Stereo mic for drum overhead? pro's cons

[crizdee]

Hi,

Been thinking about getting a stereo mic and wondered what opinions are for use as a drum overhead or other apps like accoustic guitar etc.

Looking at a Shure VP88 quite cheap at the moment! anyone used one?

Chris

[Digiquick]

I always use the Royer stereo ribbon mike (SF-12)... sounds great.

[Jeff D.]

I never liked the coincident stereo mics for overheads. Not enough stereo separation and control (i.e. you can't move one mic closer to the ride) for me.

[ba'hart]

I like the audio technica 825 alot. sounds much more expensive than it is

[RobMacki]

If only I could afford it
I worked on a couple of documentaries in a studio last spring that had two of them. One was dedicated as a drum overhead. (they also had every other piece of gear and instrument you can imagine) It was an inspirational wonderland.

[Lee Blaske]

Looking at a Shure VP88 quite cheap at the moment! anyone used one?

The VP88 is a great mic for a lot of things. It can be surprisingly good on certain pianos. I regularly use it on the top rotors of Leslie speakers (at a distance of 4-6'). They work great on stringed instruments where you're looking for a more open, room sound. I've used one on many different instruments with good results. It's also a great location mic. Any stereo you record on it will not have any difficulties when collapsed to mono. It's goof proof in that respect.

If you've got an opportunity to pick one up cheaply, by all means, snap it up. You'll be certain to get a lot of use out of it.

Lee Blaske

[PMoshay]

i just did a test of many overheads.........451's still sound like hit records, a AT 825 is an excellent mic for the money.
if you feel you need to have vintage ribbon mics as overheads, royers sound good and so do coles, youre gonna need some good and quiet eq though.
Lots of choices.....listen in your room with your kit and see.

[ProTooler]

Hey Chris -
I've found that with recording drums, I need to spread my overheads apart to pick up the cymbals that are on the far right and left of the kit, otherwise they sound light. BTW - I'm using CK capsule 451's and getting excellent results.
HTH.

[EGS]

I'd suggest getting 2 Nuemann TLM103's. You can experiment with placement/spacing, and you'll have 2 mics quite useful for other things. I never cared much for the Shure VP88. Just my 2 cents.

[crizdee]

I'd suggest getting 2 Nuemann TLM103's. You can experiment with placement/spacing, and you'll have 2 mics quite useful for other things. I never cared much for the Shure VP88. Just my 2 cents.

Hi,

I bought a TLM103 and it was way to bright for my liking, so i sent it back.

Chris

Hey Chris -
I've found that with recording drums, I need to spread my overheads apart to pick up the cymbals that are on the far right and left of the kit, otherwise they sound light. BTW - I'm using CK capsule 451's and getting excellent results.
HTH.

Hi,

Yes this was my main concern! i have never used a stereo mic for overheads, i have tried the coincident pair technique and that was ok as i remember, but that was when mono compatibility was more important!! but now??

Just thought a good stereo mic would do me for overheads and give me something different for accoustic gtr and other accoustic instruments!!

Got my eye on a AKG C422

Chris