Drum overheads

jbuntz · 13th July 2003

What's your favorite drum overhead? 414's? 184/84/56's? The Josephsons? 121's? 451's? 81's? I've been too lazy to pick up a good pair of anything. I'm curious if those goove tube SD tube condensors sound anything like 56's. I've heard very good results with 56's through a pair of 1272's. By the way, if you know what all those model numbers are without a brand name in front, you're probably a gear slut.

quasimodonyc · 13th July 2003

4038's

Wiggy Neve Slut · 13th July 2003

AKG 414

Royer stereo... not that i have used one but i have heard files that sound rather nice through one of the puppies

U87

KM 84's

Oktava 012's

cheers
Wiggy

Jules · 13th July 2003

In order

Royer Stereo mic SF 12
AKG C24 Stereo mic
Neumann U69 Stereo mic
Neumann SM2 Stereo mic
Neuman M149 (on 3 mic drum setups)

davemc · 13th July 2003

Well I have a SF12 now and like it heaps.
Before that M160's, KM85's and some AT SD omnis.(which were not bad)

clipgod · 14th July 2003

If you like 56`s check gefell M582 with m58 capsule.

They work great for 3mic setup as well

PRS1JAZZ · 14th July 2003

ONE WORD

EARTHWORKS

SR77 or for that ELP feeling jump for the TC30k or QTC1

My 30k have become a part of my family...... no seriously... I set a place at dinner for them......

Curious G · 14th July 2003

Josephson C42's, Earthworks SR77 and Mk012's all get used alot here.

Dave Martin · 14th July 2003

I've been happy with a pair of Electrovoice RE-2000's for the last couple of months. Before that, Shure KSM44's. (I didn't grow tired of the KSM 44's, but I had other applications I wanted to use them for). Before that, Neumann/Gefell UM 57's. Before that, Gefell M-582's.

At one point, I was using TLM 103's, and had to have an input pad added to the Manley preamp I was using with them - a kind of nice mod for high output mics...

jon · 14th July 2003

For overhead mics to 2", I like AKG C451 CK1s, U67s, C12s, M149s or U87s.

chrisso · 14th July 2003

KM84's definitely.
Did a session about 10 days ago and we used U67's and KM56's at various points. Both set ups sounded fantastic.
Coles are good too.

Frost · 14th July 2003

I like small diaphrams for a kit that is gonna have a lot of mics on it. There are so many good choices its a tossup. I often reach for the b&k 4011 or neumann 582 if they're around.

However, recently I have been doing a lot more kits with just a few mics. I prefer a large diaphram when doing this. I used my pair of Lawsons for a while and found I liked the sound of my gefell 691 bodies with large diaphram UM70 heads in ortf over the drummers head. These are very under appreciated mics. I add a kick and snare and Im off to the races.
Frost

studjo · 14th July 2003

If you go for an acoustic sound: check the Sennheiser MKH80 (or MKH40). I love those for almost everything

I could get good use out of my KM184 and I love the AT 4050. You see, there are so many otions.
I have to tell you that I loved the AKG 414 on overheads everytime I used them.

I'm not bound to the SD or LD philosphy (sp?). I take whatever I think suits the music best. When I think I use the overheads as "main" mics I go LD (is the MKH80 a LD? I think not but I'm not sure). If I have cymbal mics I go with SD.

YMMV Jo

OvrMyHd · 14th July 2003

For those on a budget: the Rode NT-4

Brad McGowan · 14th July 2003

Royer SF12! Life is good.

Brad

Dan-O · 14th July 2003

Beyer M260's (#1 Fave for OH), Oktava 012's, Rode NTK's. I have another AEA R84 on the way so maybe I'll give them whirl. I still need to try my Royers as well, but again I just can't seem to get them away from the guitar amps.

studjo · 14th July 2003

Oh I forgot the ribbons

I use those, when I'm going for a rock 'n roll sound - a little vintage

I got two Royers 121 and love those of course

Jo

Marshall Simmons · 14th July 2003

schoeps omnis
AEA r84's

Killer sound

less is more
Marsh

HEDDcase · 14th July 2003

Depends on the kit, the player and the music.

SR-77s, 451ebs, R-121s, M-147s.

My current favorite for a 3 mic setup is my matched pair of Manley cardioid reference through the SLAM and an R-121 on kick through the VIPRE.

Tousana · 15th July 2003

Just really depends on how I'm feeling,and what type of session is at hand. Some of the favorites are: C-24,460's w/omni capsules,249's,U87's,M160's for the ribbon thing,and the ocassional 414. Usually through a great mic pre like a Hardy M1.

bobmaus · 15th July 2003

Royer SF12, Royer 122s Matched, 451w/mod

Mic Pres for OH are either John Hardy 990 Dual Servo or Audio Upgrades High Speed

Bob

Jay Kahrs · 15th July 2003

The last project was AT4031's, the next one I'm going to start with the TLM 103's. I did a shootout on one project a few months ago and they beat my other two choices which were the 4031's and MC012's. I've also used TC30's, U67's are great, 414TLII's, 451's, I'm not that picky as long as it's a good pair of mics with a good response up top.

BattleAngel · 15th July 2003

Bob Maus,

What are the mods to the 451s? I've been thinking about getting Stephen Paul to mod a pair of 452s for me to use on clean drums and acoustic guitar.

alphajerk · 15th July 2003

i dont know how or why, but i ended up using the U195's as split overhead more times than not. i have gotten a killer set with a U99 out in front all equidistant from the snare. hat side is up high, facing the snare. the ride side is down low peeking over the ride at the snare. the U99 in front facing... the snare.

i have been thinking of putting my MC012's there instead of in omni scattered about the studio for room sounds. i have also added a BnO BM5 out in front of the kit up high [also equidistant from the snare.... just to pick up a variation of the U195's]

SOMETIMES, a 4033 just out in front is the cool sound. go figure

i like the setup of the mics like this for drums. of course i add the 57/cm700 on snare, some 604's on toms.

also, the U195 split overhead and R121 out in front is killer too. with the U99 in the room back a bit. MASSIVE kick out of that config.

bobmaus · 15th July 2003

Quote:

What are the mods to the 451s? I've been thinking about getting Stephen Paul to mod a pair of 452s for me to use on clean drums and acoustic guitar.

The mods on the 451s are by Jim Williams/Audio Upgrades.
http://www.audioupgrades.com

JSMITH · 15th July 2003

MC012'S and/or Shure KSM32's

**Remoteness** · 16th July 2003

I'm surprised more folks didn't mentioned them...

Someone came close with the M260s. Another picked my favorite...

My all time favorite overhead mics are beyer M160s. Been using them for over twenty years.

While on location, recording live events, they have always been a win, win situation for me. The great isolation and rich sound quality it provides is always in my favor. IMO, hypercardoid ribbons are awesome for overheads.

If I got really tall cellings, I may use short shotguns like Sennheiser MKH416s.

Other overhead mics I've used include M149s, TLM103s, U47s (when available), R121s, C414TLIIs, MD421s...

I try to stay away from C414s and such, but have I have used them when applicable.

During live recordings of on going tours, I had to deal with SM81s, C451s, AT4050s, AT4060s, KSM32s, et cetera, etc. Not my first picks in a long shot, but we make them work.

jbuntz · 16th July 2003

So what's up with the mc012's. $99 at guitar center. I suppose the sound good since I'm seeing them everywhere and people who have access to nice mics use them.

jeronimo · 16th July 2003

I use a pair of AT 3525... their SD but look like LD

De chromium cob · 16th July 2003

Pairs I go to for overheads-
U67s (Klaus Heyne mods)
Km84s
DPA 4011s
Beyer 260s
Lomo 19a19s (Really nice!)
414EB w/C12 caps

Its a wonderful thing how each pair sounds so different from one another but so great in their own ways....

13th July 2003	#3
Wiggy Neve Slut Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: London, UK Posts: 2,194	AKG 414 Royer stereo... not that i have used one but i have heard files that sound rather nice through one of the puppies U87 KM 84's Oktava 012's cheers Wiggy __________________ If i see another 'Which neve clone is better thread... im seriously gona go postal!!!!!!!"

13th July 2003	#4
Jules Gearslutz.com admin Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: A Yank in London, UK Posts: 17,356 1 Review written	In order Royer Stereo mic SF 12 AKG C24 Stereo mic Neumann U69 Stereo mic Neumann SM2 Stereo mic Neuman M149 (on 3 mic drum setups) __________________ Jules Add your reviews to the new reviews area! Gearslutz on Facebook Follow my GS picks on Twitter

13th July 2003	#5
davemc Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Melb, Australia Posts: 1,021	Well I have a SF12 now and like it heaps. Before that M160's, KM85's and some AT SD omnis.(which were not bad) __________________ Bye Ya Dave INDENT

14th July 2003	#9
Dave Martin Moderator emeritus Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 3,152	I've been happy with a pair of Electrovoice RE-2000's for the last couple of months. Before that, Shure KSM44's. (I didn't grow tired of the KSM 44's, but I had other applications I wanted to use them for). Before that, Neumann/Gefell UM 57's. Before that, Gefell M-582's. At one point, I was using TLM 103's, and had to have an input pad added to the Manley preamp I was using with them - a kind of nice mod for high output mics... __________________ Dave Martin Java Jive Studio www.javajivestudio.com Nashville, TN

14th July 2003	#10
jon Capitol Studios Paris Join Date: May 2002 Location: Paris, France Posts: 1,307	For overhead mics to 2", I like AKG C451 CK1s, U67s, C12s, M149s or U87s. __________________ Jon Atack Capitol Studios - Paris, France

13th July 2003	#1
jbuntz Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,716 Thread Starter	Drum overheads What's your favorite drum overhead? 414's? 184/84/56's? The Josephsons? 121's? 451's? 81's? I've been too lazy to pick up a good pair of anything. I'm curious if those goove tube SD tube condensors sound anything like 56's. I've heard very good results with 56's through a pair of 1272's. By the way, if you know what all those model numbers are without a brand name in front, you're probably a gear slut.

13th July 2003	#2
quasimodonyc Gear nut Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: LA Posts: 125	4038's

14th July 2003	#6
clipgod Gear nut Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Berlin Posts: 133	If you like 56`s check gefell M582 with m58 capsule. They work great for 3mic setup as well

14th July 2003	#7
PRS1JAZZ Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Worcester, MA Posts: 911	ONE WORD EARTHWORKS SR77 or for that ELP feeling jump for the TC30k or QTC1 My 30k have become a part of my family...... no seriously... I set a place at dinner for them......

14th July 2003	#8
Curious G Gear addict Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 317	Josephson C42's, Earthworks SR77 and Mk012's all get used alot here.

14th July 2003	#11
chrisso Gear Guru Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Oz Posts: 15,355	KM84's definitely. Did a session about 10 days ago and we used U67's and KM56's at various points. Both set ups sounded fantastic. Coles are good too.

14th July 2003	#12
Frost Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Chicago Posts: 667	I like small diaphrams for a kit that is gonna have a lot of mics on it. There are so many good choices its a tossup. I often reach for the b&k 4011 or neumann 582 if they're around. However, recently I have been doing a lot more kits with just a few mics. I prefer a large diaphram when doing this. I used my pair of Lawsons for a while and found I liked the sound of my gefell 691 bodies with large diaphram UM70 heads in ortf over the drummers head. These are very under appreciated mics. I add a kick and snare and Im off to the races. Frost

14th July 2003	#13
studjo Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Switzerland Posts: 2,399	If you go for an acoustic sound: check the Sennheiser MKH80 (or MKH40). I love those for almost everything I could get good use out of my KM184 and I love the AT 4050. You see, there are so many otions. I have to tell you that I loved the AKG 414 on overheads everytime I used them. I'm not bound to the SD or LD philosphy (sp?). I take whatever I think suits the music best. When I think I use the overheads as "main" mics I go LD (is the MKH80 a LD? I think not but I'm not sure). If I have cymbal mics I go with SD. YMMV Jo

14th July 2003	#14
OvrMyHd Gear interested Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Chicago Posts: 29	For those on a budget: the Rode NT-4

14th July 2003	#15
Brad McGowan Lives for gear Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 5,525	Royer SF12! Life is good. Brad

14th July 2003	#16
Dan-O Gear maniac Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Richmond, Va Posts: 260	Beyer M260's (#1 Fave for OH), Oktava 012's, Rode NTK's. I have another AEA R84 on the way so maybe I'll give them whirl. I still need to try my Royers as well, but again I just can't seem to get them away from the guitar amps.

14th July 2003	#17
studjo Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Switzerland Posts: 2,399	Oh I forgot the ribbons I use those, when I'm going for a rock 'n roll sound - a little vintage I got two Royers 121 and love those of course Jo

14th July 2003	#18
Marshall Simmons Gear addict Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Posts: 389	schoeps omnis AEA r84's Killer sound less is more Marsh

14th July 2003	#19
HEDDcase Gear nut Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Southern left coast Posts: 145	Depends on the kit, the player and the music. SR-77s, 451ebs, R-121s, M-147s. My current favorite for a 3 mic setup is my matched pair of Manley cardioid reference through the SLAM and an R-121 on kick through the VIPRE.

15th July 2003	#20
Tousana Gear addict Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Chicago Posts: 304	Just really depends on how I'm feeling,and what type of session is at hand. Some of the favorites are: C-24,460's w/omni capsules,249's,U87's,M160's for the ribbon thing,and the ocassional 414. Usually through a great mic pre like a Hardy M1.

15th July 2003	#21
bobmaus Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Santa Fe, NM Posts: 566	OH mics Royer SF12, Royer 122s Matched, 451w/mod Mic Pres for OH are either John Hardy 990 Dual Servo or Audio Upgrades High Speed Bob

15th July 2003	#23
BattleAngel Lives for gear Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 954	Bob Maus, What are the mods to the 451s? I've been thinking about getting Stephen Paul to mod a pair of 452s for me to use on clean drums and acoustic guitar.

15th July 2003	#24
alphajerk There is only one Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: asheville NC Posts: 5,260	i dont know how or why, but i ended up using the U195's as split overhead more times than not. i have gotten a killer set with a U99 out in front all equidistant from the snare. hat side is up high, facing the snare. the ride side is down low peeking over the ride at the snare. the U99 in front facing... the snare. i have been thinking of putting my MC012's there instead of in omni scattered about the studio for room sounds. i have also added a BnO BM5 out in front of the kit up high [also equidistant from the snare.... just to pick up a variation of the U195's] SOMETIMES, a 4033 just out in front is the cool sound. go figure i like the setup of the mics like this for drums. of course i add the 57/cm700 on snare, some 604's on toms. also, the U195 split overhead and R121 out in front is killer too. with the U99 in the room back a bit. MASSIVE kick out of that config. __________________ "i must invent my own systems or else be enslaved by other men's'" william blake __________________________ email: barrett [at] alphajerk [dot] com

15th July 2003	#26
JSMITH Gear Head Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: UMATILLA, FLORIDA Posts: 58	MC012'S and/or Shure KSM32's

16th July 2003	#27
Remoteness Super Moderator Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: NYC Posts: 7,311	I'm surprised more folks didn't mentioned them... Someone came close with the M260s. Another picked my favorite... My all time favorite overhead mics are beyer M160s. Been using them for over twenty years. While on location, recording live events, they have always been a win, win situation for me. The great isolation and rich sound quality it provides is always in my favor. IMO, hypercardoid ribbons are awesome for overheads. If I got really tall cellings, I may use short shotguns like Sennheiser MKH416s. Other overhead mics I've used include M149s, TLM103s, U47s (when available), R121s, C414TLIIs, MD421s... I try to stay away from C414s and such, but have I have used them when applicable. During live recordings of on going tours, I had to deal with SM81s, C451s, AT4050s, AT4060s, KSM32s, et cetera, etc. Not my first picks in a long shot, but we make them work. __________________ Steve Remote AuraSonicLtd.com the home of ASL Mobile & Location Production Remoteness on the Linkedin Network What about my Facebook Profile? Remoteness on Myspace

16th July 2003	#29
jeronimo Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Montreal, QC Posts: 3,197 1 Review written	I use a pair of AT 3525... their SD but look like LD

16th July 2003	#30
De chromium cob Lives for gear Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,655	Pairs I go to for overheads- U67s (Klaus Heyne mods) Km84s DPA 4011s Beyer 260s Lomo 19a19s (Really nice!) 414EB w/C12 caps Its a wonderful thing how each pair sounds so different from one another but so great in their own ways.... __________________ "I know that most men, including those at ease with problems of the greatest complexity, can seldom accept even the simplest and most obvious truth if it be such as would oblige them to admit the falsity of conclusions which they have delighted in explaining to colleagues, which they have proudly taught to others, and which they have woven, thread by thread, into the fabric of their lives." Tolstoy Scott Benson Blue Ridge Mastering

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