Miking - How do I mike my Congas

[billybenbob]

I want to take my congas into church to play along with the praise band. I want to run them through the PA system.
How would I set this up? One mike or two? What type of mike? How close?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks

[Johnny Conga]

YO BB...if they have 2 mics, hang them about 6 inches over the top part of the head,the back of the head opposite you. Then take a sound check for balance and volume. See if they can hook you up with a monitor so you can hear yourself play or any other instruments you need to hear also. Hope this helps...At your Service JC JOHNNY CONGA.... :;):

[muddy323]

Im cheap...I use 2-mics for three drums, both are Shure SM-57...1st mic direct in front of the Quinto, a few inchs from the head....2nd mic is between the Conga & Tumba at the front of the drums, about 6-inchs from the heads

[yoni]

I do the same like you, muddy, because I have 3 congas and 2 SM 57s. If the sound man has a 3rd SM 57, all the better.

But I recently had a gig with a great sound man who miked all 3 drums with just one SM 57 high above, and somehow got all the congas sounding loud and clear - don't know how!

[Tonio]

You can capture alot with a SM57, its a legendary mic. The sound man know what he's doing jut turn up the pre amp. Though it may be detrimental it its a busy performance. It should be fine with a minimal setup.

[zaragemca]

Yes the SM57 was developed by Shure Corp., specifically for instruments and the SM58 for singers,but I have seen Band(which could affort it),setting SM 58 even for instruments.



Edited By zaragemca on 1078881807

[Tonio]

Sennheiser e609-black @$99.00 or silver @160.00. Is a good work horse too. A replication of teh oldie but goodie 409.
Or even the e604(@130.00) is probably better, meant for toms and congas.

Maybe even a Ev468, Raul Rekwo/Santana used to us them.

T



Edited By Tonio on 1078961803

[gbraun]

I'll echo the sentiment on SM-57s being a good choice. I position one on each drum (just playing two) pointing toward me, a couple of inches aboves and a couple of inches beyond, the rim.

I angle them down slightly, pointing to the centerish region to better catch slaps (open tones will be less specific).

I also use an ATM-25 pointed down, a few inches below the bottom of the drums, and between them, to catch the fat bass tones, as I need a fair amount of that in the mix for what I'm playing.

An SM-57 used to do the job underneath quite well until I needed a bass drum mic for my alternate setup (kit).

Bottom line - you've got good advice so far, and any of these mics should suffice quite well.

Cheers - Graham.