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Microphones and your Cymbals

What is the best way to mic the cymbals on my drum set?

ypically, a pair of overhead mics will be sufficient for miking your cymbals. Place them about 16-18 inches above the cymbals and angle them outward. An angle of about 45 degrees between the mics allows better separation and helps to reduce the amount of tom pick-up. In most cases, miking the hi-hats is not necessary, because the hi-hats tend to bleed through to other mics. 

There are a number of different mics that work quite well for overheads. As a rule, small-diaphragm condenser mics (sometimes called "Pencil" mics) work best. Their good high-frequency response is perfect for picking up the cymbals. Many also feature a low-frequency roll-off switch that allows them to reject the low tones of the kick and toms. 
Here's an additional tip, the drums will sound louder and bigger in the mix if the cymbals are quieter in comparison. To accomplish this, have the cymbals set as high as is comfortable and strike them softly. This allows the overall drum level to be increased without the cymbals overpowering the mix. (For all you rock drummers who don't believe this, check out Keith Moon's drumming in The Who's "The Kids Are Alright". Keith was regarded as one of the most powerful drummers in rock, yet when he would hit the cymbals, they barely moved.) 

For more information regarding drumset miking, Click Here.

For more information specific to miking a bass drum,  Click Here.

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