Recording Drums

     Up to now I have mentioned how to record using a single microphone for either a singer or a guitarist. This time you will learn how and what to use to record a standard drum set. Initially, it's obvious that there are many more things to put a mic to than on an amp so you will need many more mics. The key to this is to make a decision as to what parts you want to hear most clearly. A professional drum recording can have up to 10 mics but that's not necessary. All that's needed is three to four mics which covers the snare, bass drum, cymbals, and possibly a high or floor tom. There are specially made mics to record drums but a set can cost about $300. Because bands are always on a budget I came up with a cheap solution. Instead of using regular dynamic mics, I use three Guitar Hero or Rock Band mics from the video game. I had my doubts at first but they actually work pretty good. If you look on the back of them they say Logitech USB which means they are actual mics, all you have to do is plug them straight into your computer.

     Now the secret to them sounding good is the positioning and presentation. I recommend going to Radio Shack and picking up a few Windscreens which look like soft foam balls that go over the microphone. This reduces the air coming out of the drums and creates a warmer sound in the recording. The positioning of the mics can get a little tricky depending on the amount of space available. It will be a lot of trial and error to get your desired sound. The general location to place each mic is one towards the edge of the snare but still pointing at the center. The next one will go either inside the bass drum sitting on top of pillows or just outside the hole. The third one should be on a boom arm stand facing towards the cymbals that are being used most in the song but far enough away to reduce distortion.