Inexpensive Drum overhead mics - suggestions

[jbird327]

I need to pick up 2 mics for a project next week, so it would need to be something I could find at Guitar Center or similar music store. I am looking to spend between $200 - 300 for the pair. I am recording this in my basement and need something a bit better than the SM57s that I already own. I also own one AKG c3000 (black casing) - maybe something that would pair up ok with that? Thanks.

[covert]

Get any of these in pairs

MXL 603
Behringer 8000 (might not be best in your ceiling's low)
AT 2020

[LSchefman]

Getting another AKG might be a good idea.

You should be able to find a matched pair of Oktava MK or MC 012s in your price range. They have become my favorite overhead mics. This includes Neumanns, B&Ks, and other much more expensive models which I've owned or still own.

I like the way they reproduce cymbals, very warm and round, and they don't sound too woofy picking up the other drums in the kit.

[duffyguitarman]

Getting another AKG might be a good idea.

You should be able to find a matched pair of Oktava MK or MC 012s in your price range. They have become my favorite overhead mics. This includes Neumanns, B&Ks, and other much more expensive models which I've owned or still own.

I like the way they reproduce cymbals, very warm and round, and they don't sound too woofy picking up the other drums in the kit.

+1 on the Oktava's, I have a pair of MK's I use all the time, with very good results. Getting a match for the AKG would be very logical.




Peace,
duffy

[brad347]

+ another 1 on the Oktavas. Very versatile mics. Do a google search about Scott Dorsey's mods... they really make a difference.

Versatile mics that you can get interchangeable capsules for to have cardioid, hyper, and omni patterns. Large diaphragm capsules for these are also available aftermarket from a couple of manufacturers and they sound great! I have three of these.

[Denyle_Guitars]

MXL 603's sound pretty good. Upgrading a few ceramic capacitors inside will make them sound even better.

[Bassomatic]

I've heard great results with the Marshalls (specifically the green body/gaudy gold models of several years ago).

Another *huge* surprise, here, was mixing some tracks a local drummer recorded with just two mics - the Nady ribbons. While i did eq them a bit, this wouldn't have been necessary in some other mixes (we were combining these drum tracks with some 5 mic drum takes done elsewhere). Please note that the Nady tracks were cut by a good engineer with great sounding drums in a proper drum room. YMMV.

[BMonroney]

Studio Projects C4 Pair - $315 at audiomidi.com. I've had good results with these for overheads. I prefer my Avenson Omnis, $500/pair. Amazing mics for the money.

[jbird327]

I ended up with a pair of Rode NT5's. A local store had the set for $300. Thanks for the responses.