Tame Impala's distinctive snare sound is achieved using an unconventional microphone setup, featuring a Sennheiser MD421 on the top and a Shure SM58 on the side of the snare. This unique placement enhances the snare's presence and character, providing a vintage feel by capturing more of the shell's resonance.
Instead of the typical top and bottom mic configuration, the side mic approach allows for more sustain and a looser snare strainer setting, adding to the snare's sizzle. This technique is complemented by a mono overhead mic, strategically placed over the floor tom to balance the capture of the hi-hat and rack tom sounds.
Kevin Parker's approach demonstrates that achieving a professional drum sound doesn't require a high-end studio. With creativity and strategic mic placement, you can replicate this sound even in a modest setting, using just four microphones.