How high do you like your overheads (and why)?
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Re: How high do you like your overheads (and why)?
moderately stoned
Re: How high do you like your overheads (and why)?
If they're overhead at all, I tend to prefer them not too high - maybe just below the height of my chin when I'm standing up so only really just high enough to avoid being in the phasey edge-wash of any of the cymbals and in some kind of ORTF (though usually not pointing as far apart as ORTF, I do it by ear). Usually they're basically over the right edge of the kick drum/ Ride cymbal looking across to the snare to keep that centered.
I tend to prefer that for the wide stereo and being close enough to get some real detail and punch. If I pull them higher or further back it'd be for more room tone, but I've got room mics for that...
That said, I'm more likely to not have "overheads" but rather have one mic maybe 50cm in front of the kit's rack tom, and the other round on the floor tom side just a bit higher than the rim and positioned so the snare sounds central. So they're hearing the cymbals from underneath, emphasizing the shells over the brass, and again giving quite a close tight sound to contrast with the room mics.
I tend to prefer that for the wide stereo and being close enough to get some real detail and punch. If I pull them higher or further back it'd be for more room tone, but I've got room mics for that...
That said, I'm more likely to not have "overheads" but rather have one mic maybe 50cm in front of the kit's rack tom, and the other round on the floor tom side just a bit higher than the rim and positioned so the snare sounds central. So they're hearing the cymbals from underneath, emphasizing the shells over the brass, and again giving quite a close tight sound to contrast with the room mics.
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Re: How high do you like your overheads (and why)?
I'd like to see a photo of that.Cirrus wrote: ↑Wed May 09, 2018 3:10 amIf they're overhead at all, I tend to prefer them not too high - maybe just below the height of my chin when I'm standing up so only really just high enough to avoid being in the phasey edge-wash of any of the cymbals and in some kind of ORTF (though usually not pointing as far apart as ORTF, I do it by ear). Usually they're basically over the right edge of the kick drum/ Ride cymbal looking across to the snare to keep that centered.
I tend to prefer that for the wide stereo and being close enough to get some real detail and punch. If I pull them higher or further back it'd be for more room tone, but I've got room mics for that...
That said, I'm more likely to not have "overheads" but rather have one mic maybe 50cm in front of the kit's rack tom, and the other round on the floor tom side just a bit higher than the rim and positioned so the snare sounds central. So they're hearing the cymbals from underneath, emphasizing the shells over the brass, and again giving quite a close tight sound to contrast with the room mics.
Re: How high do you like your overheads (and why)?
Sure, this is the nearest I can find to being able to see both mics and the kit;
From memory, I think both mic stands got moved in about 15cm from what you can see there. The front at4050 ended up slightly lower because the edge-wash from the snare-side crash was a bit phasey where it was. You can see the Floor Tom-side at4050 between the top of the ride and bottom of the far crash. Ignore the SM57, it was just spectating!
From memory, I think both mic stands got moved in about 15cm from what you can see there. The front at4050 ended up slightly lower because the edge-wash from the snare-side crash was a bit phasey where it was. You can see the Floor Tom-side at4050 between the top of the ride and bottom of the far crash. Ignore the SM57, it was just spectating!
- losthighway
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Re: How high do you like your overheads (and why)?
Do you love your 4050? They were getting a lot of hype around here a while back and they've really become accessible on the used market.
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Re: How high do you like your overheads (and why)?
They are great mics.losthighway wrote: ↑Wed May 09, 2018 6:14 pmDo you love your 4050? They were getting a lot of hype around here a while back and they've really become accessible on the used market.
Re: How high do you like your overheads (and why)?
Yes, I do like the 4050s, very good mics for surprisingly cheap second hand prices.
There are times when I prefer them to 414s.
On the other hand, they're not perfect - I think they tend to emphasise low mid resonances (not great for some acoustic guitars), and they're definitely light across the upper midrange/ low treble (maybe 3-5k, if I had to guess...) so they have a slightly relaxed sound that doesn't get in your face; I usually end up bumping that with eq on drums.
I love them on guitar+bass cabs.
There are times when I prefer them to 414s.
On the other hand, they're not perfect - I think they tend to emphasise low mid resonances (not great for some acoustic guitars), and they're definitely light across the upper midrange/ low treble (maybe 3-5k, if I had to guess...) so they have a slightly relaxed sound that doesn't get in your face; I usually end up bumping that with eq on drums.
I love them on guitar+bass cabs.
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Re: How high do you like your overheads (and why)?
How about those 57's, Tony? Looking good, aye?
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GJ
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GJ
Gregg Juke
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http://MightyNoStars.com
"He's about to learn the most important lesson in the music business-- 'Never trust people in the music business.' "
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Re: How high do you like your overheads (and why)?
"Well if you got a nail stickin' out of your molding you can use it to hammer it in!" yuck yuck yuckGregg Juke wrote: ↑Thu May 10, 2018 6:02 amHow about those 57's, Tony? Looking good, aye?
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Re: How high do you like your overheads (and why)?
^^^^ That was too good natured. I want vitriol. Tony???
GJ
GJ
Gregg Juke
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http://MightyNoStars.com
"He's about to learn the most important lesson in the music business-- 'Never trust people in the music business.' "
Nocturnal Productions Music Group
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http://MightyNoStars.com
"He's about to learn the most important lesson in the music business-- 'Never trust people in the music business.' "
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Re: How high do you like your overheads (and why)?
"Well if you got a nail stickin' out of your molding you can use it to hammer it in!" yuck yuck yuckGregg Juke wrote: ↑Thu May 10, 2018 6:02 amHow about those 57's, Tony? Looking good, aye?
(ducks and runs for nearest cover and concealment)
[/quote]
Throws my broken 57 at you.
MY MAN!
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Re: How high do you like your overheads (and why)?
Eight Miles High.
I kid. Generally pretty low; just high enough to capture an even picture of the kit and not get hit by sticks. Then I throw up some room mics for that roomy flava. I'd only put them higher up if I needed to get the kit/room balance solely from the overheads, and even then I'd probably first try switching to Mid/Side or a spaced pair of omnis.
But hey, this is the TOMB. Challenge accepted! Next session I'll put them higher than I think is smart
I kid. Generally pretty low; just high enough to capture an even picture of the kit and not get hit by sticks. Then I throw up some room mics for that roomy flava. I'd only put them higher up if I needed to get the kit/room balance solely from the overheads, and even then I'd probably first try switching to Mid/Side or a spaced pair of omnis.
But hey, this is the TOMB. Challenge accepted! Next session I'll put them higher than I think is smart
Re: How high do you like your overheads (and why)?
I don't go any lower that 32" above the snare.
I usually am doing a sort of modified Glyn Johns with a Stereo Royer overhead and a "Front" microphone that are both measured from the center of the snare out in front of the kick angled down a little. Probably end up using 36" more than any but if I want it roomy-er I just increase that distance.
I usually am doing a sort of modified Glyn Johns with a Stereo Royer overhead and a "Front" microphone that are both measured from the center of the snare out in front of the kick angled down a little. Probably end up using 36" more than any but if I want it roomy-er I just increase that distance.
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