← Back to all cheats

Drum Recording Guide

Microphone Selection

Kick Drum

  • AKG D112 - Punchy low end
  • Shure Beta 52A - Tight and focused
  • Audix D6 - Modern, scooped sound

Snare Drum

  • Shure SM57 - Industry standard
  • Audix i5 - Brighter alternative
  • Neumann KM 184 - Overhead option

Toms

  • Sennheiser MD 421 - Full-bodied
  • AKG C418 - Clip-on option
  • Shure SM57 - Budget choice

Overheads

  • Neumann U87 - Large diaphragm
  • Rode NT5 - Small diaphragm
  • AKG C414 - Versatile

Mic Placement

Kick Drum

  • Inside: 2-6" from beater head
  • Outside: 6-12" from reso head
  • Port hole: Align with beater

Snare Drum

  • 1-2" above rim, pointing at center
  • 45° angle to the head
  • Add bottom mic for snap

Overheads

  • XY: 1-2' above cymbals
  • ORTF: 17cm, 110°
  • Spaced pair: 3:1 rule

Room Mics

  • 3-10' from kit
  • Experiment with height
  • Try different polar patterns

Phase Alignment

Check Phase

  • Solo kick and snare
  • Flip phase on one mic
  • Choose fuller sound

Overheads

  • Check against snare
  • Align in DAW if needed
  • Use phase scope

Room Mics

  • Check against overheads
  • May need delay
  • Trust your ears