Overhead mics for drummers

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It will only affect you if you have weak microphone stands, though. It means more of the end result (your finished recording) will be the sound you want to record rather than the noise of the microphone.

You may be worried about the fact that there is any noise in the recordings to come from a microphone; it is unavoidable, and mics have their own character.

The downside to all these control options is steeper learning curve, but learning how to use them will reward you greatly.

These pairs are individually matched in their factory for best stereo imaging and best phase correlation. You’ll appreciate its super-cardioid polar pattern, which effectively rejects off-axis noise while maintaining a solid 60 dB signal-to-noise ratio.

Microphones should last a long time if treated right, especially dynamic microphones, so look for products with a one or two year warranty if you can just to make sure you can be confident in your purchase over long periods of time.

overhead mics for drummers

So, Shure is undoubtedly one of the best brands to check out.

Audix

Audix is often seen as a competing brand to Shure when it comes to drum kit microphones. The maximum SPL is the maximum level of this pressure a mic can handle. Choose based on your specific recording environment, budget constraints, and desired sonic characteristics.

*Gearank = Rating score out of 100.
**Sources = Number of gear owner and user opinions analyzed for these product Gearank Ratings.
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While affordable drum mic kits can get the job done, they lack the spatial dimension that the best overhead drum mics can provide.

Compared to an affordable drum mic kit, which might rely on lower-end condensers, the best mics for drum overheads deliver a more spacious and balanced sound.

Speaking of size, being a small condenser mic means that it doesn’t capture deep bass as much as large condenser mics would.

The sE Electronics sE7 is another excellent choice for capturing a balanced and clear drum sound. The included 5/8-inch mic clips fit standard stands securely, while foam windscreens reduce unwanted air movement that can muddy overhead recordings during energetic performances.

Best For: Drummers and musicians seeking affordable, versatile overhead microphones with flexible pickup patterns for studio recording and live performances.

Pros:

  • Three interchangeable capsules (cardioid, omni, super cardioid) provide flexibility for different recording situations and room acoustics
  • Comes as a 2-pack with secure mic clips and foam windscreens, offering complete setup for stereo overhead recording
  • Durable foam-padded aluminum case ensures protection and easy transportation of mics and accessories

Cons:

  • Budget-friendly pricing may indicate lower build quality compared to premium condenser microphones
  • Limited information about frequency response and sensitivity specifications for professional studio applications
  • Pencil stick design may be more fragile than standard microphone bodies during active live performance use

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AKG PERCEPTION 170 Professional Instrumental Microphone (3101H00410)

The AKG Perception 170’s combination of professional-grade construction and accessible pricing makes it an exceptional choice for drummers and engineers who need reliable overhead capture without the premium cost of flagship models.

When mixing mic types, I ascertain phantom power availability for condensers without worrying about affecting dynamics. You’ll hear more from your drums with condensers than you will with dynamic mics.

The downsides are that condenser microphones are more expensive. I also play guitar and produce original music for my band and other content creators.

Media / Image Credit

Main/Top Image: Photograph by chrisjtse and reproduced here under a Creative Commons CC BY-ND 2.0 license.

The individual product images for were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers.

What is an overhead drum mic and how does it function?

When micing up a drum set, there are many different microphone configurations.

Those are two things that you need to keep in mind when making a buying decision.

Thankfully, you get a lot of matched condenser pairs being sold together, whereas you don’t see that happening with dynamic microphones.

If you have dynamic microphones already, you can get away with using them as overheads, but you’ll get a better-sounding mix with condenser mics.

The brand has a large range of high-quality mixers and interfaces, but many of their mics are aimed at budget buyers.

It’s a good brand to consider if you’re buying overhead drum mics for the first time. This gives a balanced overview of the kit and allows the microphone to pick up sound from the whole kit rather than just focusing on one area.

Two microphones are usually set up, and these can capture the left and right of the kit in more detail and give a wider stereo field for engineers to play with when it is time to mix the drums.

Features to consider when choosing an overhead drum microphone

What features do you need to think about when you are looking to choose a drum microphone?

They even come in an awesome wooden box. They make your drums and cymbals sound a lot more lively compared to the flat sounds that the other mics give you. Then get our free ‘5 Steps To Profitable Youtube Music Career’ ebook emailed directly to you!

Whether you’re capturing ambient room tone with the AKG Perception 170’s crisp detail or need the versatility of Neewer’s interchangeable capsules for various drum configurations, there’s something here for every setup.

Around 22-24 dB is pretty standard, and this is quite a low figure. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.