The drum kit is probably the most important instrument for recording purposes. Drums give your songs backbone and lend a beat to the entire song. Using the right kind of microphone techniques for your drum kit can make all the difference between a good recording and one that is not so hot. Drums usually require the most microphones in order to record. Setting microphones up in the proper places is the first important step in achieving good sound from your drum kit. 

One type of miking style is called “triangle” This method requires the use of three microphones. Two can be located on each side of the drum set, while the third should be placed by the kick drum. This method will help you achieve quality sound by evenly distributing it during the recording session. You can think of the “triangle” method as a way to produce surround sound, like music heard when you turn up your stereo system. Of course you can use more than three microphones if you desire, and doing so will even produce better sound.

Microphone choice also plays an important role in the type of sound you will achieve. Having a good condenser mics around your drum kit will get you started off on the right foot. Condenser microphones really bring out quality sound and are able to pick up on a drummer’s abstruse motions. These microphones weigh less compared to the standard dynamic microphone, and are smaller when it comes to size. The sound they produce is magnificent.

Location is also extremely vital. Overhead microphones will allow you to hear the quality of the sound and give you a very good idea about whether or not the size of the room is playing a factor in noise production. It is best to play around a bit with the spacing of overhead microphones. Try placing the overheads close together for a concentrated, strong sound. You can also spread your overhead microphones further apart for an enhanced tom effect with less cymbal crashing.

For bass drums the best location for your microphone is close to the drumhead itself. You may even be able to place the microphone inside the drum (this was done a lot during the 70’s) for better results. If you are going to do this, be sure to use some type of weight or holding device to keep the mic in place (ex: a small sandbag). Snare drums should have a microphone placed toward the center of the drum itself. You can also place a mic underneath the snare drum for a different sound. Play around with location on these as well. The tom drums should have microphones on the top. This location will produce the best sound out of these drums. Be sure to also mic your high hat as well, but it is probably best to record this microphone separately so it does not override any of the sounds from your drum kit.   

Updated: December 1, 2007

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