Composition chart

Hi-hat

View all the instruments or look at some of the possible drum setups.

Other percussion instruments: kick drum, snare drum, toms.

The drums are one of the hardest instruments to record. Did you know that there are only two mics used on Ringo's kit for most of the Beatles records- one in front of the bass (kick) drum and one overhead.

  • Many different options for miking the hi-hat.
  • Keep the other drums out of the hi-hat mic whenever possible.
  • Avoid directing the mic towards the bell (causes thin sound).
  • Don't locate the mic too near the hats because they give out a small puff of air when closing.
  • Best thing to do is experiment with the mic is different positions.
  • If you're using several mics, be careful that the recording does not sound like a collection of separate drums. It should sound like one instrument.

Have a look at some of the possible drum setups.

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