With a large number of microphones needed in a small space, the monumental task of capturing the clear, pristine sound of each drum, cymbal and chime is left in the capable hands of veteran FOH Engineer Keith “Meaux” Windhorst.
To overcome the amplification challenges associated with such a massive drum kit, Meaux relies on a selection of mics from DPA Microphones.
Although Meaux has spent over 35 years in the business, his decision to switch to DPA is a relatively new one.
“We finished touring in August of last year and during our break, Gabriel Antonini from DPA approached Steve about the possibility of using DPA mics,” said Meaux.
“I knew of DPA’s reputation from industry friends, but I was fine with the drum sound we already had so I hadn’t thought about changing microphones on Steve’s drum kit. Gabriel sent me a box of mics, which I agreed to try out when we had time. One afternoon we pulled the mics off the kit and replaced them with the DPA mics. Steve played and I recorded and when we listened back, they sounded really good. I thought they were a step up and the rest is history.”
For Smith’s kit, Meaux utilizes 6 DPA Microphones d:vote 4099 Instrument Microphones for all of the toms and d:dicate 2011 Twin Diaphragm Cardioid Microphones on all three snare drums and on the bottom of the base snare.