Taiko drums.? How would you record these?

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Tue Oct 27, 2009 6:13 am

Here's an example of what I'm talking about

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pTPBv2l ... re=related

Now here's the challange (for me at least)
The board I'm working on has no phase switch. Which is usually not an issue because I just get it right going in without a problem.

These drums are a blast to play and totally a lesson in phase issues that drums might have.
Like when you both slam the drum at the same time it almost launches the stick out of your hand....very cool!!! powerful!!!

I have some ideas on how to record it and make sure I get it right without dicking around too long but I'm curious if anyone has ever recorded these monsters being played by 2 people at once,and how they did it.

And yes I did UTFS

not much talk about Taiko drums...so here we go!

Thanks,
Harry

drumsound · Post by **drumsound** » Tue Oct 27, 2009 11:10 am

Are you recording a Taiko ensemble or adding an overdub to something?

I'd keep some space and use a mic that is nice and even and fast.

Something like Earthworks or Shoeps type vibe.

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Tue Oct 27, 2009 12:17 pm

drumsound wrote:Are you recording a Taiko ensemble or adding an overdub to something?

I'd keep some space and use a mic that is nice and even and fast.

Something like Earthworks or Shoeps type vibe.

It's a single drum being played by two people at once...one on each side.

I know I'm going to want a stereo image,which is going to be hard since my whole little studio will be shaking on it's foundation...So I'm gonna have to get kind of close.

It will be a foundation track.... It may end up being pretty much alone or there could be tons of cool shit put over it?
I'm sure it will end up sounding more African than Asian when it's all said and done.....not "pure" taiko...but very powerful none the less.

Snarl 12/8 · Post by **Snarl 12/8** » Tue Oct 27, 2009 12:41 pm

Make sure you tight mic the foundation.

JWL · Post by **JWL** » Tue Oct 27, 2009 12:49 pm

Can't you just take a DI?

*ducks*

drumsound · Post by **drumsound** » Sun Nov 01, 2009 1:19 am

Harry wrote:
drumsound wrote:Are you recording a Taiko ensemble or adding an overdub to something?

I'd keep some space and use a mic that is nice and even and fast.

Something like Earthworks or Shoeps type vibe.

It's a single drum being played by two people at once...one on each side.

I know I'm going to want a stereo image,which is going to be hard since my whole little studio will be shaking on it's foundation...So I'm gonna have to get kind of close.

It will be a foundation track.... It may end up being pretty much alone or there could be tons of cool shit put over it?
I'm sure it will end up sounding more African than Asian when it's all said and done.....not "pure" taiko...but very powerful none the less.

M/S might be cool. I'm loving ORTF lately. Plus mic each side maybe.

Dakota · Post by **Dakota** » Sun Nov 01, 2009 1:41 am

If you don't want to mess with phase, each mic of the pair *same* distance from the center of the head.

As much room as possible if the room sounds good (hope it does for taiko).

And as usual, block an ear and listen, where in the room does it sound good? Mic 1 there, mic 2 either there in x/y or m/s, or spaced pair spread out somewhere else good but still same distance from the center of the head.

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 11:33 am

drumsound wrote:
Harry wrote:
drumsound wrote:Are you recording a Taiko ensemble or adding an overdub to something?

I'd keep some space and use a mic that is nice and even and fast.

Something like Earthworks or Shoeps type vibe.

It's a single drum being played by two people at once...one on each side.

I know I'm going to want a stereo image,which is going to be hard since my whole little studio will be shaking on it's foundation...So I'm gonna have to get kind of close.

It will be a foundation track.... It may end up being pretty much alone or there could be tons of cool shit put over it?
I'm sure it will end up sounding more African than Asian when it's all said and done.....not "pure" taiko...but very powerful none the less.
M/S might be cool. I'm loving ORTF lately. Plus mic each side maybe.

I'm thinking the ORTF will end up being the main choice at mixdown.

Then I think I'll put 2 kick type dynamics on each side. With the phase reversed on one of each. I might use all 4 ,just 2 or none of these but I should get it captured one way or another.

This is something I'm just doing for fun but it's a big ass drum and two really good players that will only be there for one night. So I want to make sure I'm getting it. ( maybe a room mic at each end of the room too?)

Thank's for the input folks.........Oh and I will be mounting a pickup on the foundation and running that through a DI:)

Snarl 12/8 · Post by **Snarl 12/8** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 1:21 pm

Harry wrote:Thank's for the input folks.........Oh and I will be mounting a pickup on the foundation and running that through a DI:)

On a more serious note, what about a Subkick on each side of the drum?

norsehorse · Post by **norsehorse** » Wed Nov 11, 2009 11:42 am

Remember, you're recording ONE drum, not two. It's like four-hand piano - just because two people are playing does mean it's two instruments.

I would mic the drum from the front - ie. with neither side facing the microphones. This would keep both sides at equal volume. Use your preferred stereo method of choice (I'd go with ORTF or m/s). You'll still get a great stereo image, and it'll actually sound like a taiko drum. Not like the warped sound you'll get by miking both sides. If you want that, just get two drums.

Good luck!

PS. In addition to your stereo pair, you might want a single omni right up close to capture any really deep low-end that might get lost (depends on you room, your main mics, and the size of your taiko, I guess). I'm not sure it's necessary, but if you've got an extra channel, I'd do it.

PPS. What microphones / space do you have available?

Exoterrestrial · Post by **Exoterrestrial** » Tue Mar 24, 2015 1:00 pm

Hi members!

I've been asked to make a live recording of a group of about 13 Taiko drums and some smaller percussion

.
Never done that before and not such an easy task I presume.
The recording will be done during a live performance in a theatre.
Any of you all who has some tips, tricks, microphone suggestions, positions, etc. ?
Any input is higly appreciated!

Cheers,
Exo.

Gregg Juke · Post by **Gregg Juke** » Tue Mar 24, 2015 10:25 pm

Live concert (classical/acoustic) type recording, right? If it were me, I'd go with a simple stereo configuration; maybe add a third mike/Decca tree kind of set-up and be done with it. Get a good image, watch the volume, and let them mix themselves...

GJ

Exoterrestrial · Post by **Exoterrestrial** » Wed Mar 25, 2015 9:28 am

Thanks Gregg!

I was thinking of using my Decca Tree too.
Perhaps multiple microphones for both the soft and hard parts.
I will try to catch a few of their rehearsals first to test some microphone positions.
Any suggestions for the microphones?
The sound pressure will be huge but also very soft parts will be played.

Cheers,
Exo.

rhythm ranch · Post by **rhythm ranch** » Wed Mar 25, 2015 9:58 am

PZMs across the front of the stage?

Some info about the idea here: http://www.bartlettaudio.com/pages/faq-stage-floor-mics

Exoterrestrial · Post by **Exoterrestrial** » Wed Mar 25, 2015 12:13 pm

Not a bad idea. Why not.

Message Board

Taiko drums.? How would you record these?

Taiko drums.? How would you record these?

Try a different approach...

Who is online