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How to Connect Drum Mics to a PA

When playing a live set in smaller venues, it's common for bands to pass on amplifying the drum kit -- a typical drum set provides enough volume to mix well with the band's other instruments. But when it's time for your band to hit the big stage, you'll want a big and even sound from all of your instruments. And with the help of a mixing board and some drum mics, you can get your drums in the mix and play them through public address speakers.

Things You'll Need

  • Omni-directional microphones
  • Mixing board
  • PA speaker
  • 1/8-inch or XLR audio cable
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Instructions

    • 1

      Ensure your PA speakers and mixing board are powered off. Lower the volume on your mixing board. Before setting up your drum mics, properly tune your drum heads. Turn all drum mics away from PA speakers.

    • 2

      Set up your microphones in stands around your drum kit. Arrange microphones so they’re between two to four inches away from the center of the drum or hit hat on which they are focused. If possible, place the kick drum mic halfway inside the drum.

    • 3

      Connect each of your microphones to the “Line-In” inputs on the back of your mixer. Each microphone should be connected to a separate input, allowing you to adjust the volume of each channel separately.

    • 4

      Connect your each of your PA speakers to your mixing board’s “Line-Out” ports via ⅛-inch to ⅛-inch audio cables. Plug one end of each cable into Line-Out ports on the mixing board. Plug the opposite end of the cables into audio inputs on the back of your PA speakers.

    • 5

      Power on your mixing board, mics and PA speakers. Raise the volume on all active channels used by the mics and PA speakers. Perform a sound check on the drums. Adjust the volume levels as necessary. If you notice feedback from the drum mics, add more separation space between the mics and nearby PA speakers.

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