NWB - Community Blog

30 Jan 2009

Drum Mics - any advice?

Filed Under : Music , Gear

Posted By : BLACK PILATE | Comments : 11

BLACK PILATE want to get even louder! Any advice on decent drum mics that won't break the bank...

BLACK PILATE have been gigging for a year now without the need for mic-ing up the drums, and for many of the venues we play (mostly pubs) this still won't be necessary as our drummer is fecking loud as it is. However, we are getting one or two gigs in larger venues and it would be good if we could beef up the sound by mic-ing up the kit.

Not looking at spending silly money, just something to beef the sound up a bit. Seen plenty of these ready made kits on ebay, but does anyone know if they're any good?

Any sensible advice much appreciated...

Comments

# Posted by NIGHT TRAIN - 30/01/2009, 16:53 (GMT)

I've got a set of six Audio Technica ones, in aluminium case...they're condensers, not the cheap type...cost around £300. Mint condition...bought em for our drummer, but he can't be bothered setting em up and I'm not fussed (he's too loud anyway).
You can have em for £100 if you want, or £120 with cables and a kick drum mic stand (if I can find it)

# Posted by AndyBassOrGuitar - 30/01/2009, 17:08 (GMT)

I'd definitely recommend buying drum mics. It's not so much a matter of getting greater volume, but more about achieving a far better quality of sound, helping the audience to appreciate the entire kit... (God! that sounded good! lol)
It's a bargain that Night Train is offering. I'd rip his hand off..
(not literally though..unless he's doing Captain Hook impressions!?)

# Posted by Blues and Beyond - 30/01/2009, 17:11 (GMT)

Thats a good buy,and they will do the job,l use shure but to be honest l would question if additional cost is worth it. Cheers B&B

# Posted by Hare Of The Dog - 30/01/2009, 17:12 (GMT)

thats a great deal, do it as Arnie would say

# Posted by ~ THE SUG4R BULLETS ~ - 30/01/2009, 21:59 (GMT)

As a drum geek myself you could do a lot worse than those Audio Technicas and definitely worth a ton.

There are plenty of budget sets out there like Stagg, Red5 or Superlux all available on ebay and will provide suitable amplification. But in my opinion its really worth spending that little bit more for quality mics, even if it means buying in stages.

The main drums to mic are bass and snare - I use an 'AKG D112' for bass and a 'Shure SM57' for snare - both industry standard and provide mint sound. If an overhead is to be used (but beware pick up from guitars in smaller venues) I'd go for a 'Rode NT3'. This set-up would be more than capable in a small/medium sized venue up to say 300 people.

It's definitely worth paying more for quality bass/snare sound rather than spending little for a cheap full set. If I were you I'd snap those AT's from Night Train before I do.

# Posted by Captain Trubshaw - 31/01/2009, 00:08 (GMT)

As De Lazzy Man say's.....It does give you that extra "ooomph" from the kit, especially with the bass drum and adds an extra depth to the toms. I have been miking the kit up since 2004 and it has made a real difference to my sound. If Mr Night Train man still got them Audio Technicas a week on sunday I thinks they'll be in me van quicker than a curry through our singer!....lol

# Posted by BLACK PILATE - 31/01/2009, 08:37 (GMT)

Cheers for the advice guys, I'll be speaking to Mr Night Train further about his mics.

Also received very similar advice to Sugar Bullets from someone else, and heard good reports about the Rode mics, so thanks a lot for that...

# Posted by NIGHT TRAIN - 02/02/2009, 20:32 (GMT)

The mics are
1 x At Pro 29HE
1 x AT Pro 25
2 x AT Pro 37R
2 x AT Pro something or other..too small to have model nos..they clip on somewhere.
I have the original receipt..I think there should have been 2 x Pro 25s..but the receipt says £330 for a set of 6.

The Pro 25s are £69 each from GAK

http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/pro-25/1530

and the 29 is £79
Hell, I'm selling these two cheap!

absolutely mint condition...well cheap!

# Posted by NIGHT TRAIN - 04/02/2009, 18:24 (GMT)

SOLD! to Mr Black Pilate...nice to meet you sir!

# Posted by ~ THE SUG4R BULLETS ~ - 04/02/2009, 18:49 (GMT)

A good buy indeed, nice one BP

# Posted by Foreign affair - 19/03/2009, 17:21 (GMT)

buy a gate for them too (cheap behringer will do) or you will get spill from the vocals

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