Using drum microphones does not require extensive knowledge, but you will need to know some basics on the different types of mics. In the past musicians and musical engineers would use only one overhead microphone to record all drums. Now with the advances of technology there are different microphones for each type of drum; snare, bass, tom-toms, hi-hat and cymbals. You can buy all these microphones separately or you can purchase a drum kit that comes with light-weight microphones that you can clip onto each drum type. This article will go over some of the different types of drum microphones, so you will understand how and why they work.
Bass Drum Microphones
Bass drum microphones can be placed either inside the drum; if you're playing in the Pop genre or you can place the mic in the front of the drum. Bass drums produce a high sound pressure level so it is ideal to have just one mic for the bass, since this type of microphone will require more maintenance and replacement than other types of mics. Popular brands for the bass drum microphone are Electrovoice RE20 and AKG D112.
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When recording Tom Toms, the mics can be places inside the back of each individual Tom. Or if you choose, you can place the mic at the rim on top, right over the middle of the skin. Try the Sennheiser MD 421 for good sound and feedback. Hi-hats create higher frequencies; so many professionals use a kind of cardiod condenser mic. Just be careful that wherever you place your mic on the hi-hat, it will not be in a location to where there are harsh gust of wind, this will happen if the mic is positioned between the gaps of the hats. Cymbals also produce high frequencies so they will need Condenser or Ribbon mics. Two mics are used for overheads and notable models are Neumann U87 or AKG C414.
This article is meant to only serve as a quick guide into drum microphones. Any musician or producer knows that in recording music there is a skill and a precision that must be used in getting the perfect sound and blend. There is much more to the different types of drum microphones and the differences depend on your budget and style of music that you wish to create. For more information concerning drum microphones you join musician online communities, visit online musician stores or head to your local musician store such as Guitar Center, to get professional advice in purchasing the right drum microphone for your musical needs.