Djembe Recording: Stand or No?

[seanmccoy]

Do those of you with extensive Djembe recording experience prefer them mounted on stands versus on the floor or between the player's legs? I know placing them on a stand has advantages in terms of freeing up the bottom for mic placement and making sure the drum doesn't move around a lot, but is it a performance liability? Any recommendations for types or models of stands? Thanks for any info.

[summer_room]

speaking as a percussionist and not as an 'extensive djembe recordist'

the players opinion is the most important, make him choose what he is most comfortable with.
the djembe will be off the floor (unless its a special effect), because the bottom bass of the drum is lost, when placed on the floor.

remember: stands can make squeaky sounds, as can over-the-shoulder-sling-type-mounts.

make a great recording!

-jon

[Manfrensengensen]

YouTube - Jen Lowe Mic Djembe!

[seanmccoy]

Thanks, guys. I realize the playing technique is a personal preference, so I guess I'm wondering if there's a norm with regard to studio work. I.e., would a player who would normally not use a stand for live use feel limited by having to use a stand in the studio? And do any djembe experts feel that mounting the drum constricts the sound in any way?

[DannyL]

I would mic the djembe from the top, regardless of how it was secured.

If the player moves around a lot either figure a way to:
1) clip the mic to the instrument (not always advisable or possible)
OR
2) place the mic a little more distant, so that minor changes in position won't affect what the mic hears.

Regards;

Danny

[summer_room]

Originally Posted by seanmccoy

would a player who would normally not use a stand for live use feel limited by having to use a stand in the studio? And do any djembe experts feel that mounting the drum constricts the sound in any way?

It depends - you really have to ask your player...

-jon

[joelpatterson]

The sound that blossoms out from the bottom is very important, and if it's on a stand, then it won't move around, and your mic placement will be reliable.

You don't necessarily want to "mic the bottom," but you do want the instrument to work as intended.

Off topic aside: when the djembe is in the booth, it will resonate along with any sound at all, spoken word, and instrument, anything, so be careful not to just leave it lying around.