The drum mic is an essential part of a well-rounded recording setup. It’s crucial to have drum mics in your arsenal since they have the power to transform your sound in an instant. No matter what kind of music you play, recording your drums properly is key to making them sound their best.
Quality drum mics can help you capture the greatest drum sounds possible in a recording studio. Whether you’re aiming for punchy kick drums, crisp snare hits, or detailed cymbal crashes, the right mics will make all the difference in your recordings.
In this article, we will walk you through the various factors you need to keep in mind before making a purchase, the best drum mics on the market in 2024, and some common questions you might have regarding them. We’ll cover everything from mic types and placement to budget considerations and technical specifications. So, let’s dive into our musical journey and discover the best options for capturing the perfect drum sound.
Roundup of the Best Drum Mics
| Overall Best | AUDIX D6 Cardioid Dynamic |
| Best for Bass Drum | AKG Pro Audio D112 MKII Bass Drum |
| Best for Kick Drum | Sennheiser e602 II |
| Best for Snare Drum | Shure SM57 |
| Best for Versatility | AUDIX i5 Dynamic Instrument Microphone |
| Best for Kick and Snare | Shure BETA 91A |
| Best for Toms | Sennheiser Pro Audio E604 |
| Best for Kick Drum (Alternative) | Miktek A- B Box, XLR (HM2) |
| Best for Overhead | Mini K47 Large |
| Best for Studio Recording | Neumann U 87 Ai Set Z |
Things to Consider When Looking for the Best Drum Mics
For your convenience, we have provided essential information to help you choose the best drum mic kits.
1. Build Quality
Choose a drum mic that is durable and can handle some rough handling and still perform admirably for a long time. Given how often you use them, damage may accrue quicker, so go for the strongest microphone you can find. Ensure that the material is durable and long-lasting.
2. Compatibility
The compatibility varies from one drum microphone to the next. Before purchasing, it is essential to ensure that it is compatible with your drum. As a result, you’ll be able to save time and money.
3. Application
The number of drum mics in a pack varies depending on the type of microphone. Therefore, you should base your decision on how you intend to utilize it. For example, if you want more than one person to use the microphone simultaneously, selecting the correct number of microphones is critical. You’ll prevent hassles and save time by not searching for another piece.
That is the total of the matter. The rest is a matter of personal choice and, of course, budgetary limits. So it’s possible to get outstanding high-end models and adequate low-cost alternatives.
Top 10 Mics for Drummers
To assist you in your search, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 greatest drum mics you can buy in 2023.
1. AUDIX D6 Cardioid Dynamic
Overall Best
What Impressed Us
- Excellent sound quality with a natural, accurate reproduction
- Cardioid pickup pattern for effective isolation and feedback control
- Lightweight, compact, and easy to position
- Wide frequency response and high sound pressure handling
- Suitable for various applications including kick drums, large toms, and bass cabinets
- Good for modern genres such as rock, metal, and pop
What Disappointed Us
- May not be suitable for jazz or folk due to its specific sound character
- Mic clip may not grip tightly enough
We chose the AUDIX D6 Cardioid Dynamic as the overall best drum mic due to its exceptional ability to capture the deep, powerful sound of kick drums and floor toms. This mic is a staple in professional recording studios and live performances for its robust and accurate sound reproduction.
The D6 excels in overall use with its tailored frequency response that ranges from 30 Hz to 15 kHz, delivering a clear, punchy sound that captures the essence of your drum kit. The cardioid polar pattern isolates the sound source effectively, minimizing background noise and ensuring a focused capture of your drums.
In addition to its outstanding performance, the D6 is built to last with a durable aluminum body and a compact design, making it easy to position in tight spaces. Its high SPL handling capability ensures it can manage even the loudest of drum hits without distortion.
In conclusion, the AUDIX D6 Cardioid Dynamic is the best choice for anyone seeking a high-quality drum mic that delivers exceptional sound and durability. Its superior performance and reliability make it an invaluable tool for both recording and live performances.
View on Amazon: AUDIX D6 Cardioid Dynamic
2. AKG Pro Audio D112 MKII Bass Drum
Best for Bass Drum
What Impressed Us
- Exceptional high SPL handling capabilities
- Rugged design for durability
- Tailored frequency curve for a balanced sound
- Integrated hum-compensation coil for reduced noise
- Excellent value for its performance
What Disappointed Us
- Some users may find the sound too “pre-EQ’d” for their taste
- May not be the best choice for those seeking a highly customizable sound
The AKG Pro Audio D112 MKII Bass Drum mic is our top pick for bass drums due to its ability to capture the deep, resonant tones that define this part of the drum kit. This mic is well-known among drummers and sound engineers for its excellent low-frequency response and robust construction.
The D112 MKII excels in capturing the powerful thump of bass drums, providing a frequency response tailored specifically for this purpose, from 20 Hz to 17 kHz. Its large diaphragm and cardioid polar pattern ensure that it picks up the essential low-end frequencies while minimizing unwanted background noise.
In addition to its exceptional sound capture, the D112 MKII features a sturdy metal body that can withstand the rigors of both studio and stage use. Its integrated hum-compensation coil helps reduce electrical interference, ensuring clean and clear recordings.
In summary, the AKG Pro Audio D112 MKII Bass Drum mic is the best choice for those seeking to capture the full impact of their bass drum. Its tailored frequency response and durable design make it an ideal tool for achieving a powerful and defined bass drum sound.
View on Amazon: AKG Pro Audio D112 MKII Bass Drum
3. Sennheiser e602 II
Best for Kick Drum
What Impressed Us
- Excellent for capturing low-frequency sounds
- Rugged and lightweight design
- Fast transient response and low-frequency extension
- Ideal for direct use on bass signals
- Includes humbucking coil and integral stand mount
What Disappointed Us
- May not be suitable for high-frequency instruments
- Some users may find the sound quality not as detailed as other microphones
The Sennheiser e602 II stands out as the best for kick drums due to its precise and powerful sound reproduction. We selected this mic for its ability to handle the intense low frequencies of kick drums with ease, making it a favorite among drummers and audio engineers.
The e602 II excels in capturing the punchy, deep sound of kick drums, offering a frequency response of 20 Hz to 16 kHz. Its cardioid polar pattern ensures focused sound capture, reducing background noise and highlighting the essential kick drum frequencies.
In addition to its impressive sound quality, the e602 II features a lightweight and durable design, making it easy to position and robust enough for frequent use. Its integrated shock mount minimizes handling noise, ensuring clear and clean recordings.
In conclusion, the Sennheiser e602 II is the best choice for those looking to capture the powerful sound of their kick drum. Its precise frequency response and durable construction make it an excellent option for both studio and live settings.
View on Amazon: Sennheiser e602 II
4. Shure SM57
Best for Snare Drum
What Impressed Us
- Excellent sound quality with clear and balanced tone
- Durable and rugged construction
- Versatile and suitable for various instruments and applications
- Affordable and available in different packages
- Handles high-pitched sounds comfortably
What Disappointed Us
- May exhibit proximity effect, which can affect the accuracy of recordings
- Some users may find the sound quality not ideal for certain instruments or genres
The Shure SM57 is our top pick for snare drums due to its legendary durability and versatility. This mic has been a staple in recording studios and live performances for decades, known for its ability to capture the crisp and punchy sound of snare drums.
The SM57 excels in delivering clear and detailed snare drum sound, with a frequency response of 40 Hz to 15 kHz. Its cardioid polar pattern effectively isolates the snare drum, minimizing bleed from other drums and instruments.
In addition to its superior sound capture, the SM57 features a rugged construction that can withstand the toughest of recording and performance environments. Its pneumatic shock mount system reduces handling noise, ensuring clean and focused recordings.
In summary, the Shure SM57 is the best choice for capturing the dynamic sound of snare drums. Its combination of durability, versatility, and sound quality makes it a reliable tool for any drummer.
View on Amazon: Shure SM57
5. AUDIX i5 Dynamic Instrument Microphone
Best for Versatility
What Impressed Us
- Rugged construction and compact design for easy positioning.
- Wide frequency response for clear sound.
- Handles high SPLs, making it suitable for loud instruments.
- Versatile for both live and studio use.
- Sensibly priced.
What Disappointed Us
- None mentioned in reviews.
The AUDIX i5 Dynamic Instrument Microphone is our choice for the best versatility due to its ability to handle a wide range of instruments, including drums. This mic is known for its clear and accurate sound reproduction, making it a versatile tool in any recording setup.
The i5 excels in capturing detailed and dynamic drum sounds, offering a frequency response of 50 Hz to 16 kHz. Its cardioid polar pattern ensures focused sound capture, reducing background noise and isolating the sound source effectively.
In addition to its versatility, the i5 features a durable design with a cast zinc alloy body and a dent-resistant grille, making it suitable for both studio and live use. Its high SPL handling capability ensures it can manage loud sound sources without distortion.
In conclusion, the AUDIX i5 Dynamic Instrument Microphone is the best choice for those seeking versatility in their drum mic. Its clear sound reproduction and robust construction make it a valuable addition to any recording setup.
View on Amazon: AUDIX i5 Dynamic Instrument Microphone
6. Shure BETA 57A
Best for Kick and Snare
What Impressed Us
- Excellent for capturing high-quality sound from instruments and vocals
- Durable construction with a steel mesh grille
- High gain before feedback in demanding environments
- Effective at minimizing unwanted noise
- Affordable price point
What Disappointed Us
- May not be the best choice for high-fidelity sound
- Some users have reported issues with the microphone’s durability
We selected the Shure BETA 57A as the best for toms and snare due to its excellent sound reproduction and versatility. This microphone is known for its ability to capture the rich tones of toms and the sharp, clear sound of snares, making it a top choice for drummers.
The BETA 57A excels in providing a tailored frequency response that enhances the natural sound of drums. Its supercardioid pattern ensures excellent isolation, capturing the desired sound while minimizing background noise. The robust build quality ensures durability, even under the demands of live performances and studio sessions.
In addition to its superior sound capture, the BETA 57A features a neodymium magnet for high signal-to-noise ratio output, delivering clear and detailed audio. Its hardened steel mesh grille ensures it can withstand rough handling, making it a reliable choice for both stage and studio.
In conclusion, the Shure BETA 57A is the best choice for capturing the nuanced sounds of toms and snares. Its durability, sound quality, and versatility make it a top pick for drummers and audio engineers alike.
View on Amazon: Shure BETA 57A
7. Sennheiser Pro Audio E604
Best for Toms
What Impressed Us
- Excellent sound quality with a balanced frequency response
- Rugged and durable build
- Compact design for easy positioning
- High sound pressure level handling
- Versatile and can be used for various instruments
What Disappointed Us
- May not be suitable for high-fidelity recording applications
- Some users may find the clip attachment finicky
The Sennheiser Pro Audio E604 is our top pick for toms due to its compact design and excellent sound clarity. This microphone is specially designed to capture the full range of tom sounds, providing clear and powerful audio.
The E604 excels in delivering high SPL handling, making it perfect for the loud and dynamic nature of toms. Its cardioid pickup pattern ensures focused sound capture while rejecting unwanted noise from other drums and instruments. The compact size and integrated clip make it easy to position on toms without getting in the way.
In addition to its impressive sound quality, the E604 features a rugged construction that can withstand the rigors of live performances and repeated use. The lightweight design makes it easy to handle and position, enhancing its usability in various recording and performance settings.
In summary, the Sennheiser Pro Audio E604 is the best choice for capturing the rich and dynamic sounds of toms. Its clarity, durability, and compact design make it an excellent addition to any drummer’s microphone setup.
View on Amazon: Sennheiser Pro Audio E604
8. Miktek A- B Box, XLR (HM2)
Best for Kick Drum (Alternative)
What Impressed Us
- Exceptional sound quality with a smooth, natural tone
- Highly versatile with nine polar patterns
- Durable construction with high-quality components
- Includes multiple accessories for convenience
What Disappointed Us
- May require more precise technical information for some users
- Not the most budget-friendly option
The Miktek A- B Box, XLR (HM2) is our top pick for an alternative kick drum microphone due to its powerful sound capture and robust design. This microphone is designed to handle the intense low frequencies and high SPLs of kick drums, making it a great choice for capturing punchy and detailed kick drum sounds.
The A- B Box excels in delivering a tailored frequency response that enhances the low-end punch and attack of kick drums. Its cardioid pickup pattern ensures focused sound capture, isolating the kick drum from other sounds in the mix. The microphone’s rugged construction ensures it can withstand the high pressure levels and physical demands of kick drum miking.
In addition to its impressive sound quality, the A- B Box features an XLR output for reliable and high-quality signal transmission. The sturdy build and high-quality components ensure long-term durability, making it a reliable choice for both live performances and studio recordings.
In summary, the Miktek A- B Box, XLR (HM2) is the best alternative for kick drum miking. Its powerful sound capture, durable design, and reliable performance make it an excellent choice for drummers and audio engineers.
View on Amazon: Miktek A- B Box, XLR (HM2)
9. Mini K47 Large
Best for Overhead
What Impressed Us
- Excellent sound quality with a balanced frequency response
- Compact and lightweight design for easy placement
- Unique shockmount design for precise positioning and reduced mechanical noise
- Affordable price point
- Versatile for use on multiple instruments and sources
What Disappointed Us
- Not the most budget-friendly option
- Requires phantom power
The Mini K47 Large is our choice for the best overhead microphone due to its ability to capture the full spectrum of drum sounds with clarity and detail. This microphone is designed to provide a balanced and natural representation of the drum kit, making it ideal for overhead use.
The Mini K47 excels in delivering a wide frequency response that captures the nuances of cymbals, toms, and snares with precision. Its large diaphragm ensures detailed sound capture, while the cardioid pattern helps to focus on the drum kit while minimizing background noise. The microphone’s robust construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of both studio and live use.
In addition to its excellent sound quality, the Mini K47 features a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to position above the drum kit. The high SPL handling ensures it can capture even the loudest drum performances without distortion.
In conclusion, the Mini K47 Large is the best choice for overhead miking. Its detailed sound capture, wide frequency response, and durable design make it perfect for providing a full and balanced representation of the drum kit.
View on Amazon: Mini K47 Large
10. Neumann U 87 Ai Set Z
Best for Studio Recording
What Impressed Us
- Exceptional Sound Quality
- Versatility
- Durability
What Disappointed Us
- High Cost
- Limited Budget Options
The Neumann U 87 Ai Set Z stands out as the best microphone for studio recording due to its legendary sound quality and versatility. We selected this microphone for its ability to deliver exceptional audio clarity and detail, making it a staple in professional recording studios.
The U 87 Ai excels in providing a wide frequency response and multiple polar patterns, making it suitable for various recording applications, including vocals and instruments. Its large diaphragm captures every nuance of the sound source, delivering rich and detailed audio. The microphone’s robust build ensures long-term reliability, making it a valuable investment for any studio.
In addition to its superior sound quality, the U 87 Ai features low self-noise and high SPL handling, making it versatile for a wide range of recording environments. The switchable high-pass filter and pad provide additional control over the recording process, ensuring optimal sound capture.
In conclusion, the Neumann U 87 Ai Set Z is the best choice for studio recording. Its exceptional audio clarity, versatility, and professional-grade features make it an essential tool for any serious recording setup.
View on Amazon: Neumann U 87 Ai Set Z
Frequently Asked Questions About Drum Mics
There are several types of drum mics, including dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones. Dynamic mics are durable and can handle high sound pressure levels, making them ideal for kick drums and snares. Condenser mics capture more detail and are often used for overheads and hi-hats. Ribbon mics provide a warm, vintage sound and are used less frequently but can add unique character to recordings.
Dynamic microphones have a relatively small diaphragm and are excellent for capturing high-pitched sounds from cymbal instruments. In most cases, musicians use them with toms and snare drums. They are constructed quite nicely and have an above-average frequency in the middle range.
In addition to its warm and rich sound, a dynamic mic can handle exceptionally high sound pressure levels before they begin to distort. It converts a sound wave into an audio signal by employing a diaphragm, voice coil, and magnet in the same way as a loudspeaker does. Onstage miking is often done using dynamic microphones since they provide the best sound quality.
When you are live-miking your drums, one of the most critical decisions you will need is where to situate your microphones and how many to utilize. As a general rule of thumb, at the very least, you will need a microphone to be put on your kick drum, you need to place a microphone on your snare drum, and a microphone overhead to pick up the remaining kit.
There are drummers and audio engineers that don’t stop there. Install at least one mic specifically for the hi-hat, and if at all possible, you should install two microphones in the overhead positions. In an ideal setting, this equates to a total of five microphones.
Below are the ways you can connect different types of drum mics to drums:
Kick Drum Mic
Connect an XLR cable to your large-diaphragm dynamic microphone. Then, connect the microphone to channel 1 of the audio interface. If the resonant head of your bass drum has a hole in it, position the microphone such that it is halfway within the drum on a towel. Then, place the front of the microphone (the side facing the grill) so that it is pointing in the direction of where the bass drum beater hits the batter’s head.
Snare Drum Mic
You will need to take your dynamic microphone and attach an XLR wire.
Connect the microphone to channel 2 of the audio interface that you are using.
Place the microphone stand so that the microphone enters the snare drum in the space between the hi-hat and the first rack tom.
Place the microphone’s grill a few millimeters from the drum’s edge and roughly two millimeters above the drum’s head. Then point the microphone toward the middle of the drum.
Hi-hat Drum Mic
Start by connecting an XLR wire to your hi-hat mic. Then, connect the microphone to channel 3 of the audio interface. After that, you must place the microphone in the middle of the cymbal. This place is midway between the edge and the bell and approximately 5 to 6 inches above the cymbal.
Toms Drum Mic
Playing the toms (tom-toms) will be similar to that of the snare drum. Each mic should have an XLR cord connected to it. Then, connect your toms to channels 4, 5, and 6 in that order (Hi, Mid, and Low toms). Place the microphones, so they are slightly within the rim of each tom and direct them toward the middle of the drum head. Most portable tom microphones come with a clip that you may use to secure the mic to the tom’s rim. Adjust the level of the mic gain for each tom individually.
Overhead Mics
In most cases, overheads consist of two microphones combined to provide a stereo picture of the drum set. They are positioned a few feet around the drum set with their fronts facing down toward the drums. When it comes to the overall sound of your drum recordings, the overhead microphones are, in our opinion, the most critical mics to use.
Large condenser microphones are the ones that musicians use most often for this purpose.
There are many distinct ways in which one might install a pair of overheads for a drum kit; for example, a “spaced pair” is a trendy one.
Connect an XLR wire to each of the overhead microphones.
Your audio interface should have channels 7 and 8 for the microphone to be plugged into.
Place the first microphone about four to five feet above the left side of the drum set. You must place the microphone such that the front of it faces down toward the drums and covers the “left half” of the drum set on the left side. Place the second mic in the exact location as the first, but angle it so that it faces the right side of the drum set.
Yes, using different mics for each drum can provide a more accurate and detailed recording. Kick drums, snares, toms, and cymbals all produce different frequencies and dynamics, so specialized mics for each component will capture their unique characteristics better.
Room acoustics play a significant role in drum recording. A well-treated room can enhance the sound quality, reducing unwanted reflections and resonances. Using acoustic panels, bass traps, and diffusers can help achieve a cleaner and more controlled drum sound.
Final Words on the Best Drum Mics
This list highlights the most incredible drum mics currently available and can accommodate a variety of price points. When purchasing recording equipment, remember that pricing often reflects quality; hence, you will either buy good or buy twice.
The finest drum microphones produce indisputably smooth and clear sounds, similar to those you hear on popular music recordings. These mics can be paired with karaoke microphones for jamming or podcast microphones for broadcasting your music.
Based on our analysis, we highly recommend the AUDIX D6 Cardioid Dynamic and the Shure SM57. The AUDIX D6 stands out as the overall best due to its exceptional sound quality and reliability, making it ideal for bass drums. The Shure SM57 is the top choice for snare drums, offering clarity and durability that professionals trust.
We hope our buyer’s guide was helpful in your hunt for the best drum mic kit on the market. We’ve chosen the finest mics that will provide you with years of dependable service for all your drumming needs, both live and in the studio.
