Best way to get optimum sound from hand percussion, through PA

[pascoebdhrn]

I recently played a gig where the Bongo/Djembe rig I was using was top Miced, as opposed to getting the pick up off the sound hole output, can anyone give me some feedback as to which is the preferred method as this was the first time i'd played under this set up, I usually play straight accoustic.

[Caljam]

There are various brands of clamp mics for congas but usually for a standing Bongo and or Djembe the top mics are best I feel and get the best sound you'll need. I was taught that when using a PA and sitting down to play use the best mic you can as to not set it too close to the head so it does not bump or interfere with your playing.

[zaragemca]

Greeting, I would like to point out that the setting of the miking would depends on the type of Djembe since the clamp used for mics would not fix all types of Djembes in the market,so sometime the regular miking with the boom set-up would have to take place.Taking the sound from the bottom of the instrument would get a more deep,warm, features of the response,taking it from the overhead the high pitch and more attack.Gerry Zaragemca

[iplaydjembe]

I always just use a boom stand and mike the head of my 18" djembe. I find that a mic stand doesnt really get in the way, but I do have to keep an eye on it, because I might run into it. I try to keep the head about 1"-2" away from the mic.