Can you recommend SDC pair for drum overheads?

[jaypeg]

I want to upgrade/replace my AT37 Pro SDCs. I use them mostly as drum overheads and they seem to make the cheap cymbals that all my clients have sound worse. They're OK mics, just not helping on drums.

Is there a bang for the buck SDC that fits the bill for drum overheads?
I was thinking Rode NT5 but afraid I might get more of the same.
In my dream world its KM184's but I only have about $400-600 to spend.

[Snarl 12/8]

Why SDC? Have you considered going LDC (or ribbon) for this application? I prefer my MXL2001's over my Pro37's on OH duty. For that budget you could get a pair of MXL2001's and a pair of FatHeads, I think. If I recorded more, I'd consider upgrading to a pair of CAD m179s at this point.

[kslight]

Maybe buy some good cymbals? I kid....



The NT5s are okay out of the box, a little bright....but I bought the Michael Joly replacement capsules and they seem to do pretty well.

[vvv]

I went from Studio Projects C4's to AT4040's, SDC to LDC. They are

I keep thinking I should try my CAD M179's or sompin' else but just love the AT's so much ...

[floid]

what's with the sudden m179 love around here? mk012 market finally saturating?

to the OP: if you're dealing with lousy cymbals (and technique?), consider mics and methods that reign them in a bit.

[JWL]

+1 on the ribbons. Even a cheap pair of Nady ribbons (under $100 each) can help tame a lot of harsh cymbals, and the fig8 pattern is great for improving isolation.

I have NT5s and I use ribbons on overheads way more often.

[Flight Feathers]

I still love my Oktava 012's. They are super versatile.

A few more suggestions. Get some moon gels (http://www.rtom.com/moongel.htm), try them on the cymbals. Or blue painters tape. They can really help tame/alter cymbal sounds. It's like instant aging. Experiment with placement.

Get a good ride and crash you can swap in, in case someone brings over a bag of Wuhans. Why invest in more mics when the cymbals are the root cause?

Tell the drummers to stop hitting the cymbals so damn hard.

[Jim Williams]

AKG 460, 480, 414, 451, 452.

Heard on all of your favorite records.

[blungo2]

I don't know if this is helpful, as I've never used them on overheads. I always wind up with ribbons (long ribbons, I haven't bonded with the short ribbons like fatheads that I've tried) or LDCs on overheads.

Nonetheless, the little Line Audio CM3s work great on a lot of stuff, I'm guessing they wouldn't suck as overheads. He also has a new omni out which is also dirt cheap. I hope to get a pair in the near future, just because I love omnis.

[mn412]

I'll second the AKG 460b. If your wanting SDC they sound really good although I often like a mono OH with a Coles or a Pearlman. I Use 451s a fair amount to but, think I prefer the 460s

[Recycled_Brains]

Used pair of Josephson C42s would be cool. That's what I use most of the time.

It sucks that bands never have good cymbals. Bane of my existence.

[drumsound]

I get pretty good results with Octava MC012s on overheads. I love Pro37s, but no often on overs. Trying LDCs and Ribbons is also something to try.

And buy some cymbals, cheap drums can be tuned, but you're SOL with shitty cymbals. NOTHING makes shitty cymbals sound not shitty.

[Nick Sevilla]

AKG 460, 480, 414, 451, 452.

Heard on all of your favorite records.

+1

[UnlikeKurt]

i'm surprised by the initial post.
I've used PRO37's somewhat frequently in ORTF pattern over drums with some pretty crappy cymbals. Even pretty crappy cymbals bashed by heavy handed drummers.
And honestly, I've found that they are pretty great. Even make the cymbals sound pretty darn good.

[Nick Sevilla]

If you are looking for KM184s or similar:

http://pelusomicrophonelab.com/microphones/CEMC6SK.html

They are good. And you can find them used for around your budget.

Cheers