Overheads: X/Y vs. A/B
Both techniques have advantages and disadvantages. A/B exhibits a wide stereo image over the drum kit and X/Y is very phase accurate. On the other hand, A/B introduces phasing issues due to the time arrival difference and you can’t apply the 3:1 rule over the entire drum kit.
What can you do to get the best out of both worlds? I assume you are familiar with the 3:1 rule. The problem zone on a drum kit is the centre signal, mainly the snare. The trick is to keep the snare in phase by making use of the time arrival difference. Measure the distance for the snare skin to each mic. You could even use a microphone lead for that. And don’t worry if it looks a bit funny to you. Most likely the overhead mic above the ride cymbal is much lower positioned than the one above the hi hat. This will keep your snare phase accurate and for the outer parts of the kit the 3:1 rule kicks in. What you achieve from this is a wide stereo field due to the A/B setup and minimized phasing issues where it matters, at the centre of the drum kit.
And the X/Y technique? People often complain about the lack in stereo width. But X/Y doesn’t just work with a 90 degree setup. Try widening the angle to get more side signal and lower the mic position a bit. This will give you a much wider stereo image with no phasing issues on the overheads whatsoever. The X/Y technique works well for angles from 60-135 degrees.
At the end of the day you must use what works best for what you want to achieve. Have a bit of a think before you start recording and know what sort of sound you are going for.
