It’s likely that you’re unsure of what you’ll need if you’re a drummer who wants to start recording themselves performing. It’s not just you. Many drummers desire to have the skills necessary to record their own band, produce YouTube videos, and even bring microphones to live performances for recording drums. Although you may buy drum mics separately, purchasing a drum mic kit offers a straightforward option with a bundled financial benefit. Drum kit quality and size varies.
What kind of microphone is ideal for drums? The adage goes, “The one you have in your hand.” However, as you are undoubtedly already aware, drum sets generate a highly diverse range of frequencies, from very low to very high. The price of the studio classic mic you’ve been eyeing up is suddenly tripled when you consider that your kit is made up of individual drums, each of which often need its own individual mic. The best drum mic kits can help with that.
Even while these kits aren’t often designed with a tight budget in mind, you can frequently save money by purchasing a set of mics to cover your entire equipment. Additionally, these kits will spare you the trouble of having to choose microphones for every component of your gear. Check out our top 10 picks for the best drum mic setups below, whether you’re searching for them for live performance or recording. In this article, we’ve also provided some purchasing guidance. Just click the icon up there.
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Sennheiser E604 Dynamic Cardioid for Snare and Toms
- Three microphones included in this package.
- High sound level handling
- Transparent and dynamic signal response
The Sennheiser E604 is a dynamic microphone that’s best for recording snare drums, toms, and wind instruments. It comes with strapping pliers so you may position it as near to your drum as possible for the best results. With a frequency response of 40 Hz to 18 kHz, you’ll get highly precise touches, and you won’t have to worry about distortion because this mic can endure high sound pressure levels!
The E604 is a dependable piece of equipment that eliminates high feedback rejection. It’s simple to use and set up, and it’ll record even the tiniest sounds you create, resulting in clear, crisp sound from your subsequent drumming session. This is a fairly portable equipment, thus not snagging this little drum mic has no benefit. It’s a little rig that produces excellent sound no matter where it’s used. Some customers find the E604 to be so dependable that they purchase two or three more to attach to additional tires in order to catch all of the noises the drums have to offer.
These mics are small and portable, and they have mounting clips. The clips can be used on almost any size drum rim, as well as some other instruments like percussion. These mics are meant to pick up close sounds on loud drums due to their loud sound handling. Although, unlike other tom pickups in this price bracket, the e 604 may be used on a snare or toms, it can have durability difficulties if you’re working with a careless drummer. They aren’t as durable as the Tom Audix D2 line of microphones, for example, which we’ll discuss later.
These mics are almost perfect in terms of design, being practically impenetrable and having a very minimal battery footprint due to their small size. With a 10-year warranty, Sennheiser is confident in the quality of these microphones. With an easy-to-use mic clip, the mic is effortlessly connected to the toms and snare rim, and the mic is never in the way due to its small size. The sound produced by these microphones is crystal clear. They capture a detailed, fluid response with just the appropriate amount of high-end attack and warmth. The Sennheiser e604 dynamic microphone kit produces outstanding results by combining superb tonal response with a robust build. The e604 is a difficult mic to beat and an excellent investment in your drum recording’s future. This is the Best Drum Microphone in 2023.
Shure SM57-LC Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
- EXEPTIONAL VOCAL PERFORMANCE - The SM57-LC delivers high-quality vocal...
- INDUSTRY STANDARD - The first choice for performers around the globe, the...
- CLARITY & CARE - The uniform cardioid polar pattern reproduces every note...
The Shure SM57 has the best pricing of any microphone on the market, and it is also one of the best-selling microphones on the planet. It immediately became a go-to mic for guitars, vocals, drums, trumpets, and other instruments after its initial release in 1965.
Shure manufactures some of the highest-quality microphones on the market today, and they do so in packages that are affordable to the general public. There are kits available that include the drum mic, adapters, wires, mounts, and a windshield; there is a bundle for any scenario. Pricing will vary depending on the accessories you want to add, if any, but it’s still a very reasonable product if you’ve recently spent hundreds of dollars on other hardware.
It’s also a tough mic that will survive for years and be a reliable friend on your drumming escapades. It produces professional sound and can even collect high-quality sounds from surrounding amplifiers and instruments. This large diaphragm condenser is a handy feature if you’re seeking for something to use with your amps. High-volume noises won’t bother this drum mic, and it’ll take any high-pressure sounds you throw at it with grace. This microphone has been used as a drum microphone as well as for speeches for decades with great success as a bass drum microphone.
The DMK57 is the only kit on this list that is more vital than the others. No other microphone kit compares to the variety, flexibility, and durability of these. He’ll be putting these on for the remainder of his career. In my opinion, having at least three SM57s is nearly a need! Yes, you only receive four mics and will need to purchase a pair of drum headphones separately, but those four microphones sound incredible, and no one can refute the SM57’s value. Snares, toms, guitar cabinets, and even hi hat microphone benefit from it.
Shure deserves praise for making a wide selection of microphones available to the general population. Anyone looking for a budget accessory set to start their new recording experiences will find the SM57 to be the perfect investment. Each of Shure’s current packages includes all of the hardware you’ll need to get started recording drum sounds from the ground up.
Audix DP7 7-Piece Drum Mic Package
- KICK DRUM MICROPHONE: The D6 is an excellent choice for kick drums,...
- SNARE MICROPHONE: Ideal for snares, the i5 has a cardioid polar pattern, a...
- TOM MICROPHONE: For dynamic sound from drum toms and congas, the D2 can...
The Audix DP7 is a kick drum microphone based on the iconic Audix D6. That doesn’t mean they skimped on the rest of the mics, though, as this package also includes some of Audix’s most popular mics, such as the i5 Snare. Other pickups include two ADX51 rooftop pickups and a set of D2 and D4 Tom pickups, all of which are housed in a sturdy metal shell.
This set includes 7 professional microphones, all mounting clips, and a robust aluminum carrying box for recording a full drum kit. This award-winning set of microphones was created by Audix to work together to record all of the drums in the most natural and efficient way possible. All of the mics in this set are industry standard microphones that are used by drummers and sound engineers all around the world in studios and on stages. The kit comprises a D6 kick drum mic, an i5 snare mic, 2 X D2 rack tom mics, a D4 floor tom mic, and 2 ADX51 condenser mics for overheads.
These drum mics produce a clear, strong sound that can withstand high sound pressure levels without causing distortion. The microphones have a very low bulk and are extremely sturdy and durable. This is the greatest drum mic set on the market right now. For those new to the industry, the DP7 is an excellent initial purchase because it avoids the hassle of trying to fix bad-sounding raw songs. When you combine it with a good audio interface, you’ll have a good head start on your recording projects. This is the Best Drum Microphones in 2023.
Avantone Pro CDMK-8 Drum Microphone Kit
- 2 Overhead Mics; 4 Drum Rim Mic Mounts
- 8-mic Drum Mic Bundle with Kick
- 8 Metal Shockmounts
These Avantone Pro microphones are readily recognizable because to their red and black color scheme. You assume they have commanding performance because they have such a compelling presence. They may not be as well-known as some of the other brands on this list, but they certainly deserve to be.
Avantone has released an 8-mic bundle of their second-generation drum mics that is both high in quality and low in price. The Avantone CDMK-8 set’s mics have undergone considerable research and development, resulting in tried-and-true designs that give a powerful, punchy portrayal of any drum kit, whether onstage or in the studio.
The SDMK series drum microphones have a pair of machined insets on the microphone body that allow the accompanying SSM shockmounts to hold the mics in place without slipping or sliding. Drummers are captivated by the sound of these mics. Their Cabernet-red finishes with polished nickel trim are extremely sleek and classy. The Avantone CDMK-8 kit is a clever and practical solution for your drum miking needs.
One of the few microphone kits featuring an extra condenser for your hi-hats on the market. The kit includes three condensers and five dynamic mics for the snare, toms, and bass drum. The overhead mics are cardioid condensers, while the hi-hat mic is a hyper-cardioid condenser for that crisp hi-hat chick sound.
These mics have a very long lifespan. Because all of the parts, including the mounts, are made of metal, they’re highly durable. As a result, they’re unlikely to be harmed anytime soon. They are covered by a very durable and solid case, in addition to the heavy-duty quality.
These mics really bring out the drums in terms of sound, regardless of the style you’re striving for. They’re fantastic mics for your drum kit. They’re a little heavier than usual because they’re mostly metal, which could be troublesome when traveling.
AKG Drum Set Session 1 Microphone Set
- 7-pc Session Drum Microphone Kit with P2 Bass Drum Mic
- 4 P4 Snare/Tom Mics
- 2 P17 Overhead Mics
With its D12 and D112 bass drum mics, AKG basically invented the genre, and you can’t talk about drum mics without mentioning them. The Drum Set Premium comprises AKG’s newest D12, the D12 VR, as well as four D40 dynamic snare/tom mics, two C214 large diaphragm condensers, and a C451 B condenser for a specialty hi-hat mic.
Although the D12 VR is dynamic, its voice-switching circuit is active, requiring the use of phantom power. If you don’t have a microphone, it will revert to its default setting. The C214s are a stripped-down version of the C414, which includes hundreds of overhead drum sounds but lacks the larger brother’s polar patterns.
Although AKG sells more affordable drum mic kits, the Drum Set Premium is a no-brainer for live and studio use because it includes so many industry standards in one package.
Shure BETA 52A Dynamic Kick Drum Michrophone with Supercardioid
- Frequency response shaped specifically for kick drums and bass instruments
- Built-in dynamic locking stand adapter with integral XLR connector...
- Studio quality performance, even a high sound pressure levels
What’s the lowest you’re willing to go? With the Beta 52A, it’s incredibly low. This microphone was designed to capture a wide range of bass sounds, from kick drums to bass guitars. The Beta 52A will make your bass BOOM instead of getting lost in a low-end swamp. The frequency response of the mic is 20Hz to 10kHz, and it’s built to withstand the everyday bombardment of roadwork. It boasts a supercardioid waveform that increases isolation and can withstand up to 174dB SPL. On stage or in the studio, the Beta 52A is great for producing massive bass sounds.
Audix D6B Professional Dynamic Instrument Microphone
- ULTIMATE KICK DRUM MICROPHONE: The Audix D6 is the ultimate choice for...
- CARDIOID PICKUP PATTERN: The D6 microphone features a cardioid pickup...
- SWIFT RESPONSE: Equipped with a VLM diaphragm, the D6 responds swiftly to...
The Audix D6 dynamic microphone kit is a need. With its visually appealing black style, you’ll look like a seasoned drummer right away. Place this 4-piece drum mic kit close to your kick drum or floor toms to get the most out of it. Also, it comfortably manages loud sound levels without any of the typical distortions associated with inferior equipment. Audix is known for thoroughly testing its products before they are released into the market, and the D6 is no exception.
You can count on high-quality sound recordings that play back without any static. It will still pick up the noises even if you can’t put it right next to the floor toms for some reason and have to put it a little farther away. The D6 is an exceptional microphone since it raises the level of your recording sessions. The greatest drum mic kit is the Audix D6 dynamic drum microphone, which greatly enhances your recording sessions. It allows for flexibility in the location of the device during recording, which is quite advantageous. One of the top kick drum microphones on the market is this one.
AKG D112 MkII Professional Bass Drum Microphone
- Integrated flexible mount makes it even more versatile
- Bass resonance volume chamberfor unique, punchy sound
- Large diaphragm dynamic microphone delivers accurate low frequencies
One of the top sound producers on the market, AKG, offers the D112 as yet another superb alternative. In terms of price-performance ratio and industry application, the D112 is one of the top drum mic kits. Due to its oval-shaped grille, it is frequently referred to as “the egg” by professionals in the field. The D112 can easily withstand wind pressure thanks to its distinctive shape. The dynamic microphone has a big diaphragm and a 20 Hz to 17 kHz frequency response range. Also, due to its shape, it is ideal for maximizing the performance of your bass drums. A little cutout is typically present at the front edge of the bass drum’s heads.
You can modify or fix the interior felt of the recording drums using this hole. The felt reduces an unwelcome tone by acting as a sound regulator. The sounds and air pressure that come from these openings are clearly captured when a microphone like the D112 is positioned next to them. The air pressure gives the drums’ overall sound a lovely bottom undertone. Although not all bass drums have a cut-out, the AKG D112 and the existence of one can significantly improve your recorded session. You may put the D112’s adjustable mount in the ideal location to accurately capture the precise sound tones you require. Finally, bass amplifiers can be used with this equipment. The D112 is a dependable microphone, just like the majority of AKG drum mic sets. It costs a little bit more than the majority of alternatives in its segment, but it easily manages the demands of studio and live recording. AKG’s D112 kick set is excellent.