My god, this is so useful man. I have a decent grasp on recording drums into garageband, but I just got Logic and really needed someone to tell me that I just need to calm down and take things at this kind of casual pace. Thank you.
I'm so happy to hear that! Yeah, I was in the exact same boat when I started recording myself fifteen years ago - there's just SO MUCH INFORMATION out there about what you're supposed to do and what you're supposed to buy. Start simple, and only expand when you're really ready. You might also discover that the simple setup is all you ever needed anyhow! Best of luck with the recording, and keep us posted!
With everything else in music, this is also true regarding getting into a new DAW: slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. Edit: this is comment #69. Nice.
@@rosshiscock1316 Which God? I Mean if you are to follow the descendants of Judaism there is no word for 'God'. That's just a Baptist/American selfish interpretation. After a post Roman subjugation. With that in mind, uh... your point?
If you're this limited on mics/inputs, a GREAT option that even the pros use (from the Eagles to Foo Fighters) is practice playing JUST the drums (don't actually hit the cymbals) and record a "shell pass" and then do it again and record just the cymbals (cymbal pass) and you'll get control of your mix. Also...it makes you think about the drum parts more and you end up with nice musical, well composed/rehearsed drum parts for your song. Also...it's fun!
Finally a drum miking guide that sticks to two mics and focuses and getting this setup to work, than expanding to 20+ mics. You even present advantages for going with this configuration. Your video is worth its weight in gold for this alone.
OMG. When I wrote the comment. I was being EXTREMELY SINCERE. I didn't know who you were. I thought you were just an advanced hobbyist who was semi-pro, like I was. I loved the teaching approach. Boy was I wrong. Your list of credits speaks for itself. In a way, that is a compliment that you came across so down-to-earth.
Thank you so much! I'm a drummer that has limited recoding experience but plays live often. I just purchased a few items to start recoding myself and your vids are a massive help. Thank you!!
Such a lot of positive comments on here and I can only agree with all of them! But, apart from the wealth of useful info and really nice drumming, the best thing about the video is you! So relatable, clearly talented but so humble and generous. Much appreciated, I am feeling more inspired and less overwhelmed thanks to you.
Thank you for the straightforward advice. Everyone told me I couldn’t get good drum sounds with just 2 mics much less 2 affordable workhorse mics. If it sounds good it is good.
Absolutely! Some of my favorite classic recordings were made with just one or two mics on the kit, including the "Funky Drummer" break (which I'm pretty sure was just one mic on the drums). Happy recording, and keep us posted!
This was so useful thanks. We're looking at getting a scratch track in the practice room and this two mic setup through the PA, bearing in mind what you mentioned (I'll have to figure out whether I can phase flip in the desk) and out to a recorder could get us a long way towards a starting point.
Great! One other possibility, in the scenario you describe: if you are already getting a lot of cymbals in the vocal mics, you could use one mic in the kick drum and another in the "Kit Center" position (here's more info on that: ruclips.net/video/Q18H-Au-BV4/видео.html). Let us know how it turns out!
A great video! I've just started doing some research on home recording my kit, so this was very timely, and very helpful. Thank you, I look forward to more videos from you.
I'm so glad it was helpful! There are many more videos on our website (www.creatingthesound.com) on recording and mixing drums, as well as studio acoustics, music production, sample recreation and the like. Happy recording!
this was such a great, straight to the point video. So freaking clear. Liked and subbed right after the video. I'm just getting started with recording drums and wasn't sure if i should go with the Yamaha EAD10 or just a 2/3 MIC setup. Looks like I'm going with the 2 mic setup, seems way more fun. Great video Dylan!
Great, I'm glad we could help! If it's in the budget, I would definitely italy go for the four-input interface at the very least (especially one that can be expanded later on with digital inputs). You can do a LOT with four mics on the kit. Keep us posted, and happy recording!
Great video. Do you think this type of mono setup is better than doing a stereo 2-mic setup - say, two overheads, or two in front? I'd like to get 4 mics right off the bat, but I feel like maybe it would be better to invest in fewer but better mics and work my way up to it - either a pair of condensers, or kick and snare mics but using the snare mic as a mono overhead to start. I'm not new to recording, but it's been a long time - I mostly did it back in the analog days.
I use Aquarian heads: Modern Vintage 2 on top, Classic Clear underneath. It's a great, low, warm sound that works perfectly with these drums. Let me know what you think if you try them!
This is great! Just make sure that you get your drums sounding as good as they can be before recording. If they don't sound great to you before recording, you're not going to be able to fix that in software.
Absolutely! And of course treating the room is crucial as well. But the important thing is just to start recording, then use your ears to tell you where the areas are that need attention. It can be maddening, but also very rewarding!
Check out the Sescom 3mix. Its a completely passive, 3 channel device that acts like a mixer. It has individual volume controls. It looks similar to a guitar pedal. Whats it for? Its the easiest way Ive found to put 3 mics into one channel. Why would you want it? You can continue to use your 2 channel interface, and get 2 extra mics (such as 2 overheads and a room mic, or whatever you desire. Its also perfect for my harmonica/guitar rig. I can sing through one mic, guitar through the second mic, and harmonica for the 3rd mic. Why not just use a passive mixer? Because I prefer a pedal sized device that does the job. .. and I can use my vocal pedals to do the eq or effects.
I've been shopping for an interface and pondering if I need 2, 4 or more mic inputs and how many track outputs. I think it's clear now that a 2x2 interface may be enough for a while. Thanks
If you can stretch your budget a little bit, try to find a four channel interface that has an ADAT input for additional channels. You can do a LOT with four mics on the drums, and the ability to expand down the road will be very useful if you want to spot-mic all the drums or record a whole band at once. The SSL 12 immediately comes to mind, and there are several other companies offering a similar configuration. Good luck!
@@CreatingtheSound yeah I know but really at the time I can't buy more than 2 mics. Add the cables and then I would honestly start buying better cymbals etc. If in the near future I decide I can, I'll sell the 2x2 interface. Those things sell fast on the used market. Thanks for replying I appreciate it
@@CreatingtheSound my two final options are an M-audio 192/6 at $129 or an ART usb IV (4x4) at $179. The ART has 4 mics and 4 usb outs but I don't know about the quality of those ART preamps. (Prices in. Canadian $)
Question on the bass drum phase work. I couldn't tell the difference between the regular vs phase inverted bass drum sounds. If I have a set-up at home, and I don't hear anything major, can I leave the tracks as is? Or is it one of those things that'll bite you in the butt later if left unchecked?
Yes indeed - it's the Cymbal Resonance System (www.crsnorway.com/?v=7516fd43adaa), and it's really amazing. I find the cymbals speak so much easier, and just sound more lush. I can't recommend them enough, and I'm a proud endorser. Check them out!
@@CreatingtheSound As someone who likes my cymbals dirty and dry, thank god I don't need to buy these. 🤣 But I suppose the isolation aspect can be beneficial in the studio too.
Cool video. I just would say add another overhead mic for a "stereo" sound of the set, and it would work better, and still be cheap on the wallet. Good video on how to mic drums, and how you don't need thousands of dollars in mics to do it. And it's not just the mics, but the cost of the stands too people forget about.
Another question. When you discuss the -6, -7 and -9, what do those numbers mean? Do they correlate to a louder sound from the drums, or are they adjusted in the software? Could you elaborate or what those numbers are and what they mean?
Hey, sir! If I apply this to a live situation- an open gym- and not a lot of room for isolation, can this still be applicable? although, for the overhead instead of the sm57 we might use a condenser mic.
That's the thing about recording drums: you can make it as complicated and expensive as you want. Or, you can just stick a mic or two on the kit and start playing. Amazing examples of just about any approach you can imagine are out there. Just start with what you have and have fun. Happy recording!
It's a custom drum (6.5x14"): the shell is seamless brass from Oriollo, and then Tony at GMS turned it into an 8-lug drum with his parts and finish. It has chrome-over-brass hoops from Drum Factory Direct, and heads are by Aquarian. It's one of my favorite snare drums, and I own a BUNCH of them!
@@CreatingtheSound Did he do that for you because you're friends, or is that a service he'd do for any customer? I'd love to get a cast metal shell and get GMS's original Grand Master lugs for it (I prefer them over the SE as double-ended lugs).
Would the SM57 be good for overhead as well? I play in a basement band and we're looking at recording ourselves for fun....I want a basic 2 mic for my drums and I was thinking using a Apex 325 for kick drum and Shure SM57 overhead.....don't want to spend a fortune, just want a decent drum sound
Absolutely! The 57 will probably work better than the 58 I used in this example. Experiment with positioning on both mics and find what works best in your space. Happy recording!
@@CreatingtheSound Awesome, thanks for the reply. I haven't decided yet on the overhead mic...may go with a condenser mic after all, not sure. Thanks again.
All I get is the most harsh cymbal recording of all time. It's all cymbals. Snare sounds like I'm banging a trash can with a soup spoon and the kick sounds muddy and boomy. How am I doing? Pretty great hey.
![Recording Drums With Steve Albini [Third Circle Recordings]](/img/1.gif)
This is the best drum recording video I've seen on RUclips to this day!!
My god, this is so useful man. I have a decent grasp on recording drums into garageband, but I just got Logic and really needed someone to tell me that I just need to calm down and take things at this kind of casual pace. Thank you.
I'm so happy to hear that! Yeah, I was in the exact same boat when I started recording myself fifteen years ago - there's just SO MUCH INFORMATION out there about what you're supposed to do and what you're supposed to buy. Start simple, and only expand when you're really ready. You might also discover that the simple setup is all you ever needed anyhow! Best of luck with the recording, and keep us posted!
Please don’t use God’s name in vain ❤
@@rosshiscock1316 yea goin around telling people how to talk is definitely helping your cause, Jesus Christ lmao
With everything else in music, this is also true regarding getting into a new DAW: slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.
Edit: this is comment #69. Nice.
@@rosshiscock1316 Which God? I Mean if you are to follow the descendants of Judaism there is no word for 'God'. That's just a Baptist/American selfish interpretation. After a post Roman subjugation. With that in mind, uh... your point?
If you're this limited on mics/inputs, a GREAT option that even the pros use (from the Eagles to Foo Fighters) is practice playing JUST the drums (don't actually hit the cymbals) and record a "shell pass" and then do it again and record just the cymbals (cymbal pass) and you'll get control of your mix. Also...it makes you think about the drum parts more and you end up with nice musical, well composed/rehearsed drum parts for your song. Also...it's fun!
Finally a drum miking guide that sticks to two mics and focuses and getting this setup to work, than expanding to 20+ mics. You even present advantages for going with this configuration. Your video is worth its weight in gold for this alone.
Yeah, great video for all the basics. Really appreciate you adding the mixing essentials too.
Great video and +1 for the snare drum sound - I love it!
Wow this was so much more helpful and in depth than I thought. Great explanation, I’ve been dreading this but feel good about it now 😊 thanks!
Good video, very straightforward and lacking BS.
Thank you for being so easy to follow and being on point! Great video!!!
So refreshing
I have it first hand from a Sure Rep that the SM57 and SM58 have identical capsules. The basket is the only thing that differentiates them.
This is a very helpful video. subbed. Thank you!
This channel is going places. Great stuff.
OMG. When I wrote the comment. I was being EXTREMELY SINCERE. I didn't know who you were. I thought you were just an advanced hobbyist who was semi-pro, like I was. I loved the teaching approach. Boy was I wrong. Your list of credits speaks for itself. In a way, that is a compliment that you came across so down-to-earth.
Much appreciated! I'll ALWAYS be a student of music and audio, but it's fun to pass on what I've learned over the decades. Happy recording!
Good tips!
Great vid! Thanks
what’s that cool stuff under the Cymbel? Is that about resonance things?
Great lesson! Just subscribed
Thank you so much! I'm a drummer that has limited recoding experience but plays live often. I just purchased a few items to start recoding myself and your vids are a massive help. Thank you!!
Such a lot of positive comments on here and I can only agree with all of them! But, apart from the wealth of useful info and really nice drumming, the best thing about the video is you! So relatable, clearly talented but so humble and generous. Much appreciated, I am feeling more inspired and less overwhelmed thanks to you.
Thank you for the straightforward advice. Everyone told me I couldn’t get good drum sounds with just 2 mics much less 2 affordable workhorse mics. If it sounds good it is good.
Absolutely! Some of my favorite classic recordings were made with just one or two mics on the kit, including the "Funky Drummer" break (which I'm pretty sure was just one mic on the drums). Happy recording, and keep us posted!
The video is very useful. I don’t know about house drum recording. Your video is great.
Thank you 🙏
This was so useful thanks. We're looking at getting a scratch track in the practice room and this two mic setup through the PA, bearing in mind what you mentioned (I'll have to figure out whether I can phase flip in the desk) and out to a recorder could get us a long way towards a starting point.
Great! One other possibility, in the scenario you describe: if you are already getting a lot of cymbals in the vocal mics, you could use one mic in the kick drum and another in the "Kit Center" position (here's more info on that: ruclips.net/video/Q18H-Au-BV4/видео.html). Let us know how it turns out!
Awesome I did learn some excellent knowledge
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent Presentation ✝️👍🤙✌️
Super useful - thank you.
A great video! I've just started doing some research on home recording my kit, so this was very timely, and very helpful. Thank you, I look forward to more videos from you.
I'm so glad it was helpful! There are many more videos on our website (www.creatingthesound.com) on recording and mixing drums, as well as studio acoustics, music production, sample recreation and the like. Happy recording!
what a nice guy! and great video! tnx!
this was such a great, straight to the point video. So freaking clear. Liked and subbed right after the video. I'm just getting started with recording drums and wasn't sure if i should go with the Yamaha EAD10 or just a 2/3 MIC setup. Looks like I'm going with the 2 mic setup, seems way more fun. Great video Dylan!
Great, I'm glad we could help! If it's in the budget, I would definitely italy go for the four-input interface at the very least (especially one that can be expanded later on with digital inputs). You can do a LOT with four mics on the kit. Keep us posted, and happy recording!
Great video. Do you think this type of mono setup is better than doing a stereo 2-mic setup - say, two overheads, or two in front? I'd like to get 4 mics right off the bat, but I feel like maybe it would be better to invest in fewer but better mics and work my way up to it - either a pair of condensers, or kick and snare mics but using the snare mic as a mono overhead to start. I'm not new to recording, but it's been a long time - I mostly did it back in the analog days.
Great video, I have the exact same W.T.S kit I’m liking the Tom sound you’re getting. What batter and reso heads are you using ? Cheers.
I use Aquarian heads: Modern Vintage 2 on top, Classic Clear underneath. It's a great, low, warm sound that works perfectly with these drums. Let me know what you think if you try them!
Haven't watched the whole thing yet, but great video so far! Subbed.
Great! Let us know what you think when you've seen the rest of it. Happy recording!
Thanks for the tutorial! What brand overhead boom mic stand are you using?
Great video and information. Do you think I can get the same outcome with two Shure 57 mics?
Yes, those mics are basically the same mic..same capsule and everything. :)
This is great! Just make sure that you get your drums sounding as good as they can be before recording. If they don't sound great to you before recording, you're not going to be able to fix that in software.
Absolutely! And of course treating the room is crucial as well. But the important thing is just to start recording, then use your ears to tell you where the areas are that need attention. It can be maddening, but also very rewarding!
Check out the Sescom 3mix.
Its a completely passive, 3 channel device that acts like a mixer. It has individual volume controls. It looks similar to a guitar pedal.
Whats it for? Its the easiest way Ive found to put 3 mics into one channel.
Why would you want it?
You can continue to use your 2 channel interface, and get 2 extra mics (such as 2 overheads and a room mic, or whatever you desire.
Its also perfect for my harmonica/guitar rig. I can sing through one mic, guitar through the second mic, and harmonica for the 3rd mic.
Why not just use a passive mixer? Because I prefer a pedal sized device that does the job. .. and I can use my vocal pedals to do the eq or effects.
I've been shopping for an interface and pondering if I need 2, 4 or more mic inputs and how many track outputs. I think it's clear now that a 2x2 interface may be enough for a while. Thanks
If you can stretch your budget a little bit, try to find a four channel interface that has an ADAT input for additional channels. You can do a LOT with four mics on the drums, and the ability to expand down the road will be very useful if you want to spot-mic all the drums or record a whole band at once. The SSL 12 immediately comes to mind, and there are several other companies offering a similar configuration. Good luck!
@@CreatingtheSound yeah I know but really at the time I can't buy more than 2 mics. Add the cables and then I would honestly start buying better cymbals etc. If in the near future I decide I can, I'll sell the 2x2 interface. Those things sell fast on the used market. Thanks for replying I appreciate it
@@CreatingtheSound my two final options are an M-audio 192/6 at $129 or an ART usb IV (4x4) at $179. The ART has 4 mics and 4 usb outs but I don't know about the quality of those ART preamps. (Prices in. Canadian $)
Question on the bass drum phase work. I couldn't tell the difference between the regular vs phase inverted bass drum sounds. If I have a set-up at home, and I don't hear anything major, can I leave the tracks as is? Or is it one of those things that'll bite you in the butt later if left unchecked?
speakinG positivity into your reality, God please dont let his boGos catch fire!!!- happy musiç from a brooklyn native.
I would have put a high pass filter on the overhead mic so that it doesnt pick up the kick a d a low pass on the kick mic.
this needs 1m views
What do you think of using this same set up for a live gig?
What's going on underneath the cymbals? Some kinds of suspension mount?
Yes indeed - it's the Cymbal Resonance System (www.crsnorway.com/?v=7516fd43adaa), and it's really amazing. I find the cymbals speak so much easier, and just sound more lush. I can't recommend them enough, and I'm a proud endorser. Check them out!
@@CreatingtheSound As someone who likes my cymbals dirty and dry, thank god I don't need to buy these. 🤣 But I suppose the isolation aspect can be beneficial in the studio too.
Cool video. I just would say add another overhead mic for a "stereo" sound of the set, and it would work better, and still be cheap on the wallet. Good video on how to mic drums, and how you don't need thousands of dollars in mics to do it. And it's not just the mics, but the cost of the stands too people forget about.
Another question. When you discuss the -6, -7 and -9, what do those numbers mean? Do they correlate to a louder sound from the drums, or are they adjusted in the software? Could you elaborate or what those numbers are and what they mean?
-6 decibels under 0.0
Hey, sir!
If I apply this to a live situation- an open gym- and not a lot of room for isolation, can this still be applicable? although, for the overhead instead of the sm57 we might use a condenser mic.
Wtf I never knew any of this, super helpful
That's the thing about recording drums: you can make it as complicated and expensive as you want. Or, you can just stick a mic or two on the kit and start playing. Amazing examples of just about any approach you can imagine are out there. Just start with what you have and have fun. Happy recording!
Sounds Great! What snare drum are you using?
It's a custom drum (6.5x14"): the shell is seamless brass from Oriollo, and then Tony at GMS turned it into an 8-lug drum with his parts and finish. It has chrome-over-brass hoops from Drum Factory Direct, and heads are by Aquarian. It's one of my favorite snare drums, and I own a BUNCH of them!
@@CreatingtheSound Did he do that for you because you're friends, or is that a service he'd do for any customer? I'd love to get a cast metal shell and get GMS's original Grand Master lugs for it (I prefer them over the SE as double-ended lugs).
I stacked my sticks and no microphone appeared.
Did I do something wrong ??
Genial, saludos 👍
🙏 thank you
Would the SM57 be good for overhead as well? I play in a basement band and we're looking at recording ourselves for fun....I want a basic 2 mic for my drums and I was thinking using a Apex 325 for kick drum and Shure SM57 overhead.....don't want to spend a fortune, just want a decent drum sound
Absolutely! The 57 will probably work better than the 58 I used in this example. Experiment with positioning on both mics and find what works best in your space. Happy recording!
@@CreatingtheSound Awesome, thanks for the reply. I haven't decided yet on the overhead mic...may go with a condenser mic after all, not sure. Thanks again.
I made some racks out of PVC pipe and shipping blankets thrown over them. Worked really well!
Perfect! That's a great, inexpensive solution
The K.I.S.S. principle remains undefeated.
All I get is the most harsh cymbal recording of all time. It's all cymbals. Snare sounds like I'm banging a trash can with a soup spoon and the kick sounds muddy and boomy. How am I doing? Pretty great hey.
Couldn't you just do multitakes with different mic positions and then layer them??
You could but then you’d really have to match the original performance which can be tricky.
Thank gawd you didn’t make the kick drum go click click click.
Great presentation!
Amazing vid, thanks