How I Get My Sound - Mics, Preamps, Plugins & Sauce

I've been making all of my videos for the past three years with just two mics, and in this tutorial I will show you exactly how I'm doing it! My mics, my preamps, my software, and even my exact mix settings for EQ and compression. I hope you all enjoy this one!
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• Gretsch Drums
• Meinl Cymbals
• Aquarian Drum Heads
• Vic Firth Sticks
• DW Hardware
• Audio Technica Microphones

[@mikeslessons]

Let's be clear here, I am NOT a mixing engineer or anything close to it, lol. I just like how my drums sound and I wanted to show you exactly how I get the sound that I get :)

[@vedasticks]

wow you must be an absolute dream to work with in the studio. so many drummers dont understand that it starts at the sourve and dont mix themselfs. smashing cymballs and hi hats

[@mikeslessons]

@@vedasticks I'm getting there :)

[@mikeslessons]

@Zack Darce WHAT??? No Way! Totally messing with ya. Ya, I am fully aware of that but I am here all by myself and my mics are constantly moving based on what I am filming. Sometimes I record the video, start mixing and then realize that the mics were out of phase. That's why it's important to be able to fix the issue in the mix. Hope that helps clarify why I do that :)

[@vinylplay1]

would love to see a video where you mic the whole thing

[@enyakbutler]

Mike Johnston that’s a great sounding room! Thanks for being transparent on this. Obv a lot more goes into than just mics and pre amps etc. your playing has a lot to do with it. Have you used different companies plugins? Do you find it matters?

[@kacperwojewodka3304]

I would like to see a video in which you show us how you tune drums. They sound gorgeous!

[@onejuly18th]

I would really like to see a video on using cheaper (in price) mics, for sure!

[@mikeslessons]

You got it brother!

[@ClaudioPulito]

@@mikeslessons something like AT2035 + AT2020... would be great!

[@danchaffin2352]

@@mikeslessons Me too!

[@christopherpalazzo9788]

Yeah! Something for masses to get your type sound at a cheaper price!

[@JETX1990]

You can get a decent home recording with about $500 (not counting your computer). If y’all are interested I can eventually make a video with my cheaper gear.

[@JeffRandallDrumming]

Such a simple and effective setup and process! Really helpful man, thanks. Would be curious to see your video editing workflow as well.

[@mikeslessons]

So glad you enjoyed it my man!

[@amartyabanik8643]

💞💕😍

[@bohdaaanek]

you've got some pretty darn good sound too Jeff!

[@JeffRandallDrumming]

Jan Malec thanks!

[@jangobango2847]

@@mikeslessons jeff randall here stealing the secret sauce!! Lol jk idk how he makes his storage unit sound so well, hope to see you put on a Bentleys clinic you rock Mike!

[@iannelli2448]

Mike, I've watched thousands of drum/mix related videos. I've gotta say: this video is hands down the best I have EVER seen. Please do more videos of this nature. I'd pay to watch them. Would absolutely love to see a video like this with mid-price mics, one with low-price mics, and maybe even one with different mixing tactics. I recently went from a 6 mic setup to a 2 mic setup and have no idea what I'm doing now. This came at the perfect time. Thank you so much, as always, for the god-tier content. Have an awesome weekend!

[@mikeslessons]

Wow... your comment just made my entire day! Thank you so much. Definitely more videos like this are coming later this year 🙏🙏🙏

[@Saedelaere]

I recommend you to buy Mike Major's book "Recording Drums - The Complete Guide" (Technology Cengage Learning course). It is my Bible and the best book on the subject that I have. It should answer all of your questions... Keep on rocking!

[@drumsrock75]

All of what you said at the end! Affordable mics, cameras you use, lighting, editing, colour correction. All of that is great stuff that nobody covers in drum related videos. I would love to see it all. Thanks Mike.

[@JoystickDrummer]

Wow, you didn't overcomplicate anything and that is exactly what I needed to see. Almost every video on EQ is way too much and confusing to me but this video is perfect! Thank you and I would love to see a video on camera and lighting setup and how you edit those for your videos!

[@iamchillytoy]

Recording with a 2-mic setup's a scary experience: I started recording my practice sessions with a recorderman setup and it highlighted a lack of balance in my playing (hats too loud, kick too soft...). Thanks for this lesson Mike, you're a true inspiration :) !

[@mikeslessons]

Exactly! I wanted to become a more "balanced" player and this setup has really helped me with that!

[@Thomas0661]

Okay, from a human to another human. I'm 2 minutes in already I love your way of recording and playing without having a single session heard. The fact that I can agree with you 100% on every single thing you say, makes me think there IS hope out there for people like you and I. Thank you so much in advance, and now I press play again... I respect you. Best Regards

[@lozriley]

I love how everything has a positive meaning. This is why mike is one of the best out there 🤟🥁

[@mikeslessons]

Thanks a ton Lozy, that means a lot!

[@CameronFleury]

Yes let's see more! Your lighting is impeccable. Also considering adapting a more natural sounding approach to educational videos. Interesting concept. Thanks Mike!

[@kevinfrazee7690]

I love this video. I've loved using minimal mics for quite a while now. Duffy Jackson taught me how to balance my playing for the same reasons. You're responsible for mixing your dynamics. Thank you so much for posting. Players can really benefit from your set up. You sound incredible!!!

[@borndrumming1972]

Mike, great video. I am a minimalist when it comes to miking my drumset as well. I like the two mic setup but I add a kick and a snare because I am trying to achieve that natural drum sound but in a mix with a band.. A trick you might want to explore is going with the slowest attack and fastest release on your master bus compression. Then adjust your threshold to where you're only getting that little bit of reduction like you are doing already. Then add about half a DB of makeup gain. I believe you will hear that your drumset opens up a little bit more and adds a little more power 2 that natural sound you're really looking for. Hope this helps your always giving such great tips I'm glad I could finally share one with you.

[@mikeslessons]

Thanks a TON for giving that tip in a helpful way instead of telling me what I am doing wrong. You are the dream KZbin commenter :)

[@marcusthomas88]

Man what cameras are you using? They are amazing !

[@willmason-jones1594]

I’ve been waiting for this exact lesson for years, and it didn’t disappoint! Thanks Mike!

[@3qgc]

All behind the scenes vids would be appreciated Mike! Thanks for this video. Perfect timing for me!

[@DaveMajor]

Great video Mike! Nice to see how you keep the toms sounding full with just one OH!

[@danielnuzum8117]

I love this video style! I totally think if you did a video series on all of the stuff you use and your techniques for making your videos play out, for example how are you going about with your video editing and what mics do you use for your voice?

[@mizraingonzalez1364]

I’ve been watching you for years. And I love the sound you get out of your drums. Clean and crispy!

[@drumguy3889]

Mike, this was great! I spent so much time getting chops together, I’m also seeing the importance of reproducing and refining that sound. Definitely do more like this!!

[@DaniOrttiz]

Awesome, man. Your channel has absolutely extreme production quality. I really would like to see how you capture and proccess your videos. Lights, cameras, everything. Thank you for the content you share with us!

[@bertyblaze]

Definitely need a similar video with a medium price range option for mics and a good solid budget friendly version as well covering Budget, Medium and this video would be your high end price range version. I also loved your 2 mic philosophy. Definitely makes sense to capture the truest version of your performance rather than fixing drum hits in post.

[@hethaerto1]

Wow. Started off sounding like a wet blanket and ended up sounding beautiful, all from two mics. Excellent!

[@maxfiset9547]

Also, your wallpaper is so sick!! This vintage boomer blue kit is so photogenic!!

[@maxfiset9547]

I do really like this kind of video!! As I try to post drum stuff on social networks too and that mixing, filming, recording is not what I do for a living, I love to get knowledge from professionals and see how they do it!

[@tomhennessey4945]

Mike I love the positivity you constantly spread dude! Absolute hero

[@jayjonathansingh]

Mike, you are the man! Been following you for years. Your sound just keeps getting better and better. This video was spot on and I would personally love to see more in depth studio wisdom shared by you for future!

[@drumdog]

Really interesting video. We would love to see one on the visuals i.e lighting, cameras and editing. Thanks for amazing videos, hope to see you back in the UK

[@tazchapman692]

I'd definitely love to see that video of how you make videos and edit and all of that. It would be a great video like this one. Thanks a ton for the amazing content!

[@tommacmillan8831]

this is great. i just stumbled upon the ancient videos (double bass with one pedal etc) and realised i have been learning things from this guy for over a decade. drums isn't even my main instrument!

[@denisorourke4444]

7:13 _"Now, it's gonna sound like buttered ass."_ *PLAYS RECORDING* _"That doesn't sound bad."_

[@420raziel]

This is so rich of information Mike, I don't mind these kind of videos.

[@kalbaniskickdrum]

Yup, solid proof, you are a wizard sent here from another fold in the universe. You continue to blow my mind with what you put out there for us to learn from. Please accept my humble gratitude and deep, deep appreciation Mike.

[@ThatMattGoodMusic]

The great sound Mike gets out of the two mics is testament to how brilliantly controlled his dynamics are on each part of the kit! As he kinda says in the video - it does mean you have to be really good at that for it to sound better!

[@tommyp7547]

Wow, man your recordings always sound great. Would have never guessed 2 mics. Very informative, yes please more videos like this on the tech side of things, recording, editing, lighting, camera’s, any of that would be appreciated.

[@raymondebert8552]

Mike, you are such a great educator. You explain everything in such an easy to understand way. I would really enjoy a video on the thermodynamics of jet propulsion.

[@mikeslessons]

Count me in! You can actually see a bunch of my astrophysics and astronomy tutorials on Instagram here: instagram.com/astrofacts_with_mike/

[@adambond8540]

AWESOME! 😎 I'd love to see content about video editing and how to film a drum kit. Super relevant to where I'm at! 🎉🏆🥳

[@TomCawoski]

Great video. Yes, your drums sound very natural and they sound good in your videos. I love seeing these kinds of behind the scenes videos and I would be interested in seeing how you videotape/edit/light your videos etc. I'd also be interested in seeing your drum tuning process and reasoning behind your choice of drum sound. Your toms sound a bit tighter than what you hear on typical "pop" music recordings and more of a "jazz" sounding kit. Knowing "why" you are doing things the way you do is probably just as important if not more important than the "how" you do what you do. Again, thanks for sharing a great video!

[@nowtiming]

One big thing I noticed here was cymbal choice and also tuning, which can also help with your balance. There is a lot of variety/great sounds you can get from each drum but they need to all work together as a cohesive unit. With cymbals, I've definitely noticed that darker and more dry cymbals like this mix really well under a mic. Great info Mike! Thanks for sharing :)

[@GeorgeFalconer]

As always, an enormous amount of thought, wit and wisdom - perfectly presented.

[@joshplatt4334]

This video helps immensely. It makes things like this easy to understand for someone who is not so knowledgeable in this area. I would love to see more videos about how you create your content! Also, thank you so much for everything you contribute to the drumming community!

[@rafaelpalma]

I love you sound Mike! It's very clear and natural from sound. That you for share with us your knowledge and experience!

[@migsdrummer]

Thanks for sharing with us, Mike! It'd be great if you could talk about the treatment and importance of a good room for drums! All the best! Migs.

[@cadben]

YES, I'd love to see videos about all the areas of your video making process! From the lighting, to colour grading, and also even recording with lesser quality mics. All great content!

[@jaredalexis8512]

Dude, heck yes. Less is more. I don't wanna spend hours editing! I started saving your videos because I liked your background. As a handy-type-guy and "my own" house remodeler, I dig the materials used and carpentry aspect of your cymbal displays in back with ebony stain flooring/paneling on wall. That is cool!

[@DavidEpstein]

Thanks Mike. That was super informative. It really reinforces the fact that you need the kit to sound great to begin with to get a great sound. The raw sound is excellent except for the kick sounding a bit wimpy, which makes a lot of sense given that you don't have a pre-eq'd kick mic jammed into a porthole in the front. It really didn't take much to get that kit sounding perfect.

[@andrewarbogast1]

Drums sound awesome! I love getting a glimpse of how people mix their drums. I think it's the hardest of all instruments to mix.

[@andrewramsby]

Bring on the vids! Always a pleasure to sit and listen to your theory behind everything you do

[@matthopson8677]

Love those plug ins! I would like to know more about the video filming and editing side of stuff dude!! That would be rad! Im thinking about trying some multi-angle stuff for my channel.

[@benroe]

hell yeah! all information to de-mystify things is always helpful. if you have the ability to show how someone at home can use a regular 2/4/8 channel interface and make things modular that would be a plus.

[@titomartinez5581]

Outstanding video, Mike! Well explained and very simple to understand. Would be great if you could expand on your mic placement and distances from the kit, especially the overhead?

[@bogerro]

I've always thought your kit sounds KILLER! thanks for this video man, it's really helpful and educational as always

[@zackalbettamusic]

Man, this is SUPER helpful, thank you. This is proof of something an audio engineer buddy once told me: If you've got good mics, good musicians, good instruments, in a good room, you're more than halfway there. Looking forward to checking out the "cheap mics" edition.

[@AlwaysInThePocket012]

Happy belated birthday Mike ! Been watching on KZbin since like 2006.

[@infinitydrumming]

Really helpful hearing your practical view on different hertz to watch out for on the eq mix. Thanks for sharing.

[@darrynfarrugia9904]

Great video, Mike. Yep I'm keen to know more about your cameras, position (and slider) and colour grading/correction etc. Your videos are the benchmark.

[@jonathankessler4684]

I’ve been looking for a demo on those AT5045’s for a while, I can’t afford them that’s for damn sure but you’ve definitely succeeded in getting me to put them on my wish list haha

[@Deandredarrell]

I’m also interested in what you use as your presents, lights and editing. It’s nice seeing a drummer sharing a lot more of their creativeness outside of drumming.

[@rubrshrk]

Your two-mic setup sounds better than a lot of giant setups I see here and you don't compress to extreme and I can hear your voice when you speak! Your approach seems to be straight-forward and reproducible. This also makes me wonder how you would do a full, each drum mic'd setup for doing a recording session- or however you would do a stereo setup. Thank you for your tremendous videos. I learn from each one.

[@drumfanatik316]

YES!!! Mike, we want to see it all! Inquiring minds want to know! What cameras, cheaper mics, etc. We want it all!!!

[@tonecontrol]

Awesome sound, love the approach.

[@jamesfelker6070]

Hey Mike, I've been trying to get a basic mic sound for my kit at home for ever, and I was totally OVERDOING everything! I love how simple you make this. Looking forward to seeing one with cheaper mics.

[@andrewwarrendrums8969]

I would love more of these videos Mike! This was a real good insight to recording with two microphones! Going to have to give it a try!!

[@daviddobbins8948]

That was brilliant and so helpful, thanks Mike.

[@Groovedrummer1989]

You finally did it! I totally agree with your thoughts on using a more simplistic microphone approach for teaching stuff to get a more natural sound. Great video and also great sound. I would be also interested in videos how you are shooting and editing your videos because I'm actually starting to film drum lessons (in german language) to promote my drum school locally. So thank you again! You are really a big inspiration for me. And i guess: not just for me! Keep going and may the groove be with you :-)

[@Flexapr]

Mike, I’m a 49yo San Francisco native resident, and like you, I took drum lessons with Peter Magadini (but in 2002, 2006, & 2007 @ Haight Ashbury Music & his Novato home). Pete spoke highly of you. So I called you in 2007 for lessons but never followed through. Can you give me any mic 🎙 suggestions for when I get into recording my drums? I’ve bought but haven’t yet used: a Neumann SKM 184 overhead pair, Sennheiser e902 kick, e904 floor tom, 3 e604 rack tom, & an e905 snare mic 🎤. Do I need a room mic or two? Great 👍🏻 video.

[@itsabouttime-weeklydrumtip3097]

Loved this Mike! I'm new to the back end stuff and have always loved your lessons so now I'm going down the rabbit hole to discover HOW it's done. Yes! I'd love to see the other side of the back end stuff -- the video part. When you get a chance! Groove on Mike!

[@CantonMasterDrummer]

Thank you for this video. You really gave me a boost in confidence with my set up and execution of recording on a budget. The product I use to record only allows me to capture a single stereo track; so you still got me with two tracks, but the way you explain your set up really makes me feel like I’m doing more than I thought and makes me confident when telling others how I get my sound. I use to feel stupid telling them. Haha. Thank you Mike!! 🙏🏻

[@Rijo31000]

We want more! How do you make the video's? Tips and tricks for editing multi angle camera's and merging soundtracks with video tracks in the video software editor. And please start at beginner level (how to use the razor for cuts in the software, how to align soundwaves wtih the video picture etc.) And one question about this great KZbin tutorial: once you have it all set and stay in the same room I suppose there is no need to tweak it every time you record? You can just let it be? Thanks again Mike, good job!

[@grandolddrummer]

I have always dug your drum mix. I just never looked around for mics. I didn't realize you got that with just two. Thanks for the EQ tips, I will definitely try some of that out.

[@benchapman7586]

Love these kinds of videos, keep em coming!!

[@JRHARDY]

Love to hear your techniques and thanks for sharing, Mike!

[@tobbey_drums8984]

Awesome, this is really helpful :) Please more videos about how you are producing and editing your videos!

[@TheRimshotDrummer]

Hello Mike! I am new to home recording. Totally different from being in the studio. This video was a big help. Thank you Sir. Gonna start working on my sound.

[@dah_veed01]

We definitely love to see more of these videos

[@martinjames9535]

Great informative information for a basic recording technique, looking forward to trying it out even if with not as expensive equipment.

[@SalArteagaDrums]

Dude this was super helpful. One question I have is what frequency would you use to bring the click on the kick up in the mix? I have a hard time getting it to come through. Also would love to see more video editing content. You are probably the best drum video producer out there these shots and angles are crazy creative!

[@carlnielsjensen5594]

The one with affordable mics would be great

[@jangobango2847]

Yes i need to learn how to better utilize my zoom h4n i know i could get a better mix

[@ronsissons8994]

I am thinking of picking these up as overheads. Maybe not for this type of application, but I hear these are pretty good for the oney for a decent matched pair www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1456997-REG/lewitt_lct_040_match_pair_condenser_microphones_matched_stereo.html Lewitt LCT 040 MATCH Stereo Pair

[@GediSpock]

Röde M5 are great overheads for the money. Cheap but excellent. Röde Nt5 if you can afford them.

[@sambrantdrums9622]

@@ronsissons8994 Bro Get them! I've only heard good things about them, and I am highly considering picking up a pair very soon for my own drum recordings!

[@UserNameNiemand]

Yeah, just go full blast about everything you're using! It would be nice to see the full production process. Cheers and thanks as always!

[@nayrdrumr]

Love the recording video ideas. Please do more. Also, I'm just starting recording and I love that I can get that great of a sound with two nice mics. I also love the approach because I too want to work on these things

[@kmyt001]

Thank you for doing this Mike! It would be super-helpful if you can do a video for a more affordable setup -- for camera, mics, pre-amps, mixers and the software tools. Thank you again for continuing to inspire and educate!

[@timfroncek7147]

Thanks for this video! Your drums sound great all by themselves for sure, but the way mixed and added just the right spice makes them sing pretty!!!! Thanks!

[@ChrisNealeMusic]

Mike! This video is just so damn good! Holy smokes, so much gold! What screen recording software do you use? I'd love to see a video breaking down your method of recording spoken word and syncing it up with your written tutorials on the computer. Thanks so much!

[@stevesmith8791]

Really great video, Mike! I recently wen to a three mic setup (kick, stereo overheads) for a lot of the same reasons... Mostly because I wasn't balancing the kit myself. It's helped my dynamics a lot. Interesting to see we use the same plugins... I love the Slate Digital 1073 clone. Personally I would like to see a video with more affordable mics... I'm fresh out of unobtanium! Awesome job!

[@tahmato]

Yes, I'd love to see the video editing portion of your workflow, including storage, uploading, all of it! It would help those of us who are trying to get into making videos now that we're all LOCKED INSIDE! Trying to be productive here. Thanks!

[@DZNTZ]

Are those Super 2 series heads you’re using on the blue kit in this video? Man, they sound great! Aquarian makes a great head, they’re juuust that little bit warmer and more natural sounding than the competition. Thanks for the always awesome videos!

[@Saedelaere]

Hi Mike, I love your videos and I admire you for your warm and lovable way to motivate other people to play the drums and to help them get better. You're a wonderful person. Thank you for doing what you love. Now to the topic: I think your approach is perfect. As a drum student, I hope that more teachers will be motivated by this. It's minimalist, easy to learn and to repeat. As a trained recording and mixing engineer, I am very satisfied with how you record yourself and I just want to ask you one question: Why are you using the Behringer X32 Rack? I owned an X32 myself and sold it because it didn't do the job. Your sound is great and I don't want to complain. You may be asking yourself: How can I improve my recording setup? I then answer: Buy another AD converter instead of the X32 rack. The AD conversion is the last "critical" point in the analog signal chain. I personally bought an RME UFX+ after I sold my X32... This is not necessarily a recommendation. But it's a great device. ;-) I just want to kindly point out that there is room for improvement in your recording chain. If you don't mind: read the first paragraph again. You brilliant guy!

[@terrytk9398]

A great deal of thought had gone into the recording set-up. We drummers certainly use our brain cells! A very instructive, thoughtful, honest and interesting video.😀

[@sturla75]

Yeah. Would love to see your camera and lighting setup and also color correcting things you do.

[@mikeslessons]

I'm considering starting a new channel specifically for that type of stuff :)

[@sturla75]

Mike Johnston Fantastic!! Hope you do that. 😃👍

[@brandonraehl5059]

Awesome video, man. Love the sounds you get. You let the drums sounds like drums and just bring out the best from that. Too many over compressed, artificial sounds these days.

[@myang67]

Thanks for this video. Great insights. Love to see a video on full set of mics on drums, and how you would achieve your sound. I also second the requests made by many here on affordable mics.

[@EdThorne]

Great video, thank you for sharing, but WHY the Behringer digital desk as a pre-amp? Something at 96kHz sample rate, like the UAD stuff will sound way better! You’d amazed the difference the better conversion rate makes 👌

[@jeremymorris3721]

Love these types of videos

[@mikeslessons]

That's great to hear Jeremy! I'll be sure to make more :)

[@erickdrumfreak]

Mike you could play on boxes and sound great , great vid.Your already playing with the most amazing sounding drums right.

[@pepe7drum]

Man this was excelent, i been dealing with 14 mics on drums lately but definitely going to try this for new projetcs, minimalistic but huge in sound, you just need to add one room mic and you will be pleased

[@steveweilhart2359]

Nice great approach the Slate plug ins are great - I have the all access bundle and find myself pretty much going to them all the time. I have fab filter (great stuff) waves , eventide , UA and others but the Slate stuff is just is so organic. Just got the Raven MTi2 also it's awesome. So fun and effective. I am also a drummer you have a nice touch - My newest fav drummer is Matt Garska ( Animals as Leaders)

[@benjoiner777]

Hey buddy, thanks for being transparent and sharing how you do things. What you do is awesome! Peace

[@billymaerdian1218]

Loved the video! Would love to also see some videos on the video creation side of things. Especially the difference in both lighting and cameras at various price points.

[@daryljones3678]

Great vid. Love how organic you shaped your sound. Just subscribed and looking for more vids in the near future! Cheers... 🍻

[@JacobEaves]

I’d love more lighting, video editing, technical type videos!