Shure 57 on toms? Or what would you use for <$150?

[GothicV]

Hello everyone.

How are 57's on toms? I only have 2 57's right now and they are both used for snare. I'm happy with my snare and kick sounds, but not my tom sounds. I'm using an audio technica "kit-pac" [how can it be both a kit and a pack???] which has 4 mics and I only use three of them for toms and ignore the kick mic, and use a different brand. I can't afford a slew of 421's, but the 57's are cheap enough for me to get my hands on.

[mkosacek]

The Audix D2 & D4 are pretty good for the money. I use them since I also cannot justify a slew of 421's (yet). I've been happy with the sound of them. I also like the Audix D6 on the kick. I think you would find it much better than a 57.

[GothicV]

I have a few kick mics I like, I'm not concerned with the kick sound... just toms. For kick I use a Apex 125 or AKG D112... but lately I have been going for the Apex. For $100 everyone should own one, it's awesome.

I will check out the D-2, but the D-4 looks like it needs to come down in price a bit...

[mkosacek]

I picked up a D4 on eBay for <$100. Sometimes D2's go for $60 or less. Just gotta be quick...

[Matt Whritenour]

can you get 330$ together?

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/E604Pack/

[IntelDoc]

Save up for 421's if you can.

- Doc

[Keith Owens]

if ya can't get the 421's, stick with 57's

[guy.fi]

I picked up a 3 pack of the little clip-on Sennheisers (I think e604s) because they were cheap, not expecting much...I was pleasantly surprised.

[madrock]

first and foremost, always start with the drum itself.

that said, dynamic microphones aren't my first choice for toms but if i were forced to chose between SM57's, Beta57A's and e604's, i'd go the Beta57A. it exhibits a bit more body and nicer sounding attack than the SM57 as well as having a tighter polar pattern allowing it to be positioned for maximum cymbal rejection. not to mention the head won't develop an annoying rattle after a few weeks of use. the Beta56 uses the same capsule and head as the 57A with a knuckle type mount allowing greater manoeuvrability in tight situations.

personally, i find the e604's and a lot of other new drum mic's to be too "pre-shaped" for the recording studio. i make an exception to this for the e904. i ahven't used one to record but on a recent run of theatre shows i was quite impressed by it's honesty for a new mic.

i guess you could always hire a few different mic's from a local PA company or something to see which you like best before you buy. if you do this, insist on their best. if they offer old, beat up mic's, tell 'em you'll go someplace else.

and always remember: if there's no microphone available, i guess an SM57 will do.

[cultureofgreed]

A 57 will be fine on toms if thats what you have on hand.