Drums and Percussion

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Mojave microphones make an excellent choice for drum micing.

Here are some recommended applications:

Overheads: All models. For loud sources, use either the MA-201fets, MA-101fets or MA-300s. The mics may be placed on a stereo bar over the center of the kit or on separate stands over the cymbals.

Room micing: Some engineers like to place the mics about waist high in front of the kick drum, capturing an accurate stereo image of the kit: others like to place the mics higher up on stands, fairly distant from the drum kit, capturing more of the room ambiance. Both are valid approaches that can also work together. Try compressing the pair for added excitement.

Kick drum: The MA-201fet is an excellent choice for placing outside the kick and combining with a dynamic mic placed inside near the beater.

Snare Drum: The MA-101fet, with it’s internal -15dB pad, is specifically designed to handle the high SPL level of a snare drum.

Hi Hat: MA101fet or MA-100. For very loud sources, use the MA-101fet with the pad engaged.

Toms: MA-201fet, MA-100, MA-101fet. For very loud sources, use the MA-101fet with the pad engaged.

A great way to mic percussion instruments, such as tambourine and shakers, is to place the mic directly overhead facing straight down. This method smoothes out the dynamic fluctuations that are inherent in these instruments. For congas, timbales, mallet instruments (vibes, marimbas, xylophones) and percussion kits, a pair of Mojaves on a stereo bar or spread wider on separate stands will yield excellent results.

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