For The Recording Drummer – Make The Most Of A Stereo Microphone

Sean Intro

As more drummers begin the journey of learning to record themselves, whether it be for personal enjoyment or a way to create a new source of income, I believe that a great amount of attention should be put on capturing the best room sound possible. I have learned that the use of a stereo microphone can make a drummer’s pursuit of sonic excellence much easier and with quality results. Starting with the best and most crucial application for a stereo microphone, I will talk about three different mic positioning techniques: XY, Blulein, and Mid-side.

1.Stereo Mic

Stereo Microphone: XY Configuration?

Using a stereo room mic to record drums makes all applications where two microphones are needed much more effortless for a number of reasons. One of the biggest reasons is complete phase coherence.

In the picture below, the stereo mic is facing the drum set with one of the two mics facing to the left, and the other at a 90 degree axis to the right, thus creating a perfect XY configuration that is already phase aligned.

XY Technique

XY Mic Image

1.XY Technique para

Using a stereo mic to record drums with with an XY configuration is as simple as finding the best sounding spot in your room and the phase alignment is taken care of.

Being able to keep the mic exactly where it is, we can move straight into the Blumlein configuration, where as you will see in the next picture, all you have to do is switch the polar patterns of both microphones from cardioid to the figure 8 pattern.

With both microphones being in a figure 8 pattern, it gives the listener a better sense of the spacial qualities of the room.

1.Blumlein Technique

Blumlein Technique

Blumlein Technique Image

1.Blumlein Technique para

Keeping the microphone, again, exactly where it is, we can manage to execute a third mic technique called Mid-side. All that needs to be done is positioning the bottom mic so it is facing directly at the drums and the top microphone being faced at a 90 degree axis, so the diaphragm is facing the walls to the right and left.

Changing the bottom mic back to cardioid pattern and the top mic staying in figure 8, the key to Mid-side is after recording, taking the audio information from the figure 8 pattern microphone, copying it to a separate track, and flipping the polarity of the audio.

However, with the microphone I am using from Vanguard audio, their splitter box allows me to input a third channel straight into my interface.

1.XY Overhead Technique

XY Overhead Technique

Mid side Image

1. Over the shoulder para

In the picture below, it shows only one mic stand being used and only one cable coming from the mic, streamlining the setup, which works well in smaller studios while getting results that envelop the same astuteness as multiple microphones.

Having such a handy tool available leaves you open to experimenting with many options for effectual placement techniques. One in particular that I have been trying is the “over the shoulder” mic placement. As shown in the image below, the mic is literally over my right shoulder at about ear level, facing downward slightly at the drums.

1. Over the shoulder technique

Over the Shoulder Technique

Over the shoulder image

1. Over the shoulder technique

This is an attempt to capture what the drummer hears when they are playing. As an added bonus, my body is acting as a sound barrier between the mic and a good portion of the snare and hi-hat. This is only one option of many placements that you can try on your own to get your desired result.

I have found these to be the most beneficial and a good starting point to continue trying more techniques on my own. Streamlining my recording process has allowed me to listen to my instrument in new ways and encourage me to be more creative when I am in the studio.