Big fat drums are easy to capture with KEL mics, and best of all you only need a few to do the job.
Start with a pair of HM-1s or HM-3Cs above the drummer's head pointing down at the center of the kit. Space the mics about 7 inches apart and angle them out toward each outside edge of the kit. Then add an HM-2D or HM-7U to the outside of the kick, positioned about 2 feet out front of the center of the kick drum, move the mic a few inches here and there until you get the best blend of attack and tone.
Remember to check phase on the kick mic in this type of array. Flip the phase on the kick mic at the pre-amp or in your DAW and listen. Chose the setting with the fattest sound. A thin, hollow, sound indicates a phase anomaly. Also note the absorption on the ceiling above the overheads. This is important in a small space in order to control "splash" and avoid the mushy sound typical of small drum rooms.
Go to the main KEL Audio site, here ... www.kelaudio.com
Start with a pair of HM-1s or HM-3Cs above the drummer's head pointing down at the center of the kit. Space the mics about 7 inches apart and angle them out toward each outside edge of the kit. Then add an HM-2D or HM-7U to the outside of the kick, positioned about 2 feet out front of the center of the kick drum, move the mic a few inches here and there until you get the best blend of attack and tone.
Remember to check phase on the kick mic in this type of array. Flip the phase on the kick mic at the pre-amp or in your DAW and listen. Chose the setting with the fattest sound. A thin, hollow, sound indicates a phase anomaly. Also note the absorption on the ceiling above the overheads. This is important in a small space in order to control "splash" and avoid the mushy sound typical of small drum rooms.
Go to the main KEL Audio site, here ... www.kelaudio.com
Note: these clips are all raw and unprocessed. No EQ or compression was applied.
Jazz Kit 1
Jazz Kit 2
Jazz Kit 3 (played with brushes)
Jazz Kit 4 (20' kick replacing the original 16'")
Jazz Kit 1
Jazz Kit 2
Jazz Kit 3 (played with brushes)
Jazz Kit 4 (20' kick replacing the original 16'")
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Find out more about KEL HM-1s by clicking here. You can order a pair for just $299 USD and save $59 versus buying 2 single mics!
