Your drums generally utilize the most mics in a production scenario. So, it stands to reason, that of the possible phase problems you encounter, more of them will involve drums. Getting all of your mics in phase would require an alignment of the stars that is near impossible, but problems can be mitigated.
You may or may not need to reverse the polarity on some channels. You should use the phase switch and listen to a recording of the drumming, using the overhead. Listen for weak sounds that may be improved by mic positioning. Check the polarity on the drum kick, as you want a full-bodied sound. Use the phase switch to decide whether the snare mic sounds better inverted, or otherwise. Go through every mic, without rushing, and you should eliminate most all of your drum phase issues.
Key Takeaways:
- Because your drums generally have more mics on them any other instrument, phase problems often center around the drum phase.
- Listen for weak, or swishy sounds, that suggest a positional change of mic is warranted, by listening to your drummer in stereo and mono, using the overheads.
- Listen to the drumming, using every mic, checking for the fullest sound, because that is the sound you want.
“Record a sample of the drummer playing, then listen to the overhead panned in stereo, then listen to them in mono by panning them both to the center.”
Read more: https://www.prosoundweb.com/channels/recording/in-the-studio-checking-drum-phase-by-using-your-ears/
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