How to Record Drums With One Stereo Ribbon Mic
One Stereo Ribbon. Three ways to hear the kit. Try a front overhead for a view from above, an upright position in front for more of the kit and room, or a boom from behind the drummer for a different perspective on the balance.
Before you record
Connect the NUDE Stereo Ribbon’s supplied splitter to two microphone inputs. Keep phantom power off on both inputs, start with matched gain and pan the recorded channels left and right. Aim the front stereo pickup area at the kit. The microphone is side-address, so use the side of the grille to aim.
Three starting positions
These are alternatives: use one microphone position at a time. Start with a balanced performance, then move the microphone by ear.
1. Front overhead
- Place the microphone above and in front of the kit, clear of the cymbals and the drummer’s full stick movement. Adjust its height and position by ear.
- Tilt the barrel about 45 degrees from vertical so the centre of its side-address front stereo pickup faces down toward the kit. The end of the barrel is not the aiming point.
- Listen to a representative performance. Adjust position and height until kick, snare, toms and cymbals feel balanced; confirm left/right placement and listen in mono.
2. Front of kit
Keep the microphone upright in front of the kit, with its front stereo pickup facing the whole instrument. Start around chest height. Move up or down to change the balance of cymbals, snare and kick; move back if the kit needs more space to blend. Keep clear of the kick-drum port's air blast.
3. Over the drummer
Bring a securely supported boom in from behind the player, positioning the microphone above and a little forward of the head. Mount the barrel horizontally with the front stereo pickup facing down into the kit. Leave generous clearance for the drummer's head, shoulders and highest stick movements. Confirm front orientation, left/right image and kit balance with a listening check before recording.
Adjustment: Move closer for more direct kit; move back for more room and blend. The rear pickup hears the room too, including the ceiling when the front pickup faces down.
NUDE note: A balanced performance makes these simple setups shine. Any one can be the drum sound or the foundation for a few kick and snare spot microphones.
Useful caution: Use a stable stand, secure the boom and manage the cable so nothing can fall or swing into the player or cymbals. Check clearance while the drummer rehearses the full range of movement.
Listen and compare
Record a short passage at each position with the same playing level and matched gain. Compare the balance of kick, snare, toms and cymbals in stereo, then fold to mono and check that the kit still holds together. Pick the position that suits the song before adding any spot microphones.
Explore the NUDE Stereo Blumlein Ribbon Microphone and hear the drum overhead demo