Quick-Access To The Best Drum Mics For Live And Studio👇
| Our Top Picks | Brand |
|---|---|
| Best 5 Piece Kit | 🏆 Shure PGA5 Kit |
| 5 Piece Kit Runner Up | 🥇 Audix FP 5 Kit |
| 5 Piece Kit Best Budget | 🥈 Nady DMK 5 Kit |
| 5 Piece High End | Telefunken DD5 Kit |
There you are. The spotlight is on you. Sweat is pouring down your brow. The crowd is roaring. This is the moment for your big drum solo.
Before you let rip, pause to remember what got you here.
Years of endless practice. So many garage bands that dissolved over petty teenage issues. That one audition file that you shopped around to everyone.
And then – the ultimate audition tape, with the perfect sound, courtesy of some of the best drum mics and drum mic kits available today.
And because you took that chance and bought those awesome drum mics, the crowd is chanting your name in beat to that sick solo.
How Many Mics Do You Need For Drums?
This is a great question!
If you are only going to start with one mic, then you should start with a kick drum mic, since that is going to be the most important part of the rhythm section.
But… with that being said, most drummers are going to need more than just one mic to properly mic their kit.
And so, if you do not have any mics for your drum set right now, and are just starting out on this wild, but wonderful journey as a drummer… then we recommend that you purchase a 5-piece drum mic set to start out with.
This will give you everything you need to get started off on the right foot. There are some awesome 5 piece sets out there… and there are even some budget kits that can get you started for super cheap!
In This Article
Best Drum Mics For Live And Studio
Best 5-Piece Drum Mic Sets
Best 5 Piece Kit: Shure PGA5 Kit
Priced affordably, and boasting the iconic ‘Shure’ name, this 5 piece drum kit mic set gives you everything you need to get your drumset heard… live or in the studio.
Shure knows microphones. And so, it is little wonder that this was one of the first kits we looked at when tasked with finding the best 5-piece kits for your trap kit.
Let’s talk about what you get.
The kit ships with…
- 1 PGA52 Kick Drum Mic
- 3 PGA56 Dynamic snare/top mics
- 1 PGA57 Instrument mic (as a dedicated snare mic)
You also get three drum mounts, 5 XLR-XLR cables, and a carrying case to store your gear in.
You’re obviously getting a hell of a deal when you purchase this kit. We love the mic selections.
In all honesty, a lot of musicians who use this set will tell you that it tends to be overkill if you’re playing rooms with a 300 max capacity… which is most small-sized gig venues.
In that sense, for a few hundos, you’re looking at a kit that’s going to take care of you for years, and grow with you as your gigs get bigger.
The downside? If you plan to record with these, you’ll need to use some EQ. They can tend to sound a bit ‘dull and boomy’ in the drum booth. But… It’s an easy fix.
All things considered, we love this kit.
Shure PGA5 Kit Key Features:
- Rugged construction
- Drum mounts lock in place for easy positioning
- Reliable and long-lasting
5 Piece Kit Runner Up: Audix FP 5 Kit
This kit is often put up against the Shure 5 piece. In honest terms, this kit rocks. It offers something a bit different from other 5-piece drum mic kits.
At first glance, you’ll likely ask what this kit offers that you can’t get with the Shure kit?
Well, that is understandable. The two are at a very similar price point, and look very similar in terms of what you get.
But let’s take a closer look, because Audix is actually giving you something a little different with their setup.
First, the goods. Here is what you get with this 5 piece kit for Audix.
- 1 Audix F6 for the kick
- 1 Audix F5 for the snare
- 3 Audix F2s for the rack toms and floor tom
But you also get a few other extras. You get a foam-lined aluminum road case, four flex clips for rim or stand mounting, and one plain mic clip.
Now, let’s discuss the sound.
Sonically speaking, the mics are from the Fusion series. The mics in this series share many commonalities with the more expensive ‘D’ series, but are made available for about half the cost.
As far as the sound quality goes, Audix really rocks it.
As it turns out, however, the mic clips that come with this kit have scored a few complaints. The mics themselves are on the heavy side, and the clips are not necessarily ‘low profile.’
In some cases, this can be a detriment.
You also don’t get the XLR cables with this kit like you do with the Shure kit… though it could also be said that you are getting a bit more firepower for your cash with these particular mic options.
It’s a give and take… but we’re a big fan, and Audix really delivers with this kit.
Audix FP 5 Kit Key Features:
- Designed and assembled by Audix in the USA
- Durable mics feature steel grills and durable cast bodies
- High SPL mics will capture drum audio without distortion
5 Piece Kit Best Budget: Nady DMK 5 Kit
It’s hard to imagine that you can get quality sound out of a mic kit in this price range. But Nady delivers in spades!
As a budget kit, it’s impossible to beat the DMK-5 five piece drum mic kit.
First off, let’s talk about what you actually get in the kit.
- 4 DM-70 tom/snare mics
- 1 DM-80 Kick drum mic
- Mounting clips
- A foam-lined storage case
Alright, so we know that you’re getting five Nady mics and some hardware.
But how does it sound?
Is it worth the money?
You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that the kit actually sounds really, really good. Don’t let the low price-tag give you pause.
First off, they are built like tanks. These mics are surprisingly tough, and you can abuse them on stage with surprisingly positive results.
One downside… The mic clips it ships with will not likely help you to mount them to your drums, so plan for that and order some mic clips to get the job done on that front.
Sonically speaking, I’ve heard from more than one person that the DM70s are comparable to a Shure SM57… albeit, for a fraction of the price.
With all of this being said, it’s incredible that you can squeeze so much value out of a kit for the price… but Nady does it! The only downside are those mic clips!
Get that sorted out, and this kit will rock your socks off for dirt cheap!
Nady DMK 5 Kit Key Features:
- Cardioid pattern
- Neodymium elements
- High SPL handling will help you to record loud drums without distortion
5 Piece High End: Telefunken DD5 Kit
If you need absolute professional-grade sound, and have the bones to back up that need… the Telefunken DD5 kit is the tech you need.
The Telefunken DD5 5-piece is absolutely a premium-level offering.
Telefunken itself is a legendary name where audio quality is concerned. But let’s take a minute to explore what those extra $$$ will buy you.
You’ll get…
- 1 M82 for your kick
- 1 M80-SHB for your snare
- 3 M81-SHs for use with your toms
What’s more is that each one of these mics come with a legitimate, specially made mount to put them to work right away for you… as well as a hard shell flight case to keep the mics and the mounting hardware connected.
The M82 Elektroakustik, as a large-diaphragm end-address dynamic mic, is a beautiful kick drum option.
I was also really interested in Telefunken’s choice of the M80-SHB for this kit. This mic contains the exact same circuitry as the M80 standard… but houses it in a shorter body, which also boasts a built-in stand mount.
This gives the mic a much much lower profile. Couple this with a right-angle XLR, and you can fit it really nicely onto your snare in even very tightly situated kits.
It goes without saying that this kit is an awesome addition to your professional studio toolbox. If you want to level-up and capture dynamic, true-to-life audio that will give you the full nuances of higher-end kits, this is the set you’ll need to look at.
Telefunken DD5 Kit Key Features:
- Ships with 5 five-meter right angle XLR cables
- The hard shell flight case is actually really sturdy and gives you plenty of room
- Excellent professional-grade mic choices for mic’ing top-level drum kits
Best Kick Drum Mics
| Editor’s Pick | Brand |
|---|---|
| Kick Drum Top Pick | AKG D112 Mkll |
| Kick Drum Runner Up | Shure Beta 52A |
| Kick Drum Best Budget | MXL A-55 Kicker |
Our Top Pick: AKG D112 Mkll
This professional bass drum mic delivers accurate low frequency sound to give your kick the ‘loud and proud’ sound you need to stand out. It’s an awesome piece of gear for drummers of all styles.
With its high Sound Pressure Level, and Large Diaphragm specially tailored to get the most out of your kick drum, the AKG D112 MkII easily takes the top of our list Best Mics for Kick Drum. In a nutshell, this mic is engineered to get a serious boom.
To put it simply, this microphone was designed to be the best. Worth mentioning is that it also includes a highly flexible mount, which helps you set it on the right position within seconds.
The AKG D112 is an absolute workhorse, both for recording in the studio and live situations. Using the D112, you can easily achieve absolute magic with very little (or no) EQ-ing.
AKG D112 Key Features:
- Frequency Response of 20Hz to -17kHz
- Maximum Sound Pressure Level of 160db
- Most sensitivity in frequencies below 100hz at 10cm
Runner Up: Shure Beta 52A
Shure has delivered an incredible piece of gear for the price in the Shure Beta 52A. Its frequency response is specifically tailored to bass drums. It’s also easy to set up with a built-in locking stand adapter.
The Beta 52A is the go-to drum mic for many producers and drummers worldwide because of its stunning performance and sturdiness.
Due to the Maximum SPL (174dB) of the Beta 52A, you will have an awesome signal, even when mic’ing for the loudest kinds of drummers.
And due to the Frequency Response of 20Hz to 10kHz, your kick drum will easily cut through the mix without any “rocket science”.
Since it’s designed with a super-cardioid polar pattern, the Beta 52A keeps the focus on your sound, without bleeding into your kick drum channel.
And due to its internal pneumatic shock-mount, you won’t get any vibration noise, either.
Just pure drum magic.
Shure Beta 52A Key Features:
- Frequency Response of 20Hz to 10kHz
- Maximum Sound Pressure Level of 174dB
- Minimal mechanical noise and vibration interference due to advanced pneumatic shock mount system
Best Budget: MXL A-55 Kicker
MXL is known for delivering affordable audio quality for working musicians… and that is exactly what they’ve delivered in the A-55. Smooth, dynamic, affordable workhorse quality!
If you are on a tight budget, check out the MXL A-55 Kicker microphone.
The A-55 is constructed to hit the road – it is made out of rugged metal, and it can take the beatings of the tour without shedding a single tear.
This microphone has a Frequency Response tailored for kick drums, bass guitar amps, and any instrument that fills up the low end.
The MXL A-55 Kicker also has a good Maximum Sound Pressure Level. This means you can set it up in front of a loud source, without worrying about distortion, or diaphragm damage.
MXL A-55 Kicker Key Features:
- Dynamic Microphone with a cardioid polar pattern
- Frequency Response of 30Hz to15kHz
- Maximum Sound Pressure Level 145db
Best Snare Drum Mics
| Editor’s Pick | Brand |
|---|---|
| Snare Top Pick | Sennheiser MD 421 |
| Snare Runner Up | Beyerdynamic M201 |
| Snare Budget Pick | Shure SM57 |
Our Top Pick: Sennheiser MD 421
The MD 421 is a rugged cardioid dynamic mic with a five-position roll-off switch that also gives you feedback rejection and a surprisingly tight pickup pattern… making it especially useful for the highly directional needs of effective snare-drum audio capture.
The MD 421 by Senheiser easily makes the top of our list for best snare drum mics with its sturdy construction, excellent off-axis rejection, and suitable Frequency Response for mid-range sources.
The MD 421 also handles very loud sources without any problem, which makes it perfect for the snare.
Some producers list the MD 421 as their favorite Tom and Floor Tom microphone. It also has a five-way bass roll-off switch, so if you’re looking for justification to have this mic in your stable, it is pretty versatile for a variety of mid instruments.
Sennheiser MD 421 Key Features:
- Dynamic Microphone with a cardioid polar pattern
- Frequency Response of 30Hz to 17kHz
- Sensitivity ranges from 1kHz 2 mV/Pa +- 3 dB
Runner Up: Beyerdynamic M201
If you’ve spent much time around drummers, then you’ve probably heard this mic at least a handful of times. It’s a hypercardioid dynamic microphone with an integrated hum-buck coil.
The Beyerdynamic M201 is an all-around studio microphone that is really great for capturing snare drum sounds.
Its hyper-cardioid polar pattern won’t let a lot of the hi-hat sound bleed into your snare channel, and due to its compact design, you can easily place it in the right place for recording.
The M201 is a very sturdy microphone. As such it’s a great option if you’re planning on taking the show on the road.
With very little EQ-ing, you can get the most out of your snare with the M201 alone – just be sure to place it on the right spot.
Beyerdynamic M201 Key Features:
- Dynamic Microphone with a hyper-cardioid polar pattern
- Frequency Response of 40Hz to 18k Hz
- Length Measurement: 160 mm
Budget Pick: Shure SM57
The Shure SM57 is one of the most universally popular dynamic microphones of all time… and for good reason. It just works so well for such a wide array of situations that it is really, really tough for other mics anywhere close to its price range to compete!
Shure microphones are well known for their sturdiness and fantastic performance. And in the case of the SM57, you can expect it to last you a lifetime.
Even after decades of usage, the SM57 will sound awesome, and it will stay in one piece no matter where the road takes your set.
The Shure SM57 is the most used snare microphone in the world, both for live performances and studio recordings. It is a must-have microphone for every studio, due to its capability to reproduce the natural sound of every instrument.
The Shure SM57 is great for snare drums due to its great off-axis rejection, which is very important when you record snare, making sure you don’t get a lot of sound coming in from the hi-hat into your snare channel.
Shure SM57 Key Features:
- Frequency Response of 40Hz to 15kHz
- Reduce handling noise with a built-in pneumatic shock-mount system
- Package includes a 180° rotating swivel adapter, made to be break-resistant
Best Hi-Hat Mics
| Editor’s Pick | Brand |
|---|---|
| Hi-Hat Top Pick | Shure sm81 |
| Hi-Hat Runner Up | AKG Pro Audio C451B |
| Hi-Hat Best Budget | Shure SM57 |
Our Top Pick: Shure sm81
With a selectable low-frequency response, a cardioid polar pattern, and maximum rejection of off-axis sunds, the Shure SM81 is a staple hi-hat mic with a lot to offer.
The Shure SM81 is a small-diaphragm condenser microphone, usually used as a pair for stereo recording. On the body, it has a three-way switch that lets you leave it flat, cut 18dB at 80Hz, and cut 6dB at 100Hz.
Also, there is a -10dB pad switch at the collar just bellows the capsule – this is used when recording a really loud source.
The SM81 is good for recording hi-hats due to its capability to capture those really high frequencies that are desirable in getting a great hi-hat sound, giving you the full crash, the slightest tremble, and all the warmth you need.
Shure SM81 Key Features:
- Condenser Microphone with a cardioid polar pattern
- Frequency Response of 20Hz to 20kHz
- Self Noise of 16db (A Weighted)
Runner Up: AKG Pro Audio C451B
The AKG C 451B gives you an airy sound with a high-overload limit… making it perfect for percussive instruments. The CK 1 capsule contained within this mic has been a classic since 1969, and continues to make big waves in pro audio spaces.
Being a small-diaphragm condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern, the AKG Pro Audio C451 B makes a perfect fit for hi-hat recording.
It has a wide range frequency response, and good Maximum Sound Pressure Level for recording stuff like cymbals, hi-hats, and all sorts of instruments that are percussive and high range.
On the body of the microphone you will find a three-way pad switch (0dB, -10dB, -20dB), and a bass roll-of switch (flat, -12dB at 75Hz, and -12dB at 150Hz).
These two switches make the Pro Audio C451 B a very versatile piece of gear.
Due to the pad switches, you can record extremely 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.
AKG Pro Audio C451 B Key Features:
- Condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern
- Frequency Response of 20Hz to 20kHz
- Maximum Sound Pressure Level of 135db, or 155db with pad
- Both -10dB and -20dB pads
Best Budget: Shure SM57
As we mentioned in the “best mics for snare drum” section, the SM57 is great for mic’ing all sorts of sources. And of course, that includes hi-hats.
It has a good frequency response range. It is also sturdy, compact, and sounds great.
The SM57 has a good off-axis rejection, which helps a lot at containing sound bleed.
Usually for cymbals and hi-hats, experts recommend using condenser microphones, because of the high frequency response; however, if you have an SM57, it will work just fine.
Just be sure to cut some of the low-end – you want to get that “crispy” high-end from the high-hat, right?
Shure SM57 Key Features:
- Frequency Response of 40Hz to 15kHz
- Built-in pneumatic shock-mount system reduces handling noise
- Includes a swivel adapter that rotates 180° and resists breaks
Best Overhead Mics For Drums
| Editor’s Pick | Brand |
|---|---|
| Overhead Top Pick | Neumann KM 184 |
| Overhead Runner Up | AKG Pro Audio C414 XLS |
| Overhead Best Budget | Rode M5 |
Our Top Pick: Neumann KM 184
This cardioid condenser will give you optimal overhead sound that you can rely on. It has a balanced output, features transformerless circuitry, and will work as well on stage as in the studio.
Neumann microphones have a special place in the hearts of producers due to their high-quality construction, fantastic specifications, and reliability.
The KM 184 is a small-diaphragm condenser microphone with a Frequency Response of 20Hz to 20kHz, and a Maximum Sound Pressure Level of 138dB.
This microphone can be used in a lot of different recording situations. It can be put on a hi-hat or a snare, though it can also be used for recording acoustic guitar, etc., and it will always give you amazing results.
When used as an Overhead for the drums (both mono or in a pair), the KM 184 will reproduce a highly detailed sound, and it will capture the exact things we are looking for when we are using overheads – the articulation of the drums, and the brightness of the cymbals.
All in all, this mic is obviously a winner!
Neumann KM 184 Key Features:
- Condenser microphone with cardioid polar pattern
- Frequency Response of 20Hz to 20kHz
- Low self noise of just 13db (A weighted)
Runner Up: AKG Pro Audio C414 XLS
What makes the AKG Pro Audio C414 XLR an awesome choice for overheads? Well, it is engineered to give you a neutral sound, has 9 selectable polar patterns, and is also designed for high-output sources.
We love the AKG Pro Audio C414 XLS for overheads, mostly because of how it is put together.
So, first up, you get 9 selectable polar patterns. This makes the mic useful in a wide range of different types of situations.
But now, let’s focus on what makes it good for overheads.
You get 3 attenuation levels for close-up recording with the C414 XLS. These levels can be set at -6, -12, or -18db.
In other words, this mic is a great choice for close-mic’ing high output sources… like drum sets.
You also, however, get 3 bass-cut filters. These help to reduce wind noise, proximity effect, and subsonic noise.
In other words… What we have here is a condenser mic that is almost perfectly suited to capturing overhead audio from a drum set… especially in the studio.
AKG Pro Audio C414 XLS Key Features:
- LED display shows you when the mic is overloading
- For live sound, you can easily disable controls
- Throws back to the sonic character of the legendary C414 B-ULS
Best Budget: Rode M5 Matched Pair
These ½ inch cardioid condensers are perfect for live or studio overheads. Not only are these pairs carefully selected to ensure that there is minimal variation in sensitivity differences… but they also bear the iconic ‘Rode’ name and all of the perks that come with it!
I’m a big fan of anything bearing the iconic RØDE name. But what you may not know about this pair is exactly how much they have to offer in terms of being used as mic overheads on a drum set.
First of all, they are half-inch condensers. Secondly, as with all Rode products, they are made in Australia, and you get a premium foiled certificate to verify that they are, indeed, Rode products!
But now, let’s talk about the features.
What makes these mics so awesome as overheads is 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 honest sonic reproduction of the audio they’re capturing.
You will also love the 10 year warranty provided by Rode! These mics are an investment that you can count on keeping around for a while!
Rode MP5 Matched Pair Key Features:
- Covered with a ceramic coating and a sleep matt black finish
- Ship with WS5 windshields
- Also come with RM5 stand mounts
Best 7-Piece Drum Mic Sets
| Editor’s Pick | Brand |
|---|---|
| Best 7 Piece Kit | Shure PGA 7 Kit |
| 7 Piece Kit Runner Up | Audix DP7 Kit |
| 7 Piece Kit Best Budget | CAD Audio Stage 7 Kit |
| 7 Piece Kit High End | Earthworks DK7 Kit |
| 7 Piece Kit for Live Performances | Sennheiser e600 Kit |
Best 7 Piece Kit: Shure PGA 7 Kit
The Shure PGA 7 piece drum mic kit delivers insane quality for the cost, and gives working musicians and sound engineers alike the gear they need to level-up into pro-audio territory for higher-end drum kits.
The Shure PGA 7-Piece Drum Mic kit gives you the full 7 piece range of options to completely mic-up even the highest-end drum sets for the largest, loudest rooms.
If you’re looking for a 7-piece, then you’ve likely already outgrown smaller venues, and/or are looking to capture some serious audio in the studio to level-up the sounds of your recordings.
Well, in either case, this is the kit to look at first.
Let’s take a quick look at what you’re getting…
- 1 PGA52 dynamic kick drum mic
- 3 PGA56 dynamic snare/tom mics
- 1 PGA57 dynamic instrument mic (for your snare)
- 2 PGA81 condenser overheads
The kit also ships with clips, a zippered carrying case, and 7 15-foot XLR cables.
We have already talked about the quality of these mics when we discussed the 5-piece kit. And honestly, the 7-piece just adds to that value.
Real talk… this kit is not going to get you a $10,000 kit sound.
But if you’re at a point where you are ready to level-up from piecing together random mics to try to get a drum sound, or are packing out larger venue rooms and need to level-up the live sound of your kit… this is the Shure set you need in your life, 1000%!
Shure PGA 7 Kit Key Features:
- Features legendary Shure build quality and performance
- Gives you everything you need to get started
- Mic options give you incredible sound for the price
7 Piece Kit Runner Up: Audix DP7 Kit
Audix kicks things up a notch with their 7-piece Audix DP7 drum mic package. These are 7 premium mics that will kill it live or in the studio.
The Audix DP7 7-Piece Drum Mic Package gives you an incredible collection of 7 mid-range mix that will absolutely crush it, either in live sound situations, or in the studio.
Earlier in this review, we talked about the Audix FP 5-piece kit. But this kit is a different series altogether, and deserves a fresh look at exactly what Audix is offering.
First, let’s take a look at the mics.
- 1 D6 for the kick
- 1 I5 for the snare
- 2 ADX51 condensers for overheads
- 2 D2 mics for rack toms
- 1 D4 for the floor tom
Obviously, you’re getting access to the higher-level D series mics with this kit, which gives you a serious upgrade for your money. That would also explain why this kit has a higher price-point than the Shure 7 piece kit we just discussed.
But the real question is this… do they sound good?
You’ll be happy to hear that the answer to this question is a resounding yes!
First of all, you would be surprised by the number of people who claim that the I5 actually sounds better than the SM57!
You will also be surprised (or, maybe not so surprised) to learn that the included clips do a great job of giving you plenty of mounting options.
Where kick drum mics are concerned, the D6 does a fantastic job. While we are comparing Audix mics to Shure, you may also be interested to learn that some people prefer it to the Shure Beta 52a.
All things considered, Audix is giving you some serious bang for your buck with this kit.
Audix DP7 Kit Key Features:
- Clips include gooseneck clips for mounting
- Heavy duty aluminum road case protects mics in transit
- All mics are designed and assembled in the USA
7 Piece Kit Best Budget: CAD Audio Stage 7 Kit
If you’re looking for a budget 7 piece drum mic kit that will still give you some decent audio, this kit from CAD Audio is the perfect option.
This kit from CAD Audio actually gives you some insane value for the money. Let’s take a look at what it contains. You get…
- 1 D10 dynamic mic for the kick drum
- 3 D29 dynamic mics for toms
- 1 D19 dynamic snare mic
- 2 C9 instrument condensers for overheads
Now, the big concern with budget sets like this is the audio.
Do they actually sound good?
Well, let’s start off with the not so good.
You aren’t going to get $10,000 sound out of this set. That’s the first and most important thing to understand.
But… with that being said, these mics do offer some extreme value as a set. They give you a pretty accurate sound, and users report that the condenser overheads are pretty sensitive… meaning that they’ll give you a nice, bright, neutral sound reproduction.
Word on the street is that these mics pack in some serious longevity. I’ve heard of drummers beating the hell out of these things for 10 years before they started to give out.
The hardware works, but it is a bit on the cheap side. Also, you can expect for the carrying case to wear out sooner than the mics… but honestly, that is probably the ‘cheapest’ part of the whole kit.
All things considered, if you’re looking for your first mic set and you don’t have a ton of money to blow on one… yes, this kit is worth the cash, and you will likely be very pleased with it!
CAD Audio Stage 7 Kit Key Features:
- Also ships with a 1 year warranty
- Comes with 7 on-stage XLR mic cables
- Does not come with stands for overheads
7 Piece Kit High End: Earthworks DK7 Kit
Earthworks is delivering an absolute dream with this 7 piece mic kit. If you’re looking for some of the best drum-mic tech available, then this is the kit to look at.
There is a lot to unpack with this kit from Earthworks. Let’s take a moment and first go over exactly what it contains.
You get…
- 4 DM20 cardioid condensers, designed for tom and snare use
- 2 SR25 cardioids for overheads
- 1 SR20LS for the kick, specially engineered to have a low sensitivity
Alright. Now let’s go through and talk about each one of these.
Firstly, it is obvious that all of these mics were designed for drums. Take one look at the specially designed, flexible neck on the DM20, and you will see that it is literally fashioned to make mic’ing a drum set a breeze.
But, that isn’t all.
You get rich, mid lows and crisp highs with the DM20… equally capable for live sound or studio recording.
Now, the SR25s are equally versatile. They give you a powerful sound, and are just as good for acoustic guitar parts as crashing cymbals.
You’ll find that the secret to the fantastic sound capture of the SR25 lies within its tightly controlled cardioid capsule. This helps to give you a huge boost of clarity, and keeps muddy bleed-over to a minimum.
And finally, the SR20LS. First off, you may be surprised by its small size… but don’t let that fool you!
The deep, low frequency response goes all the way down to 20Hz. It also has a gentle proximity to keep ‘boominess’ at bay. It will also handle up to 150dB SPL without distortion… which is pretty awesome!
But.. is the kit worth the money?
I’m going to shoot you straight on this one. If you’re playing a thrown together kit for cheap and struggle to get good sounds out of it, this kit is going to be serious overkill.
But… if you’ve spent the money on a great kit, or have high-dollar kits coming through your studio or venue, and you want to capitalize on those great sounds by capturing them with mics that can actually keep up, then this is most definitely the best 7-piece to be looking at.
Earthworks DK7 Kit Key Features:
- Shorter diaphragm settling times, helps give quieter sounds more attack
- Incredible polar patterns for capturing the perfect range of audio
- Includes 3 microphone clips and 4 rim mounts… giving you the power to mount everything right out of the box
7 Piece Kit for Live Performances: Sennheiser e600 Kit
Looking for a mean drum mic kit to boost your live performances? Well, for us, the Sennheiser e600 steals the show… for a multitude of reasons.
In most cases, drum mics tend to be more forgiving live than in the studio.
But this kit was specifically chosen to help your high-dollar drum set shine in a live environment.
The Sennheiser e600 kit ships with the following mics…
- e602-II cardioid dynamic kick drum mic
- e604 dynamic mics for the toms and snare
- e614 supercardioid condenser mics for overheads
The kit also ships with cable ties, 4 mounting brackets for the e604s, and 7 20-foot XLR cables.
There are a lot of subtle nuances that go into what makes this kit awesome.
First of all, let’s talk about the kick drum mic. The e 602-II is solid, lightweight, easy to position, and gives you that fast transient response you need for a thumping, low end kick.
The e-604s follow suit as well, though. They clip onto rims quickly and easily, and deliver a plethora of features… including low distortion, a rugged glass-fibre body, a hum compensating coil, and the capability of handling high sound pressure.
And the e 614s finish out this set beautifully by giving you shimmering detail, with a nearly flat response that ranges from 40 Hz to 20 kHz. They also boast a supercardioid pattern, making them awesome for positioning them where you want to pick up the most sound.
All things considered, this kit packs in a serious punch for serious live drummers. We love it for all kinds of reasons, and feel that at the going price, it’s actually quite a steal!
Sennheiser e600 Kit Key Features:
- Ships with cable ties to keep cables neat and tidy
- You get an awesome Sennheiser warranty with your purchase
- It ships with a hardshell case with a cut-out foam interior
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it! These are our favorite drum mics, and make up the options that we believe represent the best drum mics for a drummer of any level!
But now comes the most important part.
The most important element of being a drummer is this… that you play the drums!
So play, play, play!
Get out there, join bands, order yourself some great mics, and get started!
You can always upgrade your gear later. But nothing can replace that experience and love for the game.
So no matter what happens… keep drumming, and never give up on your passion!