How to Record Drums (not just cymbals)

No, we don't want you to tape your cymbals.

Here's a better way -- upgrade your overhead mics. :-)

The Roswell Mini K47 at a glance:

• The Mini K47's polar pattern is narrower at high frequencies. Position the mics so they're pointing at the drums, not the cymbals, and you'll mostly hear drums from your overhead track.
• Our "K47" capsule has a presence bump in the upper mids, and a falling frequency response above 10kHz. It will naturally hear the tone of the drums and snare, while attenuating the cymbals.
• The mic's large-diaphragm design means great detail, high output, and low noise.
• The mic's compact size makes it easy to hang above a drum kit (without needing a $300 mic stand to carry its weight).
• Its transformerless circuit topology reduces distortion, even for rimshots and drum transients.
• Smart design, careful assembly, and meticulous testing mean the mic just works.
• Every Mini K47 includes Roswell's "Cutaway" shockmount and metal flightcase.
• USD $389 for a single mic.
• USD $899 for the factory matched pair (in a custom stereo case).

Hear the Mini K47s on drum overheads in the video clip below.

(Quick personal story: as you probably saw in the video above, Glenn's former go-to OH mic was a particular small-diaphragm model that was the darling of the internets about 20 years ago. Ironically, that was my personal go-to OH mic too, until I tried the Mini K47 prototype on my own drums.)

Here's another demo video, featuring Glen Sobel (Alice Cooper, Hollywood Vampires) warming up, with a pair of Mini K47s on OH and a Roswell Delphos on kick. (Check out Glen's left hand!)

This clip uses much higher mic placement, which creates a roomier sound than a lower overhead placement would.