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#779583 - 12/22/04 11:26 AM How to mic a kick drum.
maxherlim
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Registered: 12/22/04
Posts: 4

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I need some advice on how to mic kick drum. I use AKG D112 for now. My problem is that from the kick drum mic only I can hear loud and clear the snare, hi-hat and the toms. Please help!
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#779584 - 12/22/04 12:03 PM Re: How to mic a kick drum.
Lee Flier
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Registered: 09/13/00
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Loc: Atlanta,GA,UNITED STATES

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Max,

Where exactly are you placing the mic, and in which direction is it pointed?
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#779585 - 12/22/04 01:23 PM Re: How to mic a kick drum.
LIMiT
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Registered: 04/15/04
Posts: 170
Loc: Vancouver, B.C.

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max...
is there a hole cut out of the drum..if so..experiment with the D112 by moving the mic from close to far...see what sounds better.

I like to use the D112 combined with a Sm57 placed inside the drum as close to the beater as I can get,..and blend to taste. The D112 gives you good low boom,..the 57 gives you sharp attack.

I have never tracked a kit that has not had a hole cut out of the kick yet, so I will not comment on it.

Cheers,
LIMiT
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#779586 - 12/22/04 03:11 PM Re: How to mic a kick drum.
joeq
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Registered: 09/24/02
Posts: 141

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from your comment about the snare I am assuming you have no hole in the front head and are not getting the mic inside the drum. Even from inside the kick, some snare bleed is inevitable.

I don't want to start any wars by commenting on hole vs no hole in the front head. Some folks who don't want a hole permanently install a mic inside the drum.

But if you are placing your mic in front of the drum, you could try making a "tunnel" to protect that mic from the snare and cymbal bleed. a couple of chairs on either side with a carpet draped over the top would be one way to do it. A second kick drum with the heads removed would be another.

The "tunnel" will also affect the sound, perhaps in a way you won't like, so keep in mind you have to experiment and see what works best for you
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#779587 - 12/23/04 02:28 AM Re: How to mic a kick drum.
maxherlim
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Registered: 12/22/04
Posts: 4

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I put the mic facing to the head in front of a small hole on the head. I guess I have to make a large hole so the mic can be placed inside. Do you think changing the mic will solve the problem? Also how do I make a tunnel?
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#779588 - 12/23/04 04:40 PM Re: How to mic a kick drum.
sidereal
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Registered: 04/20/01
Posts: 692
Loc: San Francisco,CA

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No. The mic is good, even the placement is good for some flavors. Miking outside the hole can provide a lot more whoompf to the sound with less attack than if you put it inside. Depends on the sound you want.

What you're experiencing with the snare and hi-hat is called mic bleed and it happens. I bet you're getting mostly high frequencies coming through. If you can, try setting a low-pass filter at about 5k. That will roll off some of the high-end bleed and still give you enough of the attack of the kick.

Of course, this is all experimentation, which is what recording is all about.
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