Learning how to record second attempt

[bobdadruma]

I Just started recording at home with a full mic up on my kit and this is my second attempt.

Just sharing some noise with you all.
Let me know how bad I did please. :)
I think that there is too much ring on the snare and too much low end in the toms?
http://soundcloud.com/bob-paquette/drum-solo-july-2012

[JBoom]

Oddly, it won't play for me. But either way, you should share what mics/techniques/equipment you used, for those that want to learn (or, if you've already shared, link to that thread).

[keep it simple]

Originally Posted by JBoom

Oddly, it won't play for me. But either way, you should share what mics/techniques/equipment you used, for those that want to learn (or, if you've already shared, link to that thread).

Plays fine for me Bob :) I like the overall sound, mainly because you've kept some "life" in the drums. Floor tom's a bit thin, but I think that's a product of very low tuning. Bass drum could do with a bit more weight too, but that's my personal taste, & may not fit in with the sound you're shooting for. What setup are you using Bob, & what EQ/other processing have you applied, if any?

[bobdadruma]

Thanks kis,
I originally didn't set out with the Idea to record. I bought a Fender Passport Pro 500 a few weeks ago to use as a home studio PA sys when the mates come over for practice.
The little Fender PA system is so clear sounding that I began using it as my home stereo too. I next decided to use it as a mixer to record with.
I wanted to experiment before I invest in a more elaborate mixer.
I figured that I should learn the basics with a simple system first.

It is a 6 piece kit.
I used one overhead condenser.
One mic for the 10 and 12 inch toms to share
A separate mic for each of the floor toms
Of course there is a snare mic and a mic in the kick.
I used clear emperor heads with no muffling on the toms.
Coated Ambassador on the snare, no muffling.
SK II with smooth Ambassador in front on the bass. No stuffing, just a felt strip across the reso. 4 inch port.

I tracked with the EQ flat to get advice on how to EQ.
I agree with what you said about the sound and now I know where to go from here.
You reinforced what I heard.
I have added studio rings and I am going to EQ the drums as you suggested.

[keep it simple]

I wasn't thinking in terms of EQ on the drums, I was just wondering if you'd already EQ'd them on this recording. For me, the essence of a good recording plan, especially if you've got the time in your own environment to experiment, is to try to nail the sound you're shooting for by mic placement & tuning alone. If you can do that, or get as close as you can, then any EQ requirement is minimal, & IMO, the resulting sound is far more satisfying. I'm a real fan of letting the overheads do most of the work (except the bass drum), then just adding a touch of tone from the close mic's to flesh it out. Are you using a mic inside your bass drum? It sounds like it. Either way, recording the reso head sound from outside the drum usually offers much more weight. Sometimes adding a mic near the batter head is a good idea too, if you want a bit more slap in the mix.

I love unmuffled, & I love some life in the capture. For me, you're going in the right direction :) Good stuff Bob :)

[Mad About Drums]

Very nice solo Bob, I like the vibe, and I join Andy's view on unmuffled drums, very cool indeed :)

I'm very very poor at giving advices upon recording a drumkit, I, myself, lack enormous knowledge in this area.

But this is what I felt in terms of sound, the general pitch of the kit (cymbals included) seem to be with an emphasis on the mid range, I would have loved a bit of crispness and higher pitch with the snare/hi-hat/cymbals.

The mid range pitch also makes it difficult to really differentiate the toms/foor toms, which for my taste are a bit too much in front in the mix.

Now, I can't give any advice from my comments, it's just my humble appreciation of the sound or your clip, but if it's only your second attempt, there's room for improvement, keep us updated :)

[bobdadruma]

Yes the mic is inside the bass drum about 2 inches and it is pointing toward the center of the batter head. I will experiment with it outside.
I have also learned to let the condenser overhead have more gain than the close mics.
Thank you for reaffirming that.
Just like you, I don't like an over processed sound.
I like to hear some open tones.
I may add a small mixer for the tom mics to free up inputs on the PA mixer.
This will allow me to mic the bottom of the snare and the bass batter from behind.
Thanks again.