Basic mic/amp setups for drums??

[4-stringB]

What would a good beginning rig to drag our drummer, kicking and screaming, into the 21st century? And should we start by just micing the bass drum and mounted toms(as in, what drums carry well in a small venue, versus which drums really need the boost). Any advice will be greatly appreciated...TNX

[Jimbob Jones]

Ok, let's assume that you have a decent PA with tops and a sub. If you have a 'vocal only' PA, then there's no point in trying to put the drums through it.

This mic set is very usable (I have some experience of it), and not too expensive. I would keep away from the uber-cheap kits, as they tend to be more trouble than they're worth.

Amazon.com: CAD Premium 7-Piece Drum Microphone Pack: Musical Instruments

Bear in mind that adding drums to the PA increases the demands of whoever mixes the show; a longer soundcheck will be required to make the band sound 'right', and the person mixing will need some skill with an EQ to make sure everything works together and nothing sticks out.

If this all sounds a bit much, you can get away with mic'ing just the kick. There are lots of options for a kick mic, depending on budget and what kind of sound you want.

[remainthesame]

trigger your kick. thigger the **** out of it!!!

[mboogiemanusa]

You need at the minimum 15" speakers for FOH to consider adding drums to the mix.....subs are recommended if you have the budget. For smaller bar gigs we get by with mics on the bass drum, snare and a couple condenser overheads. Overheads pick up the toms just fine. Outdoors we will add tom mics to the mix.

[TimmyP]

Mic what is most lacking in the mix. In rock, most want a big kick drum. After that, it's usually the floor tom that's the most wimpy. Then usually rack toms, then hat, then snare. Seldom are overheads needed. (Some players are very weak on their ride cymbal but be careful, as they also like to smash it now and again.)