kick drum mic bleed

[LadyElectrikStudios]

I am having a problem with kick drum mic bleed I get lots of snare bleed.
My basic set up is Apex kick drum mic. I use a 2 1/2 inch foam pad as a tunnel over the kick drum about 32" out atached to the front hoop of the kick drum I place the mic about 2 " away from the skin and start rotaing the mic around in differnt positions pointing at the kick drum.
Is it important to have a hole in the front skin as the last 2 clients did not have a mic hole..
or just taking front skin off could be an idea.
I was also thing of upgrading to a better mic but not sure if that will help with bleed?
any suggestions would be helpfull.
Peace all and Merry Christmas.

[AlexLakis]

Get a knife and cut a hole in their front head. Stick a mic up in there. Shouldn't have any bleed problems after that.

You could also try gating the kick drum track.

[JonnyGinese]

A few options:

1. Cut the hole for them.. (ha... yeah right)
2. Take the head off.. (Maybe)
3. Record it as is and use SoundReplacer..

If the client doesn't have a hole in the drum i do option 2 or 3.. both work fine. You just need a nice sample for soundreplacer when you do it. But usually any "ok" sound is better then an underwater sounding closed drum kick. Hope this helps

[rbratcher]

To make a nice hole in the drum skin, I've heard of people taking an empty coffee can (metal only) and heating it up on the stove. With a pair of oven mits, remove it and place on the skin for a nice, symetrical hole.

As far as bleed, you might think about investing in a mic made for the frequencies of the kick, like an AKG D112. I own one and have never really had a snare come through on it. I think they are about $199 now.
Moving the mic inside of the kick a little will also help.

[IntelDoc]

Just make a kck tunnel with a blanket. Get good transients and then add a new track, replace and blend.

Doc

[cmrahm]

Hi there,
As a drummer I have some options that you can try:
1: Use other mics--Apex makes some OK starter mics, but in a this situation I would sugest the upgrade to an AKG D112 or at least an Audix D6. Condensers are great for drums, so are ribbons but they will bleed more than a dynamic. Check out your local Long & McQuade and ask them.
2: Build a tent over the kick--You can buy movers blankets from Budget rentals as well as home depot. Make an A frame with an extra HD boom stand(mic or cymbal) and drape the blanket(s) over it to the floor. Then using gaffers tape only, tape the "tent" to the kick shell.
3: Change your placement--Depending on the style of music, try micing the batter head(more punch less boom)
I hope this is helpful.
-Chris

[JonnyGinese]

what the Doc said... if your client refused to take the head off and you are still getting bleed with your current mic.

[Matt Whritenour]

just to throw it out there,

i don't really like the AKG D112, I have heard great things about the Audix D6 but have not gotten to use one yet, but I can get a really good sound with my Shure Beta52

[lemix]

Ah, it's you again...
OK, you have some good solid advice above, try them out. I'd just like to add :
-the drum/drummer/room itself are a big part of the leakage. I know..
-having some leakage it's OK, and IMVHO is necessary ! The drumkit is an instrument. Do you mic and gate each individual guitar string separately ?
-let the style dictate the amount of leakage and the validity of "replacing" ! Is it dance/hip-hop/ R&B ? Then maybe. Rock ? if the drummer/kit/recording isn't up to standards, then ..maybe. Jazz ? No way !
You get the idea.
Contact me for help if needed....I can drive through Georgetown next time I'm going to the studio..
Merry Xmas..
andrew

[IntelDoc]

Good on ya Lemix.