How To Record African Drums

HOW TO RECORD TRADITIONAL AFRICAN ANCESTRAL DRUMS

Welcome to Milestone Mic Methods, a tutorial series brought to you by Music in Africa Live.

0:00 Introduction

0:36 Describing African drums

1:26 What type of microphone to use in a live show — for example, the Electrovoice RE20

2:12 What type of microphone to use in a recording studio — Audio-Technica AT4050ST

2:45 Recording a bass drum using two AKG D112 mics

3:35 Recording a group of drummers together

4:14 Conclusion

Presenter — Thabo Mobo
Featured musician — Kim Masala
Featured musician — Nceba Gongxeka
Featured musician — Xolani Gongxeka
Content creation — Murray Anderson
Sound engineer — Jethro Harris
Audio post engineer — Tanner Michell
Recording — Milestone Studios, Cape Town
Project management — Claire Anderson
HR support — Swannita Denya
Videographer — Max Bosanquet
Lighting and second camera — Matt Samson
Post production — Cape Photography

This series is being made to help musicians and engineers who have to learn new skills in the time of Covid-19 and beyond. Please take care when working with groups of people.