Maybe you could get/beg/borrow an AR84 to try if you are only using 7~8 channels?
That would give you an extra -20 db pad.
I notice on the Earthworks demo video The DM20 is or looks quite a way from the snare pointing in towards the centre.
I also notice from your pic the snare channel which I’m guessing is channel 2 ? is really high on your QU which will drive the reverb high as well?
Guys guys, thanks for all the replies. This has so far been an issue with a single mixer (qu16) that won’t go below -5db.
If indeed we do a show with that particular mixer, then I’d just take the zed12fx with me and solve the problem. I’m guessing most of the analogue mixers would recieve this signal even with 15db of attenuation only, and probably most of the digital ones as well. Worst case scenario; if -25db is too hot, bring in my audix i5.
(no, playing softer is simply not an option - Those heavy Rude cymbals cannot be played softly so the snare needs to project as well).
Anyways, here is a short sample from today’s rehearsal, I quite like how it turned out to be so far:
PS
That pic of channel 2 is indeed snare level, but the highest I could take in my iems for my mix, while both pafls being nicely in the green.
Just learning how to play drums. Tell me, will there be a difference in sound if you use different small drums when using condenser microphones? I plan to choose one of these models, but I haven’t made a final decision yet.
I wouldn’t worry about that. Just get a standard size drums that will give you average volume. Your primary concern is to practice as much as you can; especially when you don’t want to 
The real problem here is exactly as the title says; too much gain. …Or more specifically, poor mic choice for a loud source.
Because the mic is a condenser, it has very fast transient response. This means that the initial attack of the top drum head is preserved as a very fast high spike in the signal. (Dynamic mics tend to naturally compress this.) Secondly, the mic has a high sensitivity rating (3mV/Pa) which means the output signal is already much hotter than most dynamic mics. Thirdly, you have placed it on one of the loudest instruments in the world which is being played heavily at times. I know the mic is aimed at drums, but a tightly tuned (poppy) snare being played extremely hard is delivering too much dynamic range for the mixer to deal with.
Result: The initial transient peak is so high that it is overdriving the analog preamp in the mixer, causing brief distortion with each hard hit. Adding reverb only serves to make the distortion more audible.
The only quick fixes I can think of would be as follows:
- Use a heavier in-line pad, but then the light hits will not be loud enough.
- Use an outboard compressor prior to the mixer to control transient peaks, but then you won’t have phantom power to the mic.
- Use a lower sensitivity dynamic mic.
- Don’t hit the snare so hard. Avoid rim shot.
- Detune the top head to reduce its volume, but then it won’t sound as cool.
@Gordon
+10E99
And do not add reverb to the channel input with that mike.
But the drummer does not want to do that.
He wants to play even more louder and not have the problems using some magic fix.
And he wants to use that new mike even though apparently the old mike did not have the problems he complains about.
DR is what it is and you cannot get more of it no matter how hard you cross your fingers and wish.
Guys, everything is ok. After I’ve done some more research I learned that most drummers using these mics are running them thru preamps as well, which is, sort of, what I have done so far with my other mixer. Only 15db of attenuation with the pad; I really like what’s coming out in the mix. AND indeed the dm20 sounds better than i5 or sm57. All is well