Mic dilemma: Hi-Hats & Overheads with C451B & SM81

Here is my dilemma, I have 2 AKG C451 and 2 Shure SM81 and I need to put up a pair of stereo mics for Overheads on the drums and a mic on the HiHats as well. Also, the drummer is behind a 5’ tall shield.

Which mics would you use as Overheads?

On normal/mid size gigs, I can get away with 1 AKG C451 above the drums and the other C451 on Hats. I am borrowing the SM81s from the other mic box for this weekend shows.
 
Re: Mic dilemma: Hi-Hats & Overheads with C451B & SM81

Here is my dilemma, I have 2 AKG C451 and 2 Shure SM81 and I need to put up a pair of stereo mics for Overheads on the drums and a mic on the HiHats as well. Also, the drummer is behind a 5’ tall shield.

Which mics would you use as Overheads?

On normal/mid size gigs, I can get away with 1 AKG C451 above the drums and the other C451 on Hats. I am borrowing the SM81s from the other mic box for this weekend shows.

Truthfully, I would flip a coin. Both choices are perfectly acceptable.

actually, I think I would put the 81s oh overhead duty. But I can't think of a single defensible reason why other than it just feels,like the better way to go. :)
 
Odd thought but sometimes I like to mismatch overheads to give more separation between the signals and not pan as hard as you might with a matched pair.

Actually it takes a pretty big kit for me to switch to twin overheads and then I would be more inclined to get even closer and possibly under mic.
 
Re: Mic dilemma: Hi-Hats & Overheads with C451B & SM81

It doesn't matter, you are clearly distracted from concentrating your efforts on the main focus, which should be the lead kick drum.

Seriously, I don't think it matters that much. If it was me, I would probably use the 81's for OH, but just because I have found them to work pretty universally well on most things, and because they are well recognized in the live SR world. Really either should be OK sonically.
 
Re: Mic dilemma: Hi-Hats & Overheads with C451B & SM81

Matt, since you're confused I think you really need to send those pesky C451s to me and use the SM81s... ;)
 
Re: Mic dilemma: Hi-Hats & Overheads with C451B & SM81

It doesn't matter, you are clearly distracted from concentrating your efforts on the main focus, which should be the lead kick drum.

Did a metal show last night

After band #3 finishes, rep from band 4 comes up and says: "Can we have more kick drum?"

I said "sure, but the rest of the mix will suffer. Vocals and guitars will be harder to hear clearly because the kick will eat up what headroom I have"

Guy replies: "That's fine, we need more kick!!"
 
Re: Mic dilemma: Hi-Hats & Overheads with C451B & SM81

Actually, what I think you should really do is sell them all and get a pair of Royer 121's, and under mic.... though don't use 'em in harsh environments..... about $2500/pair, but great stuff.... the figure 8 pattern can really be used to your advantage with careful mic placement....

Into The Lair #56 – Tracking Drums with Greg Wells and Ian MacGregor [FULL] - Pensado's Place

Not suitable for harsh gigs though.....
 
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Re: Mic dilemma: Hi-Hats & Overheads with C451B & SM81

Both are great mics. The capsule pattern of the 451 might make a big difference if it is one other than the cardioid. Flip a coin.
 
Re: Mic dilemma: Hi-Hats & Overheads with C451B & SM81

Did a metal show last night

After band #3 finishes, rep from band 4 comes up and says: "Can we have more kick drum?"

I said "sure, but the rest of the mix will suffer. Vocals and guitars will be harder to hear clearly because the kick will eat up what headroom I have"

Guy replies: "That's fine, we need more kick!!"


hahahahaha
 
Re: Mic dilemma: Hi-Hats & Overheads with C451B & SM81

Show recap... I used the C451B as Overheads and the SM81 on the Hats. I used the SM81 on hats, because it had a longer reach and I could get it closer. Everything sounded good.

The weekend show was a blast, I was using a DigiCo SD9 and d&b T10 system on FOH and Monitors there was another DigiCo SD9 with d&b M4 on wedges. All I had to do was bring in Mics and IEMs.