drum miking experiment

Research questions: What are the differences between an XY vs AB stereo overheads mic setup for Jazz recordings? Do we mic up the cymbals and snare drum as well?

Background research: The 3-mic setup technique is among the most common miking tech for Jazz. The XY stereo setup uses two directional mics (typically cardioid) miked at a coincidental angle from 90 to 135 degree with one above another one as close as possible, combining two heart shapes together forming a larger cardioid pattern that picks up more across the drums. Additionally, a bass drum mic (without close miking) and as suggested by a website (Sweetwater), placing it in a distance similar as the overhead mics to the nearest cymbal. On the other hand, the AB setup uses two omni condenser mics by placing them around 50cm apart. The AB technique captures the sound of space as the time and phase differences recorded acts as stereo cues for listeners. Jazz drums performances use the cymbals to keep time, unlike rock and other genres, where the kick and snare provide the clear divisions, they are only used for certain accents needed in a Jazz piece.

Plan: Selection of Microphones - AKG C414XLII (condenser-omni/cardioid), AKG P2 (bass drum), SM57 (snare and hats).

Basic characteristics of sound to look out for - Non-punchy kick, clear cymbals and overall balanced sound.

1. Set up of XY overheads mics with a pair of AKG C414 (cardioid setting).

2. Record drum performance.

3. Add AKG P2 for bass drum.

4. Repeat step 2.

5. Set up of AB overheads mics with a pair of AKG C414 (omni setting).

6. Repeat step 2.

7. Look out for the range that is lacking.

8. Mic up the snare drum or hi hats if needed.

Hypothesis: The off-axis attenuation performed by each of the cardioid microphones creates the stereo image. While AB stereo is a difference-in-time stereo, the XY stereo is a difference-in-level stereo. XY may result in reduction of proximity effect as it is away from the instruments. AB may create larger space sounding as compared to AB stereo. Miking the snare and hats helps to capture the sound in clarity and be much manageable in the mixing stage.