Hi Rick
I've gone from 12 years of Analog to the last year or so moving to Digital. I guess the thing that's hit me is keeping levels down in 24 bit (you have s**t loads of headroom - a VU or Dorroughs Loudness meter is really useful) and choosing Mics that sound good. 87s to 2" were OK because 2" took off the edges - Digital just seems to capture what's fed in( - OK INSERT CRITIQUES AND FLAMES HERE !!!
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Some fine folks here may be able to suggest some ideas and alternatives. I, for one, like the Sennheiser 604s through cheap Focusrite (Octopre with compressors on) and it does the job for rock drums. I'm sure I'll get flamed as much as agreed with, but I don't care...... the bands are digging the overall end result.
I've really been trying to concentrate on Overheads through great pres and compressors as my MAIN sound - then letting the spot mics do their piece where necessary.
I think you may just need to try some stuff and hear it for yourself. It's a really different environment in digital and it does take some work - BUT it can be worth it.
Hope this vague relpy is useful
All the best
Mike