From the course: Audio Recording Techniques

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Miking the bass drum without a front head

Miking the bass drum without a front head

From the course: Audio Recording Techniques

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Miking the bass drum without a front head

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The bass drum anchors the band, and along with the snare, provides the pulse of the song. Because it can come in different sizes and can be played with the front head on or off, its sound will vary a lot more than with the other drums. Most of the time you'll get the best sound out of the bass drum for recording if the front head is removed, since this gets rid of any overtones that the combination of the front and rear head might produce. (music playing) In order to mic the bass drum without a front head first place the pillow, some towels, or blanket inside the kick drum so it's just touching the head. Secure it with the weight or even a brick on the packing material to keep it from slipping. (music playing) If the bass drum rings too much when struck, push the packing tighter on the head. If it's too dead loosen the packing a little bit. A large diaphragm dynamic mic like an AKG D112, Shure B 52, EVRE 20 or 320, or Heil PR40 is typically used in order to obtain the girth and the…

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