Live Sound

[bksdrums]

I play in a band that is growing in popularity. We are starting play in bigger venures, and most of the time we use our own sound. So now I'm thinking about putting mic's on all of my drums. My question is, are gates needed in a live setting? I've never set up mic's on all my drums. Most of the time I just mic the kick and maybe an overhead, but that is pretty much it.

[caddywumpus]

I don't think you need to put gate on your drums in a live setting. That would make it sound artificial, if anything, when it kicks on. I've never used a gate live except on vocal mics at an outside gig (to cut down on the wind blowing).

BTW, since you're thinking about micing your drums individually, you should check out the D series by Audix--incredible drum mics!

[IneptDrummer]

While most of my sound experience is in the studio (in which case I'm not a huge fan of gates when used for their traditional purpose at all), I don't think its absolutely necessary. Unless you have a very large and well designed PA, I doubt that people would be able to hear enough detail to notice any bleed.

Then again, if you've got the money, the skills, and the time necessary to set them all up every night - it really couldn't hurt.

What genre of music are you playing, and in what sized venues? Because if you mic your toms and snare in small or even some medium sized venues, you probably won't even need to continue using overheads.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

At smaller gigs, gates are unnecessary hassle. The amount you would gain in clarity from them would be minimal. At a larger gig, they probably would make a difference, but if you're planning on using them in smaller venues, it comes down to time and cost. They can be a pain to set up and take a lot of time to fiddle with.

[mrchattr]

As these guys said, it won't be necessary.

Also, I strongly recommed you get a drummer that you know who plays at a similar volume to you to come out for a soundcheck at a bar, or even sit in for a tune or two, and you go out and hear what the drums sound like unmiked. You may be right that it's a good idea, but I have seen a lot of bands (including my own, when I first joined up) be too loud because of drum mics. That sounds dumb, but most soundguys (at local venues) are trained to mix to the drums, because that is the only major instrument that normally isn't miked up. Therefore, when you mic the drums, the sound guy gets them sounding good, then mixes the band to them, at that higher level...and the band ends up being too loud.

My band is more popular than ever, and I do play fully miked frequently, but I can honestly say that I do it less now than when I joined the band, even though we were less popular, because of this sound issue. It takes a really good sound person, or a real good instict about what a room is like, to avoid the issue.

[larryace]

I use an Audix D-6 on the kick, and Audix I5 in the snare, and 1 or 2 overhead condenser mics (MXL)
Forget the gates, just keep the stage volume in check so the sound man doesn't turn your faders down, defeating the whole purpose.