Special thanks to Paul Simmons and our friends at the renowned Blackbird Recording Studio in Nashville for this demo on cymbal mic techniques and the tonal effect on placement.
Timestamps for comparisons: Crash 0:34 Top (position 1) 1:01 Bottom (position 1) 2:07 Top (position 2) 2:32 Bottom (position 2) 3:49 Top (position 3) 4:17 Bottom (position 3) Ride 6:21 Top (position 1) 6:54 Bottom (position 1) 7:47 Top (position 2) 8:07 Bottom (position 2) 9:07 Top (position 3) 9:28 Bottom (position 3) Position 1 is by the bell Position 2 is halfway between bell and edge of cymbal Position 3 is at the edge of the cymbal
Timestamps for comparisons:
Crash
0:34 Top (position 1)
1:01 Bottom (position 1)
2:07 Top (position 2)
2:32 Bottom (position 2)
3:49 Top (position 3)
4:17 Bottom (position 3)
Ride
6:21 Top (position 1)
6:54 Bottom (position 1)
7:47 Top (position 2)
8:07 Bottom (position 2)
9:07 Top (position 3)
9:28 Bottom (position 3)
Position 1 is by the bell
Position 2 is halfway between bell and edge of cymbal
Position 3 is at the edge of the cymbal
Thanks Samuel!
It’s definitely a warmer tone which can be a good thing. Bright doesn’t always mean better. Plus micing underneath allows for better isolation.
Very informative and well done. Thanks.
That bottom mic on the ride is a super usable sound! Great video!
It may actually be the best in some songs
Petra! Paul Simmons can't never forget your performance in Shillong, India. It was outstanding. Memorable performance with Petra
Thank you for making this video. Huge help. Adding a couple of acoustic crash cymbals to my e-kit.
Like two different cymbals, great demonstration... I've always prefferd bottom mic-ing for my ride...top/overhead for crashes.
Benevolent Backpacker I agree with the bottom mic position. It sounds full from it. I like the middle and the edge in the mix.
An excellent inquiry into the alternative sounds one can achieve from one cymbal by manipulating mic position.
If you have overheads will there be phase issues? Should the bottom mic phase be flipped?
Yeah, flip the phase, otherwise it will just be a mess
Great video!! Thanks.
Which clip can I buy to mount my mic on my cymbal stand??
Edit: I found one. K&M 238.
Also try an LP claw
Nice vid Paul. thanks! Sabian Legacy for the win!
Petra
Ummm... Why is it that whenever he hits the mic, I hear a some sort of snare drum sound. It's driving me CRAZY!!! Anyways, Nice sound.