've been very happy with my StudioProjects C4's. They sound great and look equally impressive with the shockmounts and case. For $299, they're pretty hard to beat for OH's.

15th June 2006	#8
musical5 Lives for gear Joined: Jan 2003 Location: Gilbert Az Posts: 527	Just went from SM81's to the Peluso SD mics. Amazing improvement.