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Here's the setup. Snare: shell mic-ed SM-57. One overhead TapeOp DIY omni (I would usually use two, but one of my cables went dead, and I didn't feel like fixing it.) The bass drum is either a SM-58 or a 12-inch speaker. I've not done anything (i.e. effects) to the tracks except to fool with the levels of the bass drum so that it was hitting the same db on both the SM-58 and Speaker/Mic tracks. Usually I would compress the shit out of the snare mic and the bass mic, and eq the snare mic all over the place, but I wanted it to be as natural as possible. I used the +L1 UltMax compressor for the final mix down.
I think you can hear the difference easily; its your call as to which sounds better. The SM-58 obviously has more attack, and there is some (good) snare bleed in that track. But the overall fullness and roundness the speaker/mic has makes me happy. I've not fooled with the placement of other mics to see if I could gain some of the attack back, but this absence of dicking around with mic placement and still getting a good sound is part of the reason I like the speaker/mic.
I've posted the drum tracks alone (58_1 & speaker_1) and I've posted the same drum tracks with other instrument overdubs (58_2 & speaker_2). This should give you a full idea of the differences.
Also, I don't think you'll notice much difference between the SM58 and the speaker as mic on crappy computer speakers. In fact, when I tried this at home, the SM58 sounded better! Those little speakers just don't pump out the low frequencies that bigger speakers do. So if you can, listen to this on your home stereo, some nice speakers, or at least some good headphones.
Thanks!
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