10 Best Drum Mics & Their Reviews For 2021
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Drum mics help to accurately record your drum sounds.
They also capture the depth and the most original sounds of the drum to give you professional-quality recordings later on.
If you’re a drummer looking to record your performance or you own a drumming kit and are now confused about the best mics to choose from, there are numerous to choose from.
However, the most important question here is; which is the best to choose from several options?
There are single drum mics or full drum mic kits available and they may vary in quality and size.
Let’s start with the best mics for kick drums, snare drums, etc., and then drumming kits like the best 5-piece drumming kits and 7-pieces drumming kits.
Table of Contents
IN A HURRY? HERE’S OUR FAVORITE PICKS…
Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|
AKG D112 MkII Professional Bass Drum Microphone | 185 Reviews | $249.00 $199.00 | View on Amazon | |
MXL A-55 Kicker Dynamic Drum Microphone | View on Amazon | |||
Sennheiser E604 Dynamic Cardioid for Snare and Toms | 103 Reviews | $149.95 | View on Amazon |
Last update on 2021-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10 Best Drum Mics Reviewed
Below is a compilation of the best-performing products while staying affordable with a budget.
1. AKG D112 Mkll
- Integrated flexible mount makes it even more versatile
- Bass resonance volume chamber for unique, punchy sound
- Large diaphragm dynamic microphone delivers accurate low frequencies
- Integrated hum-compensation coil keeps noise to an absolute minimum
- Industry benchmark for bass drum microphone used on stages worldwide for over 30 years
Last update on 2021-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The first mic in our list is the AKG D112 which has been updated in the new D112 MKII version.
This mic comes in a classic black color with an amazing design.
AKG D112 Mkll is a professional bass drum mic that delivers accurate low-frequency sound to give your kick the perfect sound you need to stand out.
This mic is generally used for kick drums.
It’s an awesome piece of gear for those who are looking for the best kick drum mic.
It’s integrated with a flexible mount which makes it even more versatile, easy to use as it has a flexible mount, so you can change mic direction.
Additionally, this mic acts as an extraordinary bass drum mic on stage as well as in the studio.
the D112 MkII is the first choice for miking electric bass trombones and cabinets.
This mic is capable of handling more than 170-decibel scale SPL without any distortion.
With its high sound quality and large diaphragm, it’s specially designed to get the most out of your kick drum.
Let’s look out for some of its benefits.
Pros & Benefits:
- Bass resonance volume chamber for a unique and punchy sound
- The frequency response of 20Hz to -17kHz
- AKG D112 Mkll net weight: mic only 300 g
- AKG D112 Mkll features a highly flexible mount
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
2. MXL A-55 Kicker
- Dynamic drum mic that's great for low-frequency instruments
- Perfect for kick drums, floor toms, bass cabinets and tubas
- Durable metal construction that can take heavy-duty use
- Robust low-end sound that has plenty of punch
- Excellent sound that's great for all styles of music
Last update on 2021-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
As a beginner, if you’re going to purchase a kick drum mic on a low budget, then MXL A-55 is the best choice to choose from and you would definitely love this product.
This mic is absolutely a killer dynamic mic for kick drums, congos, cabinets, or any low-frequency instruments.
It has a rugged metal body that provides long durability.
This mic comes with a built-in mic clip, a cleaning cloth, a pouch for carrying purposes which would take good care of the mic.
About the product; MXL is a leading manufacturer of high-performance audio products for professionals and recording lovers around the world.
MXL is known for delivering budget audio quality for working artists, musicians, and that is exactly what they’ve delivered in the A-55.
It’s smooth and dynamic at an affordable price.
The MXL A-55 Kicker is a dynamic microphone that has been designed specifically for kick drums and other low-frequency instruments such as bass guitar amps.
This microphone has a frequency response specially made for kick drums, and any instrument that fills up the low end.
Pros & Benefits:
- It has a compact design that makes placement easy
- The frequency response of 30Hz to15kHz
- It has impressive durability and design
- MXL A-55 Kicker is capable of capturing deep, punchy bass and superb sound
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
3. Sennheiser E604 Dynamic
- Low distortion mic that handles greater than 150 dB SPL
- Rugged reinforced glass-fiber body
- Easy to position due to compact design
- Low sensitivity to impact and handling noise
- 10 year warranty
Last update on 2021-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sennheiser has been a very reputed and reliable brand when it comes to drumming mics.
Sennheiser E604 Dynamic is one of the best snare drum mics.
Sennheiser’s microphones are very affordable and can allow you to buy a couple of mics at a low price.
Also one of the greatest advantages Sennheiser E607 Dynamic mic has is that it’s packed with a whopping 10-year warranty.
The Sennheiser E604 Dynamic has outstanding sound quality, and it comes in a very compact design that won’t be hovering over you but will sit quietly in its corner doing its job.
The Sennheiser E604 is definitely a reasonable piece of product that will cancel out any high feedback rejection.
One of the greatest advantages of this product is that it can be easily handled and positioned according to your requirements.
The most amazing thing about this product is that it’s a highly portable device, and there isn’t a rim that this compact drum mic won’t clip to.
Sennheiser E607 Dynamic is also highly recommended due to its brand value and 10-year warranty service.
Pros & Benefits:
- Sennheiser E604 Dynamic is highly portable and easy to carry
- Comes with a 10-year warranty
- This mic provides impressive sound quality and performance
- Sennheiser E604 Dynamic can be easily positioned due to its compact design
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
4. Shure SM57
- Consumer Alert: Most users do not need a license to operate this wireless microphone system. Nevertheless,...
Last update on 2021-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for a budget snare drum mic, Shure SM57 is one of the best among them.
The Shure SM57 is one of the most popular dynamic microphones of all time.
It works so well for such a wide array of situations, hence it’s really tough for other mics anywhere close to its price range to compete with it.
Shure microphones are well known for their sturdiness and amazing performance and in the case of the SM57, you can expect it to last over long years.
Even after several years of usage, the SM57 will sound the best, and it will stay in one piece no matter where the road takes your set.
The Shure SM57 is one of the most used snare microphones in the world, both for live performances and studio recordings.
The Shure SM57 can also be used for micing guitar amps.
This is a definite must-have microphone for every studio, due to its capability to reproduce the natural sound of every instrument.
Pros & Benefits:
- One of the best features is background noise reduction
- Frequency Response of 40Hz to 15kHz
- This mic offers excellent build quality and design
- Excellent for capturing the sound of any instrument or sound source
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
5. Shure sm81
- This microphone requires phantom power and performs best with a 48 Vdc supply (IEC-61938). However, it will operate...
- The SM81 is ruggedly constructed. It operates on phantom power and performs over a wide range of temperatures and...
- 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response. Flat response curve for accurate reproduction of sound sources.
- Low noise and high output clipping level. Low distortion over a wide range of load impedances.
- Cardioid polar pattern, uniform with frequency and symmetric about axis, providing maximum rejection and minimum...
Last update on 2021-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re looking for a hi-hat mic then Shure sm81 is surely a great choice for you providing the best quality sound.
This mic comes in various colors like silver, black, gold color, and looks sleek in design.
This sleek design makes it easy to carry and is highly portable.
With a selectable low-frequency response, a cardioid polar pattern, and maximum rejection of off-axis sounds, the Shure SM81 is a staple hi-hat mic with a lot to offer.
The Shure sm81 is a small-diaphragm condenser microphone, mostly used as a pair for stereo recording.
Also, this mic can perform over a wide range of temperature and humidity conditions.
Also, Shure sm81 has a 10dB pad switch at the collar just below the capsule – this is used when recording a really loud source.
The Shure sm81 is best for recording hi-hats because of its amazing capability to capture those really high frequencies, which are desirable in getting a great hi-hat sound.
This mic is one of the best hi-hats mics you’ll find and would definitely be in love with.
Pros & Benefits:
- Condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern
- The frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz
- Shure sm81 has a selectable low-frequency response
- Shure sm81 offers a rugged steel construction for durability
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
6. AKG Pro Audio C451B
- The C451B is an excellent tool for accurately capturing signals rich in transients such as drums, overhead miking,...
- The airy sound, high overload limit of the capsule and electronic circuitry, and improved engineering details of...
- The Best Selling Classic is Back! Precise artistic work deserves precise artistic craftsmanship
- A classic by now, the CMS Series CK 1 capsule from AKG was a best seller from the moment it was launched in 1969
- Comprising a range of interchangeable capsules and preamps as well as then innovative, dedicated accessories, the...
Last update on 2021-06-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re looking for a budget hi-hat drum mic, the AKG C451B is the best choice for your drumming kit.
The AKG’s C451 was one of the all-time greatest studio condenser microphones used by drummers.
Unfortunately, the manufacturing of the original C451 mic ended several years ago.
However, it remains a very demanding mic in studios all over the world.
Fortunately, its production kicked off again in the form of AKG Pro Audio C451B.
AKG Pro is a small-diaphragm condenser microphone with a cardioid polar design.
The AKG Pro Audio C451 B makes the best fit for hi-hat recording.
Basically, this product has a wide range of frequency responses, good maximum sound pressure level for recording stuff like cymbals, hi-hats, and all sorts of instruments that are high range.
If you look at the body of this microphone you will find a 3-way pad switch and a bass roll-off switch.
These two switches make the AKG Pro Audio C451 B a very flexible piece of gear.
Due to its pad switches, you can even record loud sources without any problem, and due to the bass roll-off switches, you can record a perfectly good hi-hat with little to no EQ-ing at all.
Pros & Benefits:
- AKG Pro Audio C451B has high reliability and less weight
- The frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz
- A highly effective high-pass filter with 12dB/octave
- AKG Pro Audio C451B is ideal for overhead drum miking
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
7. Neumann KM 184
- Cardioid Polar Pattern
- Transformerless circuitry
- Trouble-free operation even with unbalanced equipment
- Balanced output
- phantom powered (48V)
Last update on 2021-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Now if you’re looking for the best overhead mics for drums, here comes one with the name, Neumann KM184.
The Neumann KM 184 can be considered as a universal microphone for studio and stage applications.
The matte black Neumann KM 184 design looks perfect and lightweight.
This cardioid condenser will give you top overhead sound that you can easily rely on.
It has an overall balanced output, features and will work awesome on stage as well as in the studio
When used as an overhead for the drums (both mono or in a pair), the KM 184 will reproduce a high-quality and detailed sound.
Also, this microphone can be used in a lot of different recording situations.
This mic can be put on a hi-hat or a snare, and it can also be used for recording acoustic guitars, etc.
Overall, it will always give you the best results.
Because of its low impedance output stage, the KM 184 is capable of driving long cable runs of up to 300 meters without any transmission losses.
This mic is clearly a winner.
Pros & Benefits:
- The Neumann KM184 comes with a cardioid polar pattern
- Frequency Response of 20Hz to 20kHz
- Very low self-noise and give perfect balanced output
- The Neumann KM184 offers low impedance output
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
8. Rode M5 Matched Pair
- Compact 1/2 inch cardioid condenser microphone with low noise and a full frequency response
- Matched pair has been carefully selected to ensure a variation of no more than 1dB sensitivity betwe
- A premium foiled certificate is supplied to verify the authenticity of the pair
- Finished with RODE's proprietary ceramic coating which offers a sleek matt black finish
- Supplied with WS5 windshields and RM5 stand mounts
Last update on 2021-05-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another overhead mic for drums you would love is the Rode M5 Matched Pair.
These are half-inch cardioid condensers that are perfect for live or studio overheads.
If you’re interested in a pair of budget small-diaphragm condenser microphones, just take a look at the RODE M5 Matched Pair cardioid condenser microphones.
Not only are these pairs carefully selected to ensure that there is minimal variation in sensitivity difference, but they also bear the iconic ‘Rode’ name and all of the perks that come with it.
This matched pair is also amazing for stereo recording techniques.
So what makes these mics so amazing as overheads are that they employ a small-diaphragm condenser, that does an awesome job of giving you a neutral, but lively audio response.
They are clear, detailed, don’t require much preamp gain, and give you a super quality sonic reproduction of the audio they’re capturing.
Also, you will love the 10-year warranty provided by Rode!
These mics are like an investment that you can count on keeping around for a while.
The warranty period provided by the Rode attracts the drummers to buy this product.
Pros & Benefits:
- Compact lightweight half-inch cardioid condenser microphone with low noise and full frequency response
- Rode M5 pair is covered with a ceramic coating and a matt black finish
- Ship with WS5 windshields and RM5 stand mounts
- Comes with an all-metal body and low weight
9. Shure PGA5 Kit
- 1x PGA52 Cardioid Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone
- 3x PGA56 Cardioid Dynamic Snare/Tom Microphones
- 1x PGA57 Cardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone
- 1x A25D Break-resistant Microphone Clip
- 3x AP56DM Break-resistant Drum Rim Mounts
Last update on 2021-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
We have talked about a single mic but most of the time drummers need a set of mics for overall sound quality and performance for their drumming kit.
Generally, drumming kits would be required only for professional or in live events.
For beginners, single mics would be sufficient but as you become a professional you would most probably need the full drumming kit.
Miking up a drum set can be a difficult task, but Shure makes it easy for you with the PGA5 Drum Kit.
The Shure PGA5 can handle the low-frequency sound of your kick drum like a champ.
The Shure PGA5 easily captures the loud sound of your snare drum.
Complete with a mic clip and drum mounts, cables, and a carrying case, the Shure PGA Drum Kit 5 is an amazing set of drum mics available out there.
When finding the best 5- 5-piece mic kit, the Shure PGA5 kit is the most affordable and the best to choose from as this kit can give you everything you need for your drumset.
Let’s look at what this kit comes with.
- 1 PGA52 Kick Drum Mic
- 3 PGA56 Dynamic snare/top mics
- 1 PGA57 Instrumental mic (a dedicated snare mic)
What else is included in the kit is three drum mounts, 5 XLR-XLR cables, and an amazing carrying case to store your gear in.
So obviously you’re getting a hell of a deal when you purchase this kit.
Pros & Benefits:
- Reliable and long-lasting kit
- Shure PGA 5 kit ships with a zippered carrying case
- Shure PGA5 captures guitar amps, snares, and more
- For easy positioning purposes, drum mounts are kept locked
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
10. Audix FP 5 Kit
- 5 high quality mics for drums and percussion
- Includes DFLEX clips for rim mounting
- Durable cast bodies and steel grills
- Heavy duty aluminum road case
- Designed, assembled and tested by Audix in the USA
Last update on 2021-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another best 5 piece drum mic set includes Audix FP 5 Kit.
This kit has a tough competition with the Shure PGA5 Kit.
To be honest this kit is amazing and offers something a bit different than other kits.
The first question arises, what makes it different from other drum mic kits?
To be honest, this is absolutely a tough question to answer.
These two kits come with a very similar price amount and also look very similar in terms of the equipment you get so it all depends on your choice.
When we take a closer look at the Audix kit, we can find little difference in products when compared with other kits.
First, the goods.
Here is what you get.
- 1 Audix F6 for the kick
- 1 Audix F5 for the snare
- 3 Audix F2s which can be used for rack toms and floor tom
But you also get a few other extras.
You get a foam-lined aluminum-type road case, 4 flex clips for rims or stand mounting, and 1 plain mic clip.
Also talking about sound, as far as the sound quality goes, Audix really rocks it.
Pros & Benefits:
- Audix FP 5 has durable cast bodies and steel grills
- Heavy-duty aluminum road case
- Includes high SPL mics that capture drum audio without distortion
- Audix FP 5 is capable of capturing guitar amps, snares, and more
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
Best 7-Piece Drum Mic Sets
We have mentioned about 5-Piece Drum Mic Sets, there are also 7-Piece Drums Mic sets available.
For a beginner, it’s not necessary to start with drum mic kits.
However, if you’re a professional, whether you’re recording in a studio or performing in front of a live stage audience, microphones are an essential component of any artist, band, or music producer’s gear.
You’ll probably need them for everything, not just for your vocalists but also for instruments that may not have audio outputs.
Generally, a drum is one of the most important sets of instruments that needs a proper set of microphones.
Because of its wide sound spectrum, it can become very challenging to capture the mixture of sounds coming from an acoustic drum.
This means you’ll need specific different types of microphones that are built and designed to deal with short and exceptionally loud sounds, while also capturing details and accurate drum pitches.
If you’re going to be performing live or recording in a studio with drums, the best choice would be to go for a purpose-built drum mic set with dynamic and condenser microphones.
In this way, you won’t have to purchase separate mics, learn which ones are the best options for you, for which type of drum, or spend even more money on mounting accessories.
If you’re professional and planning to buy a 7-piece drumming mic kit, we’ve provided a shortlist of popular and recommended 7-piece microphone sets to help you narrow down your options.
- Shure PGA 7 Kit
- Audix DP7 Kit
- CAD Audio Stage 7 Kit
- Earthworks DK7 Kit
- Sennheiser e600 Kit
You can buy any 7-piece drumming kit from this list without any single thought as their kits are simply the best out of many others.
Final Thoughts
And here you have it!
We have covered everything from the best and affordable single mics, like the best kick drum mics and best snare drum mics to full set 5-pieces, and 7-pieces kits according to your needs.
This list is highly recommended for beginners as well as for professionals.
We believe that this list is sufficient for any drummer to start with, either as a beginner or experienced.
You may also upgrade your gear as time passes.
The most important part of being a drummer is that you play the drums!
So no matter what happens, keep drumming, and never give up on your passion and dreams.