twisted drum micing concept

[jithknot]

a couple of weeks ago (close to a month), i went for a concert to watch a band called short stack (don't ask how i ended up there). well thought id make the most outta it and was looking at the stage sound setup, there were mics underneath the cymbals, with the mics pointing towards the under end of the cymbal, and apparently there were no overheads. the sound was average, maybe even below average (couldn't make out as the preteen girls were louder than the P.A system),
i first thought they put it underneath to combat phase issues, but that's just plain silly(lol, i think), or because the it was a personal preference, or because of the fact that the cymbals were placed comically high.whatever it is, ive never seen micing like that.
any thoughts??

[ChrisW]

Not a good way of micing cymbals IME.
It could be that the sound person was just a contrary type.
I guess it might have been a way to isolate the cymbals from drum spill.
In my years of gigging the best cymbal sounds I've had (or have heard) have been from a traditional overhead, with a sonic picture of the kit as a whole.

[13thbeach]

I've seen this before and thought it sounded great. I guess there would be many things to consider. First of all the cymbals themselves, the kit, drummers skill, stage sounds... etc. I have no doubt it could easily sound average but under the conditions I witnessed/heard, it was cool.....and very neat looking.

[rumblemania]

i witnessed a similar approach used at Lamb of God earlier in the yr at Soundwave, where the mics (which looked like AT4040's) were on clamps on the drummers rack but rather than being underneath they were more on the side of the cymbals, it didnt sound too bad but the room was not the best!!!
if it works run with it, but in your case Jithin i dont think the music industry will have to worry much longer before these guys are flung to the side for the next teen fad :I

[Chinagraf]

I've seen it done a bit. Sounds ok but you lose some of the attack of the hits. Sometimes it can help with a crowded setup. Now ya can't knock Shortstack...gotta love the Stack. I'd love to be their age doin what they're doin. I think they should stop singing like the guy(?) from Placebo though. What are they like 15 or somethin?

[ChrisW]

Yes, what I really meant was that IMO cymbals don't sound great so closely mic'ed.
I can agree with close micing a ride, as it's often mainly to add a bit of definition to the stereo overheads.
The underside of a cymbal is not my favourite for sound either.
If you put your ear next to a cymbal it doesn't sound as nice as if you stand back.
Anyway, it's all a matter of taste and if it works for you to mic this way there's absolutely no reason not to do it.