Whether you’re recording an album or setting up a large sound system for an event, setting up mics for the drums is always a challenge. Drums create a lot more noise than most other instruments, so sound can bleed into different microphones and muddy the percussion. Below are a few tips for getting the best drum sound possible.

How to Set Up Drum Microphones

1. Isolate the Drums

If you’re setting up a sound system in a small room, the front of the drum kit should be surrounded by an isolation shield and behind the drummer should be treated with acoustically absorbent material. Another good option is a full sound isolation booth. For rooms that seat between 500 and 1,000 people, an isolation shield around the entire kit should be enough to keep acoustic sound from reaching the audience. Effective isolation also prevents sound from each drum from reaching the other microphones, which makes the kit easier to mix.

2. Keep Stands Away From the Drums

As you set up the mic stands, make sure they’re not touching any part of the drums. Otherwise, they’ll likely pick up vibrations that will be audible through the PA. Be especially careful that the mic stands aren’t touching the bass drum ring or cymbals.

3. Don’t Use Too Many Mics

While each drum might need its own mic, too many can cause unexpected problems with the sound quality. Soundwaves from two different drums can cancel each other out or bleed into channels you didn’t intend. Using more mics than necessary can also be confusing for volunteers who don’t have a tech background. The main drums to focus on are the kick and snare drums, as these will provide the discernable beat of the song.

4. Leave Space Between the Snare Drum & the Hi-Hat

Isolating the hi-hat from the snare may not always be possible. However, try to keep the snare mic angled away from the hi-hat or place it slightly lower. Otherwise, the mic can get hit by a small rush of air when the hi-hat closes, creating a strange sound your audience will hear.

5. Experiment With Placement

Some drums sound better when microphones are placed above the kit, while others have more punch with microphones placed underneath. If your kick drum sounds flat, consider moving the mic to the outside. Don’t be afraid to move the microphones around until you achieve the effect you want.

No matter what type of event you’re planning, Claiborne Sharp Professional Audio offers commercial sound solutions tailored to your specific needs. They’ve been serving clients throughout the Shreveport, LA, area since 1989 and pride themselves on helping their clients achieve quality sound. Visit their website for more on their array of services, or call (318) 861-5953 to speak with a commercial sound expert today.