Hey. I do not have access to multiple microphones or the proper equipment to record drums in the way they are usually recorded. The only possible way I can record my drums is with 1 Zoom Microphone. Does anyone have any tips for recording with 1 Microphone?
I used my Q8 Zoom and stuck it directly in front of the entire kit ( maybe 2 feet away, if that ) at about the same height as the top of the bass drum.
Depending on the ability of the mic, you should be able to be within a foot of center, either left or right, depending on what you want to hear more. Maybe a little more towards the snare and hats to balance everything.
Make a couple of short recordings while playing the entire kit to experiment with you works best to your ears.
It can be done. Good luck and post a clip when you find the sweet spot.
Try putting the mic above the drummer's head facing the snare drum you should get a good mix of the whole kit from there, you might have to mess with the height and angle of the mic a little bit so you don't get WAY too much cymbal.
yeah I've tried 1 mic myself also.
I spent a couple minutes placing the mic, playing, writing down where it was, then move it and do it again. Then listened to the audio and determined where I liked it best.
I used my Q8 Zoom and stuck it directly in front of the entire kit ( maybe 2 feet away, if that ) at about the same height as the top of the bass drum.
Depending on the ability of the mic, you should be able to be within a foot of center, either left or right, depending on what you want to hear more. Maybe a little more towards the snare and hats to balance everything.
Make a couple of short recordings while playing the entire kit to experiment with you works best to your ears.
It can be done. Good luck and post a clip when you find the sweet spot.
Here's a one mic recording.
That sounded great!
Kevin
DW Performance series - Gun Metal Metallic Lacquer
24/12/16 6.5x14
Sabian AA/AAX hi-hats & crashes
Sabian HHX Evolution ride
I use my Zoom H2 to record my set. I found placing it out front picked up too much hi hat. I like it about 2 feet over and behind my right shoulder (I'm left handed) aimed between the rack toms, get decent balance and can hear the kick.
i record every gig I go hwith a Zoom H4n, on stage, near a floor monitor, and use in ear monitors plugged into the Zoom. recording quality is a little variable, as the balance/positioning is not ideal, but it gets the job done, and saves my ears too!
There are a ton of videos on youtube about recording drums with one mic. All kinds of different tricks/positions. It's really gonna just end up being trial and error. The room will play a big role in the sound you get based on placement, also, so don't take any one piece of advice as gospel. Except this one, of course. lol Good luck!
Bookmarks