Clamps and goosenecks for positioning mics

In Cheap, but surprisingly good, microphones I mentioned a clamp and gooseneck for positioning the mics. Here are some illustrations of those useful (and inexpensive) tools. This may be especially useful information to those of you who play with brushes because a well positioned mic can often greatly enhance your performance.

In the photos I have provided a few different viewing angles, but have labeled the three main components consistently in each shot. They are:

1. Nady DM70 Drum and Instrument Microphone
2. Microphone gooseneck
3. Microphone extension clamp

Photo 1 - view from the drum throne

That is probably not the position you would want for component 1, the DM 70 mic, which should be a little higher and aimed around 30 degrees to the center of the snare drum. However, this show clearly shows the leeway the gooseneck, 2, gives you for positioning the mic. Also note that the extension clamp, 3, is attached to a heavy-duty Pearl hi-hat stand. The tube on that stand is probably as thick as any you will encounter on hi-hat, cymbal or even snare drum stands, so the clamp is up to the task.

Photo 2 - view from the right front facing the drummer

A different angle of the mic, gooseneck and the extension clamp to show just how far the extension clamp extends out and how long the gooseneck is. There is plenty of leeway for positioning that mic just about anywhere over the snare drum, or even over the hi-hats. Also, note that there is actually room on the hi-hat stand tube to accommodate an additional clamp and gooseneck combination. This would allow you to individually mic either the hi-hat and snare drum, or the snare drum and hi-hat combined, with the other mic for the rack tom.

Photo 3 - A closer view that shows more of the extension clamp

I hope this clarifies what I took to be self-explanatory comments in Cheap, but surprisingly good, microphones. Enjoy.