Drum "Heart" mics, pres and techniques

bradb · Post by **bradb** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 1:34 pm

I've been using drum heart mics lately in my sessions for some added character.

I like a good picture of the kit (OH, FOK etc) and bolster with close mics and then add some character with other mics....a heart mic is cool. song / application dependent of course...

I've used a telephone mic, which is kinda fun, but very high frequency, I've also used an R92 which was cool, but too delicate for constant application...

I'm really looking for something that's going to noticeably drive dark.

What is everyone else using?

Talking only about mics here seems to be only one third of the picture.. What about special pres too?
And any neat techniques...

I'm leaning toward getting a 635a (because omni) and running it thru my Scully 280 pre in "vintage" mode..

A.David.MacKinnon · Post by **A.David.MacKinnon** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 2:30 pm

635a -> Ross Distortion pedal -> tape or computer.
No extra pre needed.

bradb · Post by **bradb** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 2:33 pm

good thoughts! I'm very fond of the rat distortion pedal on drum machine sounds especially since it has that nice filter on it....

will try it

joninc · Post by **joninc** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 4:33 pm

i like a 441 or beyer 201 for this. hypercardoid seems to work well for some reason. i love crazy squishy comps on these too.

or cheap crystal mics from old hifi's through guitar pedals - dynacomp or RAT are personal faves.

drumsound · Post by **drumsound** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 4:51 pm

If we're talking right over the BD trashy/smashy I really like an EV 408. Many times I use the ART pro MPA with lots of input gain to crunch up the tube. Lately I've been into the Level-Or following the console pre.

djimbe · Post by **djimbe** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 5:37 pm

bradb wrote:

I'm really looking for something that's going to noticeably drive dark.

(clip)

I'm leaning toward getting a 635a (because omni) and running it thru my Scully 280 pre in "vintage" mode..

"drive dark". Like a beefy overdriven sound?

Soundelux U195 is a good heart mic for me. That "fat" switch can be a blessing or a curse. And the stock Scully 280 will get it all and allow for some distortion if you want it. I like that distortion more for vocals, but I'm odd that way...

bradb · Post by **bradb** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 5:41 pm

hm..

a friend mentioned hypercardiods too... interesting.

maybe i'll try the Audix D3 i have there for fun. i didn't think the directionality would help.. what do you point it at?

bradb · Post by **bradb** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 5:42 pm

i usually have the u195 on outkick, but perhaps i can put it to better use there in the heart.

good suggestion, i have a lot to work on.

iC · Post by iC » Mon Feb 16, 2009 5:43 pm

Altec 633 into Ashley SC-50 works nicely...

**edited for "clarity"**

but midrangey, not dark.

joninc · Post by **joninc** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 5:46 pm

bradb wrote:hm..

a friend mentioned hypercardiods too... interesting.

maybe i'll try the Audix D3 i have there for fun. i didn't think the directionality would help.. what do you point it at?

its sort of a tchad blake trick. pointed towards the btm of the snare.

red cross · Post by **red cross** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 5:47 pm

What is a "heart" mic?

T-rex · Post by **T-rex** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 6:51 pm

If we are talking about the placement drumsound mentioned, the R84 is my new favorite drum mic. I have mentioned this a couple of times already but damn, that mic in that position run parallel thorugh my 1176 plug in sounds amazing. Like I could totally use that as my only drum mic if it was a sparse mix or one where the drums didn't have to cut through a wall of guitars.

I put it facing the drummer kind of between the rack tom and the ride with the ride on the side (off axis) of the R84. Works awesome through my sytek pre (I find that combo fo the R84 and the sytek with BB's to sound amazing to my ear).

Recycled_Brains · Post by **Recycled_Brains** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 8:53 pm

red cross wrote:What is a "heart" mic?

JohnDavisNYC · Post by **JohnDavisNYC** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 8:55 pm

SM58 or 635a... through ANYTHING.. KILLED... with ANYTHING.

58 is kinda the jam for that.

john

bradb · Post by **bradb** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 9:09 pm

disclaimer ....i did not come up with the term "heart" mic... but i love the name. basically a mic in the center of the drum kit

but i love the concept of it. its the opposite of the room mic, but it has a similar .... purpose?

you can squash it, but theres just no room, its just all sustain/decay.

good ideas all... im gonna get a 635a

and do not get me started on the R84, best mic ever... sickest mic on drums.. To me, that mic speaks what drums are all about..

Message Board

Drum "Heart" mics, pres and techniques

Drum "Heart" mics, pres and techniques

Re: Drum "Heart" mics, pres and techniques

Who is online