An alternative technique to spaced overhead N8s implements the NUVO Stereo Kit, which comprises two N8s in Blumlein configuration. Place this array 6 to 8 feet from the ground and above the kit, with the center of the array pointing towards the kick drum. This method produces an expansive stereo spread with astonishing detail and presence. To capture more room sound, lift the array farther above the kit.
A single ribbon mic above a drum set is the classic way to record a natural and focused sound of your instrument. The N8 is well known for its ability to capture the detail and full low end of a drum kit while maintaining the natural sound of your source. A single N8 above a drummer is often all that is needed to reproduce a full sounding drum set. Blending a mono N8 overhead with a kick mic and a room mic can add more depth and clarity, especially when tracking in a room with a nice and natural reverb.
For different results position an N8 at 3 to 6 feet in front of the kit, roughly at the drummer’s eye level or below. This signal can be blended with drum overheads, or can serve as a single, mono mic signal. When blended with overheads this front signal fills the center of the stereo spread, adding depth and detail to a mix.
Two N8s can also be setup in Blumlein Configuration in the same position as the mono N8 in front of a drum kit. This setup will act as another stereo perspective to the overheads and will provide added depth and dimension to your drum tracks.
In many instances, this pair of N8s is all you will need to capture the sound and image of your drums. This configuration is easy to setup when using the NUVO Stereo Kit and NUVO Blumlein Coupler.
Yet another method for recording drums takes advantage of the N8’s nulls, capturing only the reflections of the drum kit in a room. Use the same placement you would in front of a kit, but face the mic’s null side towards the kit. This method creates a multi-dimensional, hulking drum sound that highlights the interaction between an instrument and the room.
The truthful detail and extended low-end inherent in the N8 make it an outstanding tool for capturing the comprehensive sound of a room without much direct sound lending to a realistic and natural reverb. Its far-field design lends well to recording sources from as far as 20 feet away while still retaining low-end response. Effectively positioning the N8 in a room simply requires exploring the space and actively listening for the most balanced sound.
Positioning two N8s in Blumlein at a distance from the drums will capture a true stereo image of the honest reverb in your space. This configuration is a professional secret weapon that has been used for years to add depth and detail to countless recordings. This configuration is easy to setup when using the NUVO Stereo Kit and NUVO Blumlein Coupler.
