The Art of Micing a Hi-Hat
The Art of Micing a Hi-Hat: A Comprehensive Guide
Capturing the intricate sounds of a hi-hat on a drum kit presents unique challenges. In this post, we'll explore whether you should mic the hi-hat, how different mic positions affect the sound, the pros and cons of using two mics, comparing legacy hi-hat mics with modern choices, how cymbal size impacts the sound, and how a hi-hat works. We'll also discuss the differences between open and closed hi-hats and what to consider when micing them, as well as the philosophy behind recording a hi-hat with a live drummer versus programming it or using drum replacement.
1. Understanding the Hi-Hat: Mechanisms and Use
Image courtesy of Oxford press
A hi-hat consists of two cymbals mounted on a stand with a foot pedal at the base. The cymbals can be opened and closed by pressing and releasing the pedal. The top cymbal is called the "top hat," and the bottom cymbal is the "bottom hat." The hi-hat stand allows drummers to control the cymbals' position, ranging from tightly closed to fully open.
Drummers use the hi-hat in various ways to add texture and rhythm to their playing. When closed, the hi-hat produces a tight, "chick" sound, ideal for keeping time in many musical genres. Opening the hi-hat slightly creates a sizzle, adding a shimmering quality to the sound. Fully open hi-hats produce a loud, wash sound, often used for accents and crescendos. Drummers also play the hi-hat with drumsticks, striking the cymbals to produce different sounds depending on where they hit (edge, bow, or bell) and how hard they strike.
2. Should We Even Mic the Hi-Hat?
Deciding whether to mic the hi-hat hinges on several factors. Many engineers find that overhead mics often capture enough of the hi-hat, thanks to the natural bleed they provide. Overhead mics offer a balanced, natural capture of the entire kit, including the hi-hat. This method works well for many styles and situations, especially when the hi-hat doesn’t play a prominent role.
However, a dedicated hi-hat mic becomes crucial in genres where the hi-hat features prominently or if the drummer uses intricate patterns that need clear articulation. For instance, in genres like jazz, funk, and certain sub-genres of electronic music, the hi-hat often plays a vital role in driving the rhythm and adding complex textures. In these styles, the nuances of the hi-hat's performance—such as rapid open and close sequences, subtle accents, and intricate rhythmic patterns—are essential to the overall sound. Micing the hi-hat ensures you capture every detail, allowing for more precise control in the mix.
Additionally, it provides the flexibility to adjust the hi-hat's level independently of the rest of the kit, which can be especially useful in busy mixes. In contrast, genres like rock or metal might rely more heavily on the snare, kick, and toms to create a powerful, driving rhythm, making the hi-hat less prominent in the overall mix. In these cases, relying on the overheads to capture the hi-hat may suffice, as they provide a balanced, natural sound without the need for a dedicated hi-hat mic. By considering the role of the hi-hat in different genres, you can make more informed decisions about when to use a dedicated mic and when to rely on overheads.
3. Positioning: Top, Side, or Bottom?
The position of the mic relative to the hi-hat dramatically affects the captured sound.
Top: Placing the mic above the hi-hat is the most common approach. This position captures the stick attack and the cymbals' sizzle, resulting in a bright and clear sound. However, it might pick up more bleed from the snare and other parts of the kit. To minimize bleed, aim the mic slightly away from the snare or use a hypercardioid pattern mic.
Side: Positioning the mic on the side reduces bleed from the snare and toms while capturing more of the hi-hat's natural tone. This technique can produce a more focused sound with less unwanted noise. Side micing also allows you to experiment with different angles to find the sweet spot that best captures the hi-hat's unique characteristics.
Bottom: Micing from below the hi-hat emphasizes the "chick" sound when the hi-hat closes and captures more low-end frequencies. This position excels at highlighting the mechanical aspects of the hi-hat's operation. However, blending this mic with others might be necessary to achieve a balanced tone. Additionally, you must be cautious of phase issues that can arise from using a bottom mic.
4. Using Two Mics: Is It Worth It?
For ultimate control and flexibility, consider using two mics—one on top and one on the bottom. This approach allows detailed sound sculpting in post-production, blending the bright attack from the top mic with the fuller body from the bottom mic. This technique can be particularly beneficial in complex mixes where the hi-hat needs to cut through without overpowering other elements.
However, using two mics can complicate the setup and introduce phase issues. To mitigate these problems, ensure proper mic placement and phase alignment. Experiment with different distances and angles until you achieve a coherent and natural sound. While this method requires more effort, the resulting sound quality and control can be well worth the investment.
5. Legacy Hi-Hat Mics vs. Modern Choices
Choosing the right microphone significantly influences the captured sound. Legacy mics like the Shure SM81 and AKG C451 have been industry standards for decades, known for their reliable performance and clear, crisp sound. These mics offer a proven track record and durability, making them a solid choice for both studio and live settings.
The KM184 has been a stalwart in hi-hat recordings.
Modern mics, such as the Neumann KM184 or the Audio-Technica AT4053b, leverage advanced technology to provide better frequency response and noise handling. These mics often offer improved transient response and lower self-noise, capturing the subtle nuances of a hi-hat with greater accuracy. When choosing between legacy and modern mics, consider your specific needs and preferences, as well as the characteristics of the hi-hat and the overall mix.
Legacy Mics: These mics have a long history of delivering reliable, high-quality performance. Their robust construction and consistent sound make them a favorite among many engineers.
Modern Mics: With advancements in technology, modern mics often offer enhanced features, such as improved sensitivity and lower noise floors. These improvements can be crucial for capturing the delicate details of a hi-hat, making modern mics a worthy investment for those seeking the best possible sound.
6. The Impact of Cymbal Size on Sound
The size of the hi-hat cymbals plays a crucial role in the overall sound. Smaller cymbals (12" to 14") produce a brighter, sharper sound with a quick decay, making them ideal for fast-paced genres like jazz and pop. Their quick response and cutting clarity ensure they stand out in intricate rhythms and faster tempos.
Larger cymbals (15" to 16") offer a fuller, darker tone with a longer sustain, suitable for rock and heavier music styles. These cymbals provide a broader frequency range and more substantial presence, making them well-suited for powerful, driving beats. Understanding how cymbal size affects the sound helps you choose the right mic and position to capture the desired characteristics.
When micing larger cymbals, you might benefit more from bottom micing to capture their full-bodied sound. Conversely, smaller cymbals might be better served by top micing to enhance their sharp attack. Experiment with different mic positions and techniques to find the best combination for your specific hi-hat setup and musical style.
7. Open Hi-Hat vs. Closed Hi-Hat: Considerations for Micing
Open and closed hi-hats produce distinctly different sounds, which should influence your micing approach.
Closed Hi-Hat: When the hi-hat is closed, it produces a tight, crisp "chick" sound. This sound is crucial for keeping time in many musical genres. When micing a closed hi-hat, you want to capture the precise, staccato quality of the cymbals. Positioning the mic from the top or side can effectively capture the stick attack and crispness. A hypercardioid mic pattern can help minimize bleed from other drums.
Open Hi-Hat: An open hi-hat creates a washy, sustained sound that adds a shimmering texture to the mix. This sound can dominate and potentially overwhelm other elements if not miced carefully. Micing from the bottom can capture the fuller, more resonant qualities of an open hi-hat. However, you might need to experiment with mic distance and angle to balance the washiness with clarity.
Considering these differences, tailor your micing technique to suit the desired sound in your mix. Closed hi-hats might benefit from more focused, close-mic techniques, while open hi-hats might require a more nuanced approach to capture their full tonal range without excessive bleed.
8. Recording Hi-Hat: Live Drummer vs. Programming or Drum Replacement
The decision to record a hi-hat with a live drummer versus programming it or using drum replacement software involves several considerations. A live drummer brings a level of rhythmic control and feel that is often irreplaceable. The subtle variations in timing, dynamics, and articulation provided by a live performance add a human touch that can be crucial for the music’s feel and groove.
Programming a hi-hat or using drum replacement can be incredibly tedious, especially given that the hi-hat is played frequently throughout a song. Manually replacing or programming each hit to match the desired nuance can consume a significant amount of time and may still lack the natural feel of a live drummer. Additionally, a live hi-hat performance often interacts dynamically with the rest of the drum kit, creating a cohesive and organic sound that is challenging to replicate with software.
While programming might suffice for certain electronic music genres or highly quantized tracks, most genres benefit significantly from the human element a live drummer brings. Capturing a live hi-hat performance ensures you retain the natural flow and expressive nuances that make the music come alive.
Conclusion
Micing a hi-hat involves a blend of art and science, with multiple factors influencing the final sound. Whether you choose to mic the hi-hat or rely on overheads, experiment with mic positions, or explore different microphones, understanding the nuances of each approach will help you achieve the desired clarity and character in your recordings. With these insights, you'll be well-equipped to make informed decisions and capture the best possible hi-hat sound for your mixes.
