Trim setting for drum overheads.

sax4blues · April 1st, 2008, 05:27 PM

I record drums with three mic set up, kick drum, 2 overhead. My question is how to set trim peak level on the overheads in regards to the snare. If there is no snare the trim can be turned up. With the trim up and playing the snare the peak is flashing with each snare hit.

What are some suggestions for finding the optimum setting?

octatonic · April 6th, 2008, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sax4blues

I record drums with three mic set up, kick drum, 2 overhead. My question is how to set trim peak level on the overheads in regards to the snare. If there is no snare the trim can be turned up. With the trim up and playing the snare the peak is flashing with each snare hit.

What are some suggestions for finding the optimum setting?

There is no optimum setting aside from not redlining if you are recording digitally.

If tracking to analog then there are a different set of rules, but I won't go into them unless someone specifically asks.

Tim Armstrong · April 6th, 2008, 12:53 PM

Yeah, peak trim level is whatever doesn't clip!

Cheers, Tim

woodman · April 6th, 2008, 01:35 PM

you might try using EQ on your overheads ... a cut at 1K will back the snare off, and a boost at about 6K will bring out the cymbals.

octatonic · April 6th, 2008, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodman

you might try using EQ on your overheads ... a cut at 1K will back the snare off, and a boost at about 6K will bring out the cymbals.

Depends on the room but I tend to boost around + 4.5 dB @ 10k for this.
Also, -6.0 dB @ 200 Hz will reduce tom and kick pickup in the OH's.
Both using a shelf.

woodman · April 7th, 2008, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by octatonic

Depends on the room but I tend to boost around + 4.5 dB @ 10k for this.
Also, -6.0 dB @ 200 Hz will reduce tom and kick pickup in the OH's.
Both using a shelf.

excellent point on the 200 Hz!

April 1st, 2008, 05:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
sax4blues Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: San Jose, CA Age: 51 Posts: 596	Trim setting for drum overheads. I record drums with three mic set up, kick drum, 2 overhead. My question is how to set trim peak level on the overheads in regards to the snare. If there is no snare the trim can be turned up. With the trim up and playing the snare the peak is flashing with each snare hit. What are some suggestions for finding the optimum setting?

April 6th, 2008, 12:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
Tim Armstrong Moderator Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Berlin, Maryland, USA Age: 49 Posts: 9,654	Yeah, peak trim level is whatever doesn't clip! Cheers, Tim __________________ http://www.moodswingers.org

April 6th, 2008, 01:35 PM	#4 (permalink)
woodman Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mint Hill, NC Age: 62 Posts: 5,958	you might try using EQ on your overheads ... a cut at 1K will back the snare off, and a boost at about 6K will bring out the cymbals. __________________ Truth is stranger than fact ... www.myspace.com/woodymitchellmusic BAND PAGES: www.myspace.com/stragglerswing (Stragglers - Western Swing) www.myspace.com/loafersgloryband (Loafers Glory - '70s country-rock)