Snare microphone placement: small moves, surprisingly large changes

Snare sound changes dramatically with a few centimetres of microphone movement. Pointing further towards the centre usually emphasises attack and weight; aiming nearer the edge captures more ring. Height and angle affect hi-hat spill as much as tone, so the “best” position in solo may not be best in the full kit.

I start with the microphone a few centimetres above the rim, angled towards a point between centre and edge, then listen with the hi-hat and cymbals being played. I would rather accept a slightly less exciting solo snare tone if it gives cleaner, more useful tracks.

What placement has become your dependable starting point, and how do you manage spill without overusing gates?