When it comes to miking drums live, the number of microphones you need depends on the sound you want to achieve and the resources you have available. While some drummers and sound engineers prefer to use multiple microphones to capture each individual drum and cymbal, it is also possible to achieve great results with just two microphones.
Using just two microphones is a minimalist approach that can yield excellent results, particularly if you want to capture the natural sound of the drums in the room. This technique is often used in live recordings or situations where there may be limited resources or time for setup.
One common setup for using two microphones on drums is the “Glyn Johns” technique. This technique involves placing one microphone as an overhead to capture the overall sound of the kit and another microphone near the kick drum to capture the low-end frequencies.
The overhead microphone is typically positioned above the drum kit, angled downwards towards the center of the snare drum. This microphone captures the overall balance and ambience of the drums, including the cymbals. The kick drum microphone is usually placed just outside the kick drum, aimed towards the beater or the resonant head, depending on the desired sound.
By adjusting the placement and angle of these two microphones, you can achieve a balanced and natural drum sound. It is important to experiment with different positions to find the sweet spot that captures the desired balance between the drums and cymbals.
Another option for using two microphones on drums is the “Recorderman” technique. This technique involves placing one microphone directly above the drummer’s head, aimed towards the snare drum, and another microphone positioned slightly behind the drummer, aimed towards the floor tom and kick drum. This technique aims to capture a more focused and isolated sound of the drums, with less emphasis on the room ambience.
Using two microphones for live drum recording can be a cost-effective and efficient approach. It requires fewer mic stands, cables, and channels on the mixing console, which can be beneficial in live situations where setup time is limited. It also allows for a more straightforward mixing process, as there are fewer tracks to balance and process.
However, it is worth noting that using two microphones may not capture every detail and nuance of the drums as compared to using multiple microphones. If you have the resources and want more control over the individual elements of the drum kit, using additional microphones for each drum and cymbal can provide greater flexibility during the mixing stage.
Using two microphones for live drum recording is a valid and often effective technique, especially if you want to capture the natural sound of the drums in the room. Experimenting with different microphone placements and techniques can help you achieve the desired balance and tone for your drum recordings.