A high-quality audio interface is vital for any studio setup, especially for drum recording. Without it, you can’t achieve top-notch audio quality or project efficiency.
The Best Audio Interfaces for Drums
Let’s compare these in more detail.
The Universal Audio’s Apollo x8 Heritage Edition features remarkable AD/DA audio converters and UAS’s signature HEXA core processing, aiding seamless plug-ins. These specs rank among the best in audio interfaces.
Let me clarify what these interface features mean for you.
With its high-end converters, the Apollo x8 Heritage Edition produces fantastic, open sounds within a dynamic range of 129db to -118db. This lets you achieve a very low signal-to-noise ratio. Naturally, this means unparalleled sound production quality.
Additionally, UA’s Apollo x8 Heritage Edition audio interface boasts exceptional Unison technology preamps. It also includes Dual Crystal clocking and a Realtime Analog Classics Plug-in Bundle. These plug-ins provide highly accurate simulations of analog audio equipment.
With an Apollo x8 Heritage Edition, you get exceptional sonic detail, power, and texture for recording drums. The plug-ins boost your audio depth and character!
First on my list is the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20, arguably the best audio interface for drum production. This device provides the perfect blend of high-quality sound and affordability. The Scarlett series offers top-tier products at significantly lower prices.
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 features 8 inputs (6 on the back, 2 in front), 10¼ output channels, MIDI in/out, 8 input volume knobs, and an LED input display.
However, that is not all.
If you use digital connections like S/PDIF and ADAT, you can record up to 18 channels at once! Plus, you get some great audio software with the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20.
The most distinctive feature of this audio interface is its preamps. Focusrite is famous for its high-end preamps, but the Scarlett 18i20 might be the best yet!
This is especially impressive considering the cost. The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 makes an excellent pick for drum audio interfaces.
To top off the list, there’s another top choice from Behringer, the U-PHORIA UMC404HD audio interface. This model is known for its efficiency and high-quality performance.
The U-PHORIA UMC404HD offers 8 channels, functioning as both an A/D and D/A interface. With this audio interface, you can handle all your digital recordings easily. This versatility is one reason the U-PHORIA UMC404HD made my list.
Additionally, the U-PHORIA UMC404HD provides phantom power to each microphone input, making it perfect for recording with condenser mics. This interface guarantees powerful, clear sounds with minimal latency.
Now that you know the best audio interfaces for drums, let’s see how to use them. Keep reading to learn more.
The Behringer U-Phoria UMC1820 stands out as an excellent audio interface for drums. It offers a great blend of affordability and quality. If you’re on a budget, this is a fantastic choice.
The Behringer U-Phoria UMC1820 offers 8 high-quality MIDAS microphone preamps, delivering excellent sound. Additionally, its 24-bit audio converters operate at 192 kHz, all at an impressive price point.
There’s also the perk that both beginners and pros can easily handle the UMC 1820.
Additionally, the 8-option XLR inputs on the Behringer U-Phoria UMC1820 let you record your entire drum mic set, including overhead mics, in one take! Its zero-latency feature further enhances the recording experience, making the Behringer U-Phoria UMC1820 a must-have in audio productions involving drums.
Indeed, you get to enjoy German audio engineering at its peak!
The Tascam US-16×08 stands out for its noiseless operations, delivering clean audio signals at 56dB gain. It also boasts high-quality preamps and 8 input options. Two of these inputs are switchable, enabling direct connections with other instruments.
Moreover, the Tascam US-16×08 boasts eight output ports, connecting to both monitors and external speakers. Additionally, two of these ports have level controls, giving you some control over your audio outputs.
I should also mention that the Tascam US-16×08 audio interface for drums operates at a lower latency level. This is because the interface has a built-in onboard DSP that supports minimal latency, whether you’re recording or mixing.
Other perks of the Tascam US-16×08 include its four-band equalizers, which let you achieve various audio qualities. You can easily switch between its interface mode and preamp mode. This versatility makes the Tascam US-16×08 a popular choice for drumming audio interfaces.
The Tascam US-16×08 offers drivers for both Mac and Windows OS, so you can choose what works best for you. It also includes a pair of MIDI input and output ports.
How To Use a Drum Recording Interface
Using an audio interface for drums is simple. You’ll need a good computer, XLR cables, and enough mics to match your audio interface. Of course, a drum set is essential.
After placing your mics on and around your drums, connect them to your audio interface. Use a USB cable to link the interface to your computer. While some interfaces use thunderbolt connections, usually, USB is available.
First, install a Digital Audition Workstation (DAW) on your laptop if you don’t have one. This software lets you handle all your audio tasks like recording, editing, and mixing. Some popular DAW options are Logic, Cubase, Pro Tools, and Ableton Live.
These tools make it easy to skip the expense of a recording studio!
Let’s dive into the best techniques for miking your drums to achieve high-quality recordings and excellent audio production.
Essential Tips on Drum Mics Placement
Properly placing your drum mics is crucial to the quality of audio you get during recording. Here are some essential tips for miking a drum set:
The simplest way to mic a drum set is to place one mic on the kick drum, another on the snare, and two mics overhead.
Kick Drum Mic Placement
Where you place your kick drum microphone affects your results. Placing the mic inside the drum gets you a highly focused drumbeat. However, placing it in front captures more of the entire drum’s sound.
Placing the mic 12 to 18 inches in front of the kick drum helps capture more of the entire drum kit’s sounds.
Snare Drum Mic Placement
Place the mic’s capsule just above the drum’s rim and aim it at the drumhead’s center for the best results.
Overhead Mic Placement
You might need to experiment to find out what works best. Here are a couple of options to try:
- Spaced Pair: In this case, one mic sits overhead on the left side of the drum kit while the other mic sits opposite it on the right side. However, both mics maintain equal height from the floor and equal distance from the kick drum’s center.
- XY Setup: Here, the two overhead mics are directly above the kick drum’s center. But, one points to the drum kit’s left while the other points to its right.
- Glyn Johns Method: In this case, one overhead mic sits about 3 feet above the snare drum. Then, the other overhead mic angles to the right side of the floor tom and 3 feet from the snare. However, the mic on the ‘tom’ side should be slightly higher than the floor tom but pointing at the snare drum.
Wrap Up
The audio interface you pick for drum recording is crucial for top-quality results. I’ve recommended the best audio interfaces for drum enthusiasts. Choose any from my list, confident you’re getting a state-of-the-art device.
The right audio interface, combined with my tips on mic placement and setup, might be what you need to elevate your audio production.
Let me know which audio interface you choose and how it performs with your drums!