Recommend a Condenser Mic for Ambient Stage Sound

[Smallmouth_Bass]

My whole band has converted to in-ear monitors, but the drummer says he can no longer hear his high hats and cymbals well. Do you have any recommendations for a good general condenser mic that can be put overhead (not requiring phantom power) used just for ambient stage sound, but generally for the drums? It is only intended for the in-ears.

I don't have a particular budget restriction, but would like to keep it in the low-ish to intermediate category, or good value for the money.

 

[AGCurry]

It should be a condenser mic that doesn't require phantom power? That limits you to mics that have batteries.
In that case, the AKG C1000, set up for cardioid pattern. It's not a great mic, but it's inexpensive and should suffice.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

It should be a condenser mic that doesn't require phantom power? That limits you to mics that have batteries.
In that case, the AKG C1000, set up for cardioid pattern. It's not a great mic, but it's inexpensive and should suffice.

Do most condenser mice require phantom power?

 

[s0c9]

Do most condenser mice require phantom power?

Those I've worked with... or batts. Yes.

C1000 works.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I just checked my mixer and it has phantom power, so that restriction is now removed!

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

The mixer is a Soundcraft Ui24R.

 

[Stylee Mousse]

Lots of different mics will work for this. Just for fun try a 57/58 or equivalent. Condensers are not always preferable to dynamic mics.

also mic positioning: try literally right behind the drummer, kinda peeking over his shoulder. That location will possibly sound more natural than a overhead, particularly a high one

 

[Passinwind]

I just checked my mixer and it has phantom power, so that restriction is now removed!

Crown PZM seemed to satisfy a few IEM bands I worked with.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Lots of different mics will work for this. Just for fun try a 57/58 or equivalent. Condensers are not always preferable to dynamic mics.

also mic positioning: try literally right behind the drummer, kinda peeking over his shoulder. That location will possibly sound more natural than a overhead, particularly a high one

We did try an SM57 in an overhead position! We ended up moving it fairly close to the high hat.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Crown PZM seemed to satisfy a few IEM bands I worked with.

This looks like a plate. How do you mount it or where do you put it?

 

[Stylee Mousse]

Tape it to the drummer’s chest!

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Tape it to the drummer’s chest!

An old school pacemaker!

 

[Passinwind]

This looks like a plate. How do you mount it or where do you put it?

You can hang them by the mic cable or use velcro or gaffer’s tape. If you need full bass response in a hanging install mounting to a piece of plexiglass is a pretty standard approach. Check out the Crown literature to see how you can manipulate pattern control, they’re pretty versatile widgets.

 

[gmarcus]

Welcome to the rabbit hole

15 the best drum overhead mics - DRUM! Magazine

 

[Slade N]

Tape it to the drummer’s chest!

PZM

PZM 30D Pressure Zone Microphone | Sweetwater

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Welcome to the rabbit hole

15 the best drum overhead mics - DRUM! Magazine

Yikes! Not too cheap.

 

[Slough Feg Bass]

try EV RE20, Sennheiser MD 421, those are my go-to's for this sort of thing.
really, though, if you have the money, the AKG C414 will be great!

 

[gmarcus]

Yikes! Not too cheap.

The Rode M5 should do the trick for what you are looking for. They are pretty cheap and small. Also those Behringer C2s are in the same league.

 

[Stylee Mousse]

I can’t see a need to spend top dollar for this use. Did the 57 work when placed optimally? Or does he just want something “better”?

A really bright condenser mic might not be great for the job, in fact may take in all kinds of extra audio information like stage rumble, wind noise, etc.

if you can get a hold of one I’d be tempted to try a dynamic Omni mic like an EV 635A, which is a very smooth and natural sounding mic.

 

[Stylee Mousse]

try EV RE20, Sennheiser MD 421, those are my go-to's for this sort of thing.
really, though, if you have the money, the AKG C414 will be great!

421 and RE20 are absolutely great mics and would probably be excellent in the proposed application.