drum sounds

Recording Overheads PT3: X/Y

Recording Overheads PT3: X/Y

Up to this point we’ve talked a lot about recording with a mono overhead. In PT3 I want to step into the early 1930’s with a stereo pair of overheads! (here’s a cool link about Alan Blumlein. The man that invented stereo)

I’m starting out with a very popular coincident micing technique called X/Y.

X/Y consists of two, preferably matching, cardioid microphones at a 90° angle with the elements as close together as possible. This doesn’t produce a very wide stereo image but it is accurate, phase coherent, and collapses to mono well. It’s also easy to setup. In most cases you can mount the two microphones on a single stand using stereo bar.

I have a kick and snare mic on the kit as well so you can here how this setup works in context with other microphones.

Happy recording,
Charlie

If you missed parts 1 or 2 you can see them here:

Recording Overheads PT1: Mono
Recording Overheads PT2: Different Mic Types

 

Posted by Charlie in Recording Ninja Workshops, Recording Tips, Video Posts, 0 comments
Recording Tip! – Overhead Mics & Low Ceilings

Recording Tip! – Overhead Mics & Low Ceilings

The questions I get the most are about overhead mics. What to use, where to put, them, how to angle them, etc.. I also get a lot of questions from people that have rooms with very low ceilings. Similar to the ceiling heigth of a bedroom or garage.

There is a simple, and cheap, trick to keep the reflection off the ceiling from wrecking your overhead sound!

Here’s a drum recording quick tip for dealing with low ceilings. Watch the video!

 

Posted by Charlie in Recording Tips, Video Posts, 0 comments
Charlie Talks Drum Miking & FREE eBook!

Charlie Talks Drum Miking & FREE eBook!

I absolutely love recording drums! There are so many possibilities to create interesting and unique sounding drums to fit a song’s personality. Finding that sound can take some experimenting but when you find it, it’s plain magical. Experimenting is a BIG part of learning how to find that sound. The more time you put into experimenting the better understanding you’ll have about how drums sound, about what your microphones hear, about mic placement. All of this will ultimately lead you to better sounding drums!

 

Take your drum miking skils to the next level! 4 Twists On Minimal Drum Miking FREE eBook from engineer Charlie Waymire

That’s one of the BIG goals of “4 Twists On Minimal Drum Miking“; to help you understand the drums better and get great sounds without needing lots of gear. By using less gear it really makes you think about what sounds you’re going after and where you’re placing your microphones. These are just a few techniques that I hope will help you not only get better drum sounds but spark your imagination to come up with sounds that are unique to you and your music.

Remember, it’s not just about recording a great drum sound. It’s about recording the “right” drum sounds for your songs, or for your client’s songs. As you experiment with these techniques give them some sort of context so you can learn how they really sound, how the drums fit into the music and how the music fits around the drums.

The recording process can, and should be, an amazing journey. Be creative and experiment as much as possible. Don’t be afraid to try something different and don’t get stuck just recording one way. Whether it’s drums, guitars, vocals, bass, banjo, or any combination of instruments, remember that it’s art. It’s YOUR art.

Have fun and enjoy “4 Twists On Minimal Drum Miking“!

– Charlie

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Posted by Charlie in Charlie's Big Mouth Blog Entries!, Recording Tips, Tracking, 0 comments
Mike Avenaim Tracking Drums

Mike Avenaim Tracking Drums

Mike Avenaim was at Ultimate Rhythm Studios last week recording 11 tracks for Jordan Millar’s upcoming album. In 3 days not only were 11 tracks recorded but two entirely different kits were used, two entirely different sets of tom toms were used, 10 snare drums were used, two different mic setups were used as well as recording shakers, tambourine, hand claps and marching snares.

 
 

“Mike had a very specific idea of what he wanted his drums to sound like for each song. From an engineer’s standpoint that’s a lot of fun because we aren’t just trying to capture a drum sound. We’re capturing the sonic landscape that the rest of the album will be built around. Mike did a fantastic job!” says engineer Charlie Waymire.

Check out Jordan Millar and Mike Avenaim on Facebook and enjoy a few photos from the session below.

Mike Avenaim Tracking Day2

Engineer Charlie Waymire and Drummer Mike Avenaim

Mike and Charlie tracking snares

Mike's vintage Rodgers kit all miced up

Another shot of Mike's Rodgers kit.

Mike Avenaim tracking Jordan Millar's album day1

Posted by Charlie in News, Tracking, 0 comments