How Do I Mic Up a Drum Set?
Condition of the Drums First, be sure that the drum set itself is in peak playing condition. This means that all drums, cymbals, and mechanisms are in a good working order. Mechanisms in particular should be checked so that they don’t generate their own noise and interfere with the music. Drum heads should not be worn out, old nor so new that they have not yet been fully stretched. Equipment Proper equipment is vital for good micing. This includes not only the microphone itself, but also the microphone cable and the PA equipment. Poor cables in particular can be an often overlooked source of frustration. The art of knowing, finding, and using good equipment can be its own lifelong pursuit. Read reviews before buying anything, and don’t assume that higher price always means higher quality. Multiple Microphones and Placement When placing microphones for a drum set, remember that a set is really instruments in one. This means that for optimal sound, each drum and cymbal should have its ow
