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[Sam Carlen]

Hi everyone. I'm new on this and just wondering as how to do this. I have a XLR Cable with the Female end off (just happened to be like that cause it fell off) two different 6.5" speakers, one from a guitar amp and one from a home theater system that my dad used to have. The one in the home theater system has a much larger magnet but I'm not sure if that should help. And so I would need (or prefer to have) a drum shell of some kind and something to mount it. Here are my actual questions:
1. Which speaker should be better to use? Or just go with larger cone size?
2. How to mount it in a drum shell?
3. And how would I mount the drum shell onto some kind of stand?

[John Roberts {JR}]

I've seen threads about doing this before on other forums.

I would start by wiring up your mic cable to each speaker (across XLR pins 2 and 3), one at a time. Then listen to the result when plugged into a preamp. See which one picks up bass frequencies better. 

The housing for the speaker seems to me like a cosmetic affectation, I would expect a stronger pickup with the speaker free standing or open back. Making it look like a little drum, probably has little affect on the sound. 

Don't touch the drum head, just place it like a normal microphone pointed at the drumhead.

If it sounds good it is good... if not,,, whatever.

JR

[Fletcher]

Pretty much what John said... my experience with using speakers in this manner is that its often a bitch to get the mounting right.  Best mounting system I've seen was actually built from a kids' "Erector Set" [do they still make those?] as it was lightweight - sturdy - and was able to move the speaker about 2-3 inches forward of the vertical supports.

Peace

[Sam Carlen]

I've seen threads about doing this before on other forums.

I would start by wiring up your mic cable to each speaker (across XLR pins 2 and 3), one at a time. Then listen to the result when plugged into a preamp. See which one picks up bass frequencies better. 

The housing for the speaker seems to me like a cosmetic affectation, I would expect a stronger pickup with the speaker free standing or open back. Making it look like a little drum, probably has little affect on the sound. 

Don't touch the drum head, just place it like a normal microphone pointed at the drumhead.

If it sounds good it is good... if not,,, whatever.

JR

Thank you John. Well I got the home theater speaker wired up and it definitely picks up a lot more bass. I could tell by just tapping on the cone. VERY high output by the way. My friend whose a drummer has an old 10 inch tom shell he doesn't use and said he'll give me it too! So only to figure out how to put it in it.  
 P.S. This would be kind of cosmetic, I want to try and use it live sometime as well as studio. And don't want it to fall and break or anything. That wouldn't be too good.

[Sam Carlen]

Pretty much what John said... my experience with using speakers in this manner is that its often a bitch to get the mounting right.  Best mounting system I've seen was actually built from a kids' "Erector Set" [do they still make those?] as it was lightweight - sturdy - and was able to move the speaker about 2-3 inches forward of the vertical supports.

Peace

Thanks Fletcher. That is the only thing though, mounting... But wow, I might just have to try that! I've seen on the Yamaha Subkick they used what looked like the very bottom of a snare stand and converted in to fit inside the mount for a tom. But I'll try my best with anything and hopefully it'll work out.

Sam

[Fletcher]

Please let me know how it works... I'm 1/2 thinking of building something for the joint where I'm working these days and am looking for any / all easily done suggestions!!

Peace

[Sam Carlen]

Please let me know how it works... I'm 1/2 thinking of building something for the joint where I'm working these days and am looking for any / all easily done suggestions!!

Peace

Well I tested it out today with a small kit I own in conjuction with a Beta 52, and I have to tell you, it gives such a sick sound to the bass drum! (And entire kit when added) Without any EQ it already punches you in the chest and cuts through the mix a lot better than without I've tried. Just try to notch out 200-400hz, at least for mine it seems it gives a big of "plastic or boxy" sounding tone. Other than that I love it! And I don't even have it mounted yet, just had it rest on an old shoe box and another behind it to keep it upright. Wish I could've compared my subkick to the Yamaha one and see how "well" I did though! 
Sam.

[Fletcher]

Glad to hear its working out for you... I think you will find really positive results once you can mount it properly!!

Peace