There is just something to this. Like a real live sound. This is the kind of drum sound I love to hear! Something about it is just raw and works so well
I was a recording engineer back in the jurassic days when computers were only something big corporations had. Used a lot SM57 and on drums except cymbals. They handle high SPL so great for closing mic'ing loud and percussive instruments. They need to be close and signal drops off quick after the initial note. That works to an advantage especially if instrument is playing fast. Also the fast drop off helps keeping down a lot of ringing of instruments that can muddy a mix. That way you can control how much ringing you want in the mix with reverbs and delays. So a dynamic mic like SM57 can get you a excellent track to do with as YOU want in a mix.
I actually prefer the other more famous AKG kick mic as the best. However, with my personal kick drum the SM57 actually sounds better. Sometimes the more famous mics are not the best match in your rig.
Sounds great! I’d immediately say that regardless of the mics used, Nick is a great player who knows how to hit drums, or rather, pull tones from the drums.
one of the best Mexican audio engineers, Rubén López, became famous for that technique, and he used it for recording Waldo Madera´s first album, and that album became famous and the drums became the best drumset recorded in Mexico.
Condenser mics were invented and used for their bright sound back when tape reigned. Tape had a dark sound so the bright condensers helped offset that. Now that digital reigns, using condensers (especially cheap ones) can often sound harsh or overly bright. Good dynamic microphones with the right placement should be used way more than they are for drums, voice, etc.
@@GabrielXDrums True....recordings are in the ears of the many listeners who have different taste.I love different recordings that sound like crap to people who want the best and only the best recordings. Stuff that has a raw and punchy recording I can listen to all day compared to majority of the over mixed stuff of today.
@@GabrielXDrums What I mean by punchy I can dial in my EQ and make it sound great...I think a lot of people these days really don't use EQ's or don't know they have on on their computer.
The drums on RHCP's "Give It Away" were mic'ed with a SM57 on the kick and snare and a pair of overhead condensers (can't recall what those were) and that's it. Of course it helps that the kit was in a greenhouse with a stone floor and glass everything else and was played by a slugger like Chad Smith.
I've seen the same kind of thing done with 441's. I remember a 57 inside a kick laying on a towel, or pillow, or blanket as the only option available around here for live shows in the old days, 70's-80', & nobody was complaining about it, usually without a reso head. 57s up the throats of toms, with no reso heads & on the snare too.
I think these mics can work, especially in a nice treated room with a great drummer on a well-tune kit. Wait, I just figured out why it sounds so good - all those other things besides the mics. I'd still want to swap out the overheads with condensers or ribbon mics for that faster transient response.
Best thing about using dynamic mics lke the 57 is you don't have to have an amazing room. They don't get a lot of the reflections like you get with condenser mics so your room doesn't even have to be as treated. You can also move the over heads closer to the cymbals and use them more of spot mics to get rid of the shitty room sound even more. If you are recording in a shitty room the 57 set up is the only way to go. Using high quality condenser mics in a shitty room or a very small room is going to make your drum kit sound like trash.
This was very interesting. I like the straight to the point style. "Here's what a drum kit sounds like with all 57s" **Plays tasty beats underneath 57s "Yep"
I will use 57s for live gigs. Mostly because I know they can take a beating. Do I really want a 414 or a 4038 smashing onto the stage? The 57s sound good too. I find using conensers at a live performance can start to pick up the sound of other instruments, which can make the mixing difficult.
Best thing about using dynamic mics lke the 57 is you don't have to have an amazing room. They don't get a lot of the reflections like you get with condenser mics so your room doesn't even have to be as treated. You can also move the over heads closer to the cymbals and use them more of spot mics to get rid of the shitty room sound even more. If you are recording in a shitty room the 57 set up is the only way to go. Using high quality condenser mics in an untreated or small room is going to make your drum kit sound like trash. When you have a terrible recording space, getting the driest sound you can is the most important thing.
Well you sure did prove my theory correct I have an old sm57 from gosh about 20 years ago and that thing is just so bright so crisp SO LOUD I mean seriously so sensitive I just don't have to put much gain on it at all I love it I'm going to start trying to collect the older ones I know they came out and I think 1965ish or so mine was from like the 80s and I'm definitely a vintage guru LOL
I’ve been using only audix i5 on the kit for years. Same idea and an extremely similar mic. I did a 1 mic recording once where it was pointed at the center of the snare but centered above the kick about 6 inches in a bedroom. That was around 10-15 years ago and it still sounds great. Just got the dp4 pack from audix on sweetwater. Can’t wait to revisit this technique when they arrive. Got some super experimental recording ideas to try.
I'm genuinely surprised at how good everything sounds with strictly SM57's. Might have to put the Audix mic set on the back burner and just buy a bunch of these instead 😂
Hey, Joe. Thanks so much for your interest. Condenser mics offer a bit more sensitivity and detail. Dynamic mics work well but they do lack a little on the high end. I hope this helps. Jason Thiele, Senior Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1391, jason_thiele@sweetwater.com
Oddly enough, the only mic that’s where it “should” be, on the snare, doesn’t sound great. Everything else does. I noticed the spot mic under the ride, a helpful addition. This would work great for a live situation.
57s on everything but OH and kick is normal for a live gig. Doesn't shure sell a drum mic pack with 57s for the toms and snare? I've seen producers use them on hi-hats in the studio as well.
Nice shuffle Nick! Ironically to my ears, the snare is the one mic I might look to change in that set up! Another budget mic I like on snare sometimes is the Shure PGA81. Usually a condenser, especially a sdc is a no-no on snare. Would be interested to hear the difference between the PGA81 and PGA 181 side-address, they are really close in price to an SM57. Also SM57 for acoustic guitar can be surprising.
My only “complaint” is that the ride didn’t have the sparkle that a condenser mic might have, and the kick was missing a touch of low end. Having said that, I would totally be ok with this setup. Everything else would definitely sit well in a live mix!
A year late but a 57 is fine for all drums. I use some sennheiser/akg usually but 57 is fine. Drummer, “I have $500 extra” sound engineer, “buy better mics.” Drummer, “heads and cymbals?” We fix that in post….
Never mic a kit with all 57’s? There was a point where our drummer who also is an audio engineer, used to mic the snare and toms with 57’s.....mainly because that’s all he had aside from a kick mic and a condenser.....and a handful of 58’s. It’s not too unheard of for 57’s to be on the majority of the kit in Nashville studios from what we have heard too. 🤔
Oh yeah, he also had to use a 57 on the kick before in a pinch. The attack without eq is pretty good. Anthrax Volume 8 was a 57 on the batter side pointed right at the beater.
The snare is a little too thin sounding for my taste, but that could easily be fixed with EQ or a small shift of a mic placement. You can even get a great mix with half the amount of mics they used. 57 is so useful
cheap microphone are not gonna ruin a great drum kit played by a great drummer in a great sounding room... the problem is when you only have the good mics and not the other 3 factors aha
Rules are meant to be broken - experiment and explore until you find the sound you've been craving! What "rules" should we break next in this series?
Large diaphragm condenser on snare? Far away mics on heavy guitars?
@@elruso7524 "Far away mics on heavy guitars" - please no
There is just something to this. Like a real live sound. This is the kind of drum sound I love to hear! Something about it is just raw and works so well
😁👍
I’m really liking this series
Thanks, Kevin!
I was a recording engineer back in the jurassic days when computers were only something big corporations had. Used a lot SM57 and on drums except cymbals. They handle high SPL so great for closing mic'ing loud and percussive instruments. They need to be close and signal drops off quick after the initial note. That works to an advantage especially if instrument is playing fast. Also the fast drop off helps keeping down a lot of ringing of instruments that can muddy a mix. That way you can control how much ringing you want in the mix with reverbs and delays. So a dynamic mic like SM57 can get you a excellent track to do with as YOU want in a mix.
I love how punchy the kick sounds here! Consider me pleasantly surprised
😎👍
It makes a good kick mic. I think even the SM7b will probably also work well too in the same situation
I actually prefer the other more famous AKG kick mic as the best. However, with my personal kick drum the SM57 actually sounds better. Sometimes the more famous mics are not the best match in your rig.
Sounds great! I’d immediately say that regardless of the mics used, Nick is a great player who knows how to hit drums, or rather, pull tones from the drums.
😎🤘
one of the best Mexican audio engineers, Rubén López, became famous for that technique, and he used it for recording Waldo Madera´s first album, and that album became famous and the drums became the best drumset recorded in Mexico.
First band I was in did this on one of our recording sessions. The end product was outstanding!
Condenser mics were invented and used for their bright sound back when tape reigned. Tape had a dark sound so the bright condensers helped offset that. Now that digital reigns, using condensers (especially cheap ones) can often sound harsh or overly bright. Good dynamic microphones with the right placement should be used way more than they are for drums, voice, etc.
That actually sounds Better than the shit I see on other TH-cam vids with high end mics of different caliber.
Well, it’s about placement and they might not be doing it right.
@@GabrielXDrums True....recordings are in the ears of the many listeners who have different taste.I love different recordings that sound like crap to people who want the best and only the best recordings.
Stuff that has a raw and punchy recording I can listen to all day compared to majority of the over mixed stuff of today.
@@GabrielXDrums What I mean by punchy I can dial in my EQ and make it sound great...I think a lot of people these days really don't use EQ's or don't know they have on on their computer.
Mitch Gallagher 0:00 | 3:44 + Nick D'Virgilio 00:23 - Making Rock History!!!!!!!! Kick - snare / symbols - sound dynamite!!!
That kick drum sounds amazing
Wow! I have one and I'm planning to just buy another 3. For a 4-mic set up!
Thaaanks!!!
You can chose every mic if you have Nick playing the Drums. :) A great drummer, a great tuned kit... :)
The drums on RHCP's "Give It Away" were mic'ed with a SM57 on the kick and snare and a pair of overhead condensers (can't recall what those were) and that's it. Of course it helps that the kit was in a greenhouse with a stone floor and glass everything else and was played by a slugger like Chad Smith.
That's so sick
Must have been some damn good condensers
@@waylonratcliffe they were u87s
I was planning on this breaking rules, then I saw it and WHOAAAAAA that's awesome! Greetings from the philippines
It sure helps to have an amazing drummer like Nick, he can really make anything sound great!
I've seen the same kind of thing done with 441's. I remember a 57 inside a kick laying on a towel, or pillow, or blanket as the only option available around here for live shows in the old days, 70's-80', & nobody was complaining about it, usually without a reso head. 57s up the throats of toms, with no reso heads & on the snare too.
Sounds great, thank you for making this video
Sweet. Gotta love them 57’s ☺️
😁👍
Something magic with the SM57s. Workhorses and can be used anywhere. 👍😀
😁🤟
Also works really well with bass guitars amps too
Love this video! 57 is one of the best mics!
😁👍
I think these mics can work, especially in a nice treated room with a great drummer on a well-tune kit. Wait, I just figured out why it sounds so good - all those other things besides the mics. I'd still want to swap out the overheads with condensers or ribbon mics for that faster transient response.
Best thing about using dynamic mics lke the 57 is you don't have to have an amazing room. They don't get a lot of the reflections like you get with condenser mics so your room doesn't even have to be as treated. You can also move the over heads closer to the cymbals and use them more of spot mics to get rid of the shitty room sound even more. If you are recording in a shitty room the 57 set up is the only way to go. Using high quality condenser mics in a shitty room or a very small room is going to make your drum kit sound like trash.
Don't they work just as good in every bar and venue with garbage acoustic the world over yet make bands sound larger than life?
This was very interesting. I like the straight to the point style.
"Here's what a drum kit sounds like with all 57s"
**Plays tasty beats underneath 57s
"Yep"
I will use 57s for live gigs. Mostly because I know they can take a beating. Do I really want a 414 or a 4038 smashing onto the stage? The 57s sound good too. I find using conensers at a live performance can start to pick up the sound of other instruments, which can make the mixing difficult.
Nick just killing it awesome!
Wow!!! Sounds sweet!!!!!!
Best thing about using dynamic mics lke the 57 is you don't have to have an amazing room. They don't get a lot of the reflections like you get with condenser mics so your room doesn't even have to be as treated. You can also move the over heads closer to the cymbals and use them more of spot mics to get rid of the shitty room sound even more. If you are recording in a shitty room the 57 set up is the only way to go. Using high quality condenser mics in an untreated or small room is going to make your drum kit sound like trash. When you have a terrible recording space, getting the driest sound you can is the most important thing.
Well you sure did prove my theory correct I have an old sm57 from gosh about 20 years ago and that thing is just so bright so crisp SO LOUD I mean seriously so sensitive I just don't have to put much gain on it at all I love it I'm going to start trying to collect the older ones I know they came out and I think 1965ish or so mine was from like the 80s and I'm definitely a vintage guru LOL
I’ve been using only audix i5 on the kit for years. Same idea and an extremely similar mic. I did a 1 mic recording once where it was pointed at the center of the snare but centered above the kick about 6 inches in a bedroom. That was around 10-15 years ago and it still sounds great. Just got the dp4 pack from audix on sweetwater. Can’t wait to revisit this technique when they arrive. Got some super experimental recording ideas to try.
i like the i5 on the snare over the 57
I just want to see how they pan up the overheads mic and how they gate them.
That Mapex kit sounds great!
Nothing wrong with it.
The Shure microphone kit is literally JUST 57s.
I used it for everything when it’s all I had lol
Sounds awesome!
Sweetwater is allowed to break the rules 👍😂😂😂😜😜😜
I use 57's on my snare and overheads. Great price & sound!
Nice even sound on all the skins.
😁🎶
Great video. 🙂👍❤
How would these fair in a band?
I love breaking rules! 🤣
I'm genuinely surprised at how good everything sounds with strictly SM57's. Might have to put the Audix mic set on the back burner and just buy a bunch of these instead 😂
this is awesome
In the case of Overheads and High Hat mics, what advantage does a Condenser mic have over (in this case) the SM57?
Hey, Joe. Thanks so much for your interest. Condenser mics offer a bit more sensitivity and detail. Dynamic mics work well but they do lack a little on the high end.
I hope this helps.
Jason Thiele, Senior Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1391, jason_thiele@sweetwater.com
Eddie Kramer said: "You can make a whole record with a 57 if you're smart."
I love Sweetwater
😁❤️
If you visit give all the employers a hug
I been using Shure mics for 21 years. And still do. Love Shure.
😎🤟
And it sounds great
nice! 57s on overheads and kick is just mind opening :)
Right?! 😁
Best hammer in the box
I thought it sounded so awesome reminded me of a live stage sound
Please do this same challenge with 609 mics. Should be similar results, but with the 609 having a larger diaphragm, it should record a tad better.
one of Van Halen's albums was recorded using 2 57 on the kickdrum
Cool!
Nice room with air displacement! Cool video
Thanks! 😁
I use 57s on all my kit
I use a 57 on my hats and sounds awesome
😁👍
Oddly enough, the only mic that’s where it “should” be, on the snare, doesn’t sound great. Everything else does. I noticed the spot mic under the ride, a helpful addition. This would work great for a live situation.
This dude is such a good presenter
57s on everything but OH and kick is normal for a live gig. Doesn't shure sell a drum mic pack with 57s for the toms and snare? I've seen producers use them on hi-hats in the studio as well.
Nice shuffle Nick! Ironically to my ears, the snare is the one mic I might look to change in that set up! Another budget mic I like on snare sometimes is the Shure PGA81. Usually a condenser, especially a sdc is a no-no on snare. Would be interested to hear the difference between the PGA81 and PGA 181 side-address, they are really close in price to an SM57. Also SM57 for acoustic guitar can be surprising.
I always pair an SM57 with an SDC on the snare.
We'd be interested in hearing that comparison too! 😎
It would be interesting to hear the soloed tracks, one by one, while he's playing the whole kit.
Cool idea! 😁🤘
Having a person that can actually play well and knows how to mix well helps too
I've seen lots of pro engineers showing how to record just with SM57's
Ha, how about use sm57 to mic up all the band
How high were the overhead mics?
Sounded great to me!
looks like they were about 6 feet high.
@@imaginarytube looks like 7 for me, I'm 6 ft n I'm definitely not as tall as those overheads.
I actually have 6 of em, purchased from Sweetwater! Well 4 of em lol! But I typically put them on toms!
Awesome!😁
@@sweetwater and tell Kurt Martin he's cool, but he's no Mitch Gallagher lol
If you can use only one kind of mic for everything, the SM57 is the one you want.
The swiss army knife of mics
🤣
Would be awesome to mic the drum traditionally and with all SM57 too and blend the signals from both setups in the studio post recording
With the right compression and eq settings (high pass / low pass) you can use any mic. 😬
One time I didn’t have a KICK MIC. I used an SM58 😅. Definitely Breaking the rules 💯
Rules are meant to be broken! 😎
My only “complaint” is that the ride didn’t have the sparkle that a condenser mic might have, and the kick was missing a touch of low end. Having said that, I would totally be ok with this setup. Everything else would definitely sit well in a live mix!
As a broke musician, this is perfectly sufficient
Rick Rubin used them on the whole kit on Blood Sugar Sex Magic
Kick i would not, but everything else i would and sometimes i do... 😊
I support this rule breaking.
Us too!
A year late but a 57 is fine for all drums. I use some sennheiser/akg usually but 57 is fine. Drummer, “I have $500 extra” sound engineer, “buy better mics.” Drummer, “heads and cymbals?” We fix that in post….
I read many years ago that the Red Hot Chili Peppers recorded Blood Sugar Sex Magik with 4 SM57's on the drums - kick, snare and overheads.
I recorded kick like this. Now the mic is broken.
Never mic a kit with all 57’s? There was a point where our drummer who also is an audio engineer, used to mic the snare and toms with 57’s.....mainly because that’s all he had aside from a kick mic and a condenser.....and a handful of 58’s. It’s not too unheard of for 57’s to be on the majority of the kit in Nashville studios from what we have heard too. 🤔
Oh yeah, he also had to use a 57 on the kick before in a pinch. The attack without eq is pretty good. Anthrax Volume 8 was a 57 on the batter side pointed right at the beater.
@Derek Frampton aKa 1PaPaD1 yeah Nashville was a single example.....it’s more common practice than this video let on. 😂
All in the eyes of the beholder. SM57's do just fine especially if you actually know how to play with proper technique and dynamics
The snare is a little too thin sounding for my taste, but that could easily be fixed with EQ or a small shift of a mic placement. You can even get a great mix with half the amount of mics they used. 57 is so useful
Mileage may vary depending upon player.
WOW!!!
🤟🤟🤟
You can do anything with a 57…..anything
Step 1) get a Nick D'Virgilio
There is nothing wrong with this sound.
cheap microphone are not gonna ruin a great drum kit played by a great drummer in a great sounding room... the problem is when you only have the good mics and not the other 3 factors aha
Hell no
Love it!
Thanks, Steven! 😁🤟
awesome