Build a Microphone Cabinet on any Budget

Sep 1, 2000 12:00 PM, BRIAN KNAVE AND MYLES BOISEN

           
 

Basic Coverage Budget ($2,000)

By Myles Boisen

(1) Sennheiser E602 ($319)
(2) Sennheiser E604 ($249 each)
(2) Shure SM 57 ($146 each)
(2) Shure BG 4.1 ($275 each)
(1) AKG C 3000B ($520)

As I look at this list, I'm amazed by how much you can do with just eight microphones. With this setup (plus some talent and a lot of empty tracks), it's possible to get a thoroughly professional drum sound, then move the mics around and overdub a whole band to perfection.

The Sennheiser E602 is an amazing kick-drum mic that can turn any bass drum into a thundering arena-rock monster. It's also a viable choice for electric bass and other low-end sources.

Sennheiser's E604 is another technological wonder, adapted especially for use on toms but equally effective on electric guitar, organ, brass, and more. And if your drummer doesn't need four mics for snare and toms, try an E604 underneath the snare for some extra snap.

For drum overheads, a pair of small-diaphragm condensers is a must. The Crown CM 700 (mentioned earlier) would work, but for general use I've found the brighter response of the Shure BG 4.1 to be more suitable. Also, it runs on batteries, so it can double as a location-recording microphone for concerts, sampling, or environmental recording.

And if you're just doing drums, don't let that large-diaphragm condenser sit idle: try using it a bit outside the bass drum for a more realistic kick sound, or place it a few feet back from the kit to capture the live ambience of the entire drum set.