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How to Set Up Condenser Mics for Cymbals

There are many ways to set up and position microphones for cymbals, but almost all of them use condenser microphones. This is because condenser microphones have a high-end frequency response that is able to capture the natural brilliance of the cymbals. This high-end brilliance is often lost by dynamic microphones, which is why they are scarcely used for capturing cymbals.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 condenser microphones
  • 2 XLR cables
  • Recording or mixing console
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use two spaced condenser microphones to capture the stereo image of the cymbals.

    • 2

      Plug an XLR cable into each condenser microphone.

    • 3

      Plug the other end of each XLR cable into your recording or mixing console.

    • 4

      Turn on the phantom power button found on your recording or mixing console. If phantom power is not turned on, your condenser microphones will not work.

    • 5

      Position one microphone on the side of the drum set containing the ride cymbal and aim the microphone at the bell (center) of the ride cymbal.

    • 6

      Position the other microphone on the side of the drum set containing the hi-hat cymbal and aim the microphone at the edge of the crash cymbal.

    • 7

      Position the condenser microphones closer to the cymbals, 1 or 2 feet, if you want to isolate the cymbals from the drums.

    • 8

      Position the condenser microphones farther away from the cymbals, 3 or 4 feet, if you want to capture the room sound of the drums with the sound of the cymbals.

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Recording Music

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