Hey ya'll. Anyone have an idea for a cheap pair of microphones that will record a drum kit? (without any supplemental microphones).

I've been using some expensive microphones (sE voodoo at about $400 a pop) to record drums, but interested in finding a pair of cheaper microphones, with a different sound to them. Maybe some pencil condensers?

I usually just space the microphones about 6-7 feet apart, and have them about 6 feet high, both pointing at the snare and hard-panned. Seems to work fine.

The first candidates that come to mind are small diaphragm condensers: Oktava mk12 or Shure ksm137.

I have used a pair of SE sdc for years. They are cheap and do the job. I haven't looked after them particularly well, and they still work perfectly. Come 'matched' (which is probably horse shit in these days, since they're doubtless all the same) and with a decent stereo bar.

Audio Technica Pro37

So I guess the small diaphragm condenser is the way to go? I've been using those voodoo ribbons and I must say the low end is nicely preserved. Kind of hesitant to rely on a condenser for a full kit picture.

I'm also investigating some other possibilities... I'm trying to kind of slim down my recording setup. Been thinking about going for a stereo recording of drums to a solid state that will sit above my stereo. And then for overdubs I'll just find a nice single-channel interface.

Something like drums --> "stereo rack mixer" -->Tascam SD-20m --> Wav file
Overdubs --> "my preamp" --> rode A1

I mentioned the rode device in the "What's on it's way" thread. But There are also some cheap stereo mixers available as well, so I could make use of the other microphones I'm holding which include one for kick and snare for sure. I guess I'll make sense of all of this as I go.

indiegrab_360 wrote: Sun Feb 20, 2022 8:46 pm So I guess the small diaphragm condenser is the way to go? I've been using those voodoo ribbons and I must say the low end is nicely preserved. Kind of hesitant to rely on a condenser for a full kit picture.

Ribbon overheads are great. Maybe you want to stick with a good thing.

SDCs are a different thing. Little more zing, a little less oomph. They can also be great, just a different flavor.

losthighway wrote: Sun Feb 20, 2022 10:00 pm

indiegrab_360 wrote: Sun Feb 20, 2022 8:46 pm So I guess the small diaphragm condenser is the way to go? I've been using those voodoo ribbons and I must say the low end is nicely preserved. Kind of hesitant to rely on a condenser for a full kit picture.

Ribbon overheads are great. Maybe you want to stick with a good thing.

SDCs are a different thing. Little more zing, a little less oomph. They can also be great, just a different flavor.

Yeah I've been looking to mix it up a little, so sounds good.

2nd for a pair of oktavas. First thing that cane to mind. If you can find a pair of used audio tecnica 4040 or cheap they are great. Might cost a little more but I love shure ksm 32 for everything mics.

Kniferide wrote: Mon Feb 21, 2022 4:19 am 2nd for a pair of oktavas. First thing that cane to mind. If you can find a pair of used audio tecnica 4040 or cheap they are great. Might cost a little more but I love shure ksm 32 for everything mics.

3rd on the Oktavas. You mentioned the low end being preserved w/ your ribbons - the MK-012 has always surprised me with how well it captures low-end information but I wouldn't expect it to do quite as well as your ribbons, especially if it's positioned with some distance from the kit.

losthighway wrote: Sat Feb 19, 2022 7:54 pm The first candidates that come to mind are small diaphragm condensers: Oktava mk12 or Shure ksm137.

This. The KSM137 has a bit better detail in the high end (less washy) than the MK/MC 012, we A/Bed them in our space. Probably more expensive than your target price though.

Also the AT Pro 37 that was also already mentioned is a super good budget choice. We didn't A/B those against the 012 though...