Drum overheads

[jgrif08]

Looking for a good overhead mic for a drum kit, perhaps a stereo pair. Budget is rather limited, $700 or less. The band is looking to pay for the purchase, and this is all they're willing to spend. Good drummer, nice kit, just need something serviceable. Thanks.

[84K]

With a $700 budget, I would look into a mono overhead. Get a better mic, then when you can, get another. Most newer mics are going to track close enough to stereo out of the box. Especially for drum overheads, where the slightest proximity can change the dynamic (as well as the way the drummer plays, the room, etc.).... There are many variables to drum overheads that make it not as important for an exact stereo match.

[Lee Knight]

Originally Posted by 84K

With a $700 budget, I would look into a mono overhead. Get a better mic, then when you can, get another. Most newer mics are going to track close enough to stereo out of the box. Especially for drum overheads, where the slightest proximity can change the dynamic (as well as the way the drummer plays, the room, etc.).... There are many variables to drum overheads that make it not as important for an exact stereo match.

Or... you could get a pair of Octava M012's (beware the fake).

Or... you could get a pair of Groove Tube GT33's.

[Youn]

If going for the oktava mics, you might want to get them from these guys...

http://sound-room.com

They select only the best ones, and garbage the bad ones to places like Guitar Centers.

There are tons of options, I might go for...
Avenson Omni mics (STO-2) "open, bright, clean, etc.."
a single BeyerDynamic m160 or m130 "creamy kinda old-school sound"

[chetatkinsdiet]

$700 should also get you a pair of older AKG 451's with the CK1 caps.
later,
m

[hawaii82]

Well i'm using a pair of Groove tube GT 44 and it works like a charm

and it's less than 700$

[jgrif08]

Originally Posted by 84K

With a $700 budget, I would look into a mono overhead. Get a better mic, then when you can, get another.

any specific suggetstions here? a large diaphragm condeser perhaps?

[Chris Parsons]

I second the Octava M012's. thumbsup thumbsup thumbsup

Go to GC, and you can find them for $50 each if you sweet talk the salesman. But insist that you check them before you buy, go in their little iso booth with a pair of good cans. If they arn't busy you will have no problem requesting a few pairs to check against eachother. It's really not too hard to find a pair that sounds matched to most ears.

And the great thing is that these are amazing mics for the $$$, almost close to the KM84.


-Chris Parsons

[84K]

Originally Posted by jgrif08

any specific suggetstions here? a large diaphragm condeser perhaps?

I would have to think about that a little bit...

Maybe a Gefell. Maybe a Ribbon.... Have to see what is in that price range.

[Benjy King]

Rode NT-4.

[dim light]

Originally Posted by Youn

If going for the oktava mics, you might want to get them from these guys...

http://sound-room.com

They select only the best ones, and garbage the bad ones to places like Guitar Centers.

There are tons of options, I might go for...
Avenson Omni mics (STO-2) "open, bright, clean, etc.."
a single BeyerDynamic m160 or m130 "creamy kinda old-school sound"

2) Does it sound like a Neumann U87 if it is using a Neumann-type capsule? Listen...Think of it like this..... If you take an engine from a PORSCHE 911 and strap it into a Volkswagen Beetle, you DON'T get a PORSCHE, but you DO get "one HELL of a ride"!

Get the MOST for your microphone dollar!

[dim light]

Buy 2 cheap Chinese ribbons and get some love in return! If you hear Rode, RUN!

[warhead]

Without a doubt I would reach for a pair of CAD M179 large diaphragm mics. They translate well on drums and have completely variable patterns, pad etc and don't have the peaky condensor stuff going on around 10k. Very balanced sounding mic that just sounds good anywhere you point it and delivers plenty of meat on drum OH as well.

Plus it's way under budget.

The Avenson mics are good for sure too if you want omni only and a real sort of natural sound.

The Oktava suggestion is certainly a good one too, although I prefer those on acoustic guitar (actually I like them over TONS of stuff on acoustic guitar) but they do a fine job on overheads as well.

Don't paint yourself into a corner on a mono only overhead situation, there's too much decent stuff out there that'll do a fine job under $700 really. Just my opinion.

War

[swankdoc]

A B&O BM5, stereo ribbon mic. Under budget. A real gem. Sounds awesome on kit overheads.

[jgrif08]

just wanted to thank everyone for their input. great people, great forum!