Live Sound Bootcamp
Ep4 Hi Hats, Rides, and Overheads
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- Cymbal choices should align with the genre of music to enhance the overall sound.
- Proper microphone selection and placement are crucial for achieving the desired sound, particularly for overheads.
- Compression can be effectively used on overheads to manage snare bleed and enhance drum sounds, but should be handled with care.
- Hi-hat mics are important for maintaining the groove and feel in the mix, while ride mics may often be unnecessary.
- Understanding the acoustics of the performance space can lead to better mixing strategies and sound quality.
Summary
Cymbal Selection and Use
In this segment, the hosts delve into the various types of cymbals and their roles in different music genres. They discuss the importance of cymbal choices relative to the genre, as jazz may require a different sound compared to rock. The conversation highlights how specific cymbals can enhance or detract from the overall drum sound, and how the size, thickness, and type of cymbals impact their sound on stage.
Microphone Types and Placement
The group moves on to discuss the different microphones suited for recording cymbals, such as small diaphragm versus large diaphragm condensers. The hosts emphasize the significance of proper mic placement, detailing the use of spaced pairs and coincident mics to capture overhead sounds while balancing the need for isolation.
Compression and Processing Techniques
The discussion transitions to best practices around using compression on overheads and cymbals. The hosts agree on the fine line between achieving an impactful sound while avoiding a muddy mix. They share insights on managing the snare bleed through overheads, suggesting creative use of compression to enhance snare sounds.
Hi-hat and Ride Mic Discussions
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to hi-hat and ride mics, with the hosts sharing their perspectives on the importance of hi-hat as a driving force in the drum sound. They debate the necessity of ride mics, often left untouched in live mixes. The conversation underscores the critical nature of mic choice and placement in achieving a well-balanced mix.
General Mixing Tips and Strategies
In the final segment, the hosts sum up their discussions with practical tips for live sound mixing and balancing different elements. They emphasize the importance of knowing when to use specific mics and how to approach mixing to create a coherent sound that enhances the performance without overwhelming the audience. The need for creativity and understanding the acoustics of the performance space is highlighted.
Sponsors
- Rational Acoustics · a developer of Smart. The industry's leading sound system measurement and optimization platform.
Show notes
We honestly thought this might be a boring episode, but it turned out to be one of the most interesting discussions. In this episode we chat about cymbal selection, microphones, mic positions, processing, and a heck of a lot more. This is a set of inputs that honestly took the three of us years to figure out how to use effectively and creatively.
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