Adding a bottom snare mic

Sometimes the top snare mic just doesn't capture enough of the snap of the snare strainers underneath the drum, so a second mic is added under the snare pointing up at them. Let's add a bottom snare mic to our drum miking setup. Although any mic will work as an under-snare mic, the more directional it is the better. So it won't pickup leakage from the bass drum. One favorite for the application is the Sennheiser MD 441, which is somewhat expensive and not found in many studios. That said, any cardioid mic--and preferably a hypercardioid--will work.

Along with the top mic, place a mic about 6 inches from the bottom head and right under the snares. (music playing) I'll start with juts a top head mic, raise up the fader in the bottom head mic to add more presence to the snare sound. (music playing) Remember to flip the phase in the bottom mic and choose a position that has the most low-end when blended with the top. (music playing) Cut 50 to 100 Hz in the bottom mic or use the bass roll-off on the mic or preamp if the kick is leaking into it. (music playing) That's how we add an under-snare mic to the drum miking setup.

Place the under-snare mic about 6 inches from the snare strainers and select the low-frequency roll-off if it's available. Just add a little to the top snare drum sound to add the high-end snap of the drum.