Best Overhead Drum Mics offers a professional performance with extremely low noise and full frequency response, and at a very attractive price. If you’re figured out to mic your drums for a phase performance or a recording, you can’t truly go for just any type of microphone. You actually do require to ensure you get the best expenses drum mics. Anything that’s of much less top quality will just result in a calamity.
For professionals as well as workshop experts, the gold criterion of what produces the best is the classic Neumann SKM 184. If you can afford that or you’re establishing your own recording studio, then that’s what you require to obtain for your drums. It’s definitely exceptional, however it’s the kind of quality that includes a high rate.
Considering that not all of us can afford such a sector requirement, we’ve assembled a listing of still excellent alternatives that include comparable performance however with a more palatable price tag.
Our Top Picks
Finest Picks of Overhead Drum Mics
1: Rode M5 Compact 1/2 ″ Condenser Microphone
- Small-diaphragm Matched Pair Cardioid Condenser Microphones
This is sold as a matched pair, to make sure that you can have and also tape your audio in real stereo. The mics have actually been thoroughly chosen to ensure that they will not differ more than 1dB in level of sensitivity. It’s an Aussie brand name with a tiny diaphragm, and it’s versatile sufficient for drums and also violins.
As this is a cardioid mic, it can provide low noise sound. Yet it also supplies a complete regularity action, so it can capture the deep thrum of the bass in addition to the sharp sound of the cymbals. You can also use this to mike the audience.
It’s extremely portable for portability, and it comes with an unique ceramic layer to give its streamlined matte surface. It likewise includes its own RM5 stand places in addition to WS5 windscreens.
It will give you the top quality sound you want, whether you’re doing for an audience or in a recording studio. It’s fairly durable also.
Features:
- Matched pair of small-diaphragm condenser microphones
- Full frequency response and wide dynamic range
- Compact and durable design for easy placement
- Low noise and high SPL handling capability
Pros:
- Matched pair ensures consistent sound across the drum kit
- Clear and detailed sound reproduction
- Compact size allows for easy positioning and minimal visual impact
- Suitable for capturing both individual drums and cymbals
Cons:
- Might require additional mics for capturing specific drum kit elements in detail.
2: Samson C02 Pencil Condenser Microphones
- Cardioid Pickup Pattern
- Gold-plated XLR connectors
- Carry Case & shock-mounted mic clips included
- Sold as stereo pair
- Samson Audio (Author)
This is also sold as a stereo pair with a cardioid polar pattern. The polar pattern guarantees that it will only catch the sound that comes from a very slim location in front of it. This indicates you do not record ambient room noise or the songs created by various other tools on phase or in the room. You likewise don’t need to take care of monitors that can trigger mic comments.
Its regularity reaction is also extremely vast, which works well for your drums. As a matter of fact, it’s wide enough to suit various other tools, consisting of acoustic guitars, flutes, and heralds. You can utilize this for vocals as well. The tiny diaphragm enables you to record the high notes without difficulty. It’s great for cymbals in addition to violins.
This is set up with transportability in mind. Apart from its compact dimension and also low weight, it likewise features a helpful carrying case. This even comes with a collection of shock-mounted mic clips so establishing the mics isn’t an issue.
The actual shock here is that its quality is quite outstanding, yet the cost is shockingly reduced. It seems too good to be real. However with this you really do obtain a lot of worth for your money.
Features:
- Pencil condenser microphones with supercardioid pickup pattern
- Gold-plated XLR connectors for optimal conductivity
- High SPL handling capability for close miking
- Suitable for both studio recording and live applications
Pros:
- Supercardioid pattern helps isolate drum sounds from other sources
- Gold-plated connectors ensure reliable connectivity
- Versatile miking options for various drum kit configurations
- Durable build for consistent performance over time
Cons:
- Supercardioid pattern might require precise placement for optimal results.
3: Rode NT1-A-MP Stereo Matched Set
- Large 1” capsule with gold plated diaphragm. Maximum SPL is 137 dBSPL
- Cardioid polar pattern; True condenser (externally biased)
- Ultra low noise, self noise of only 5dB (A)
- Includes one microphone that can be used as a stereo matched pair
- Nickel-plated body
Right here’s an additional pair of mics, which must inform you now that a solitary mic doesn’t work also if you’re establishing mics for your drums. It’s a bit on the pricey side, yet then that’s justified by its premium quality as well as superb functions.
First off, this features a large gold-plated diaphragm. It supplies outstanding quality, with an incredibly bass response to support its ability to capture the intensity of your cymbals. With its large dynamic variety, it’s not restricted to just your drums. You can utilize this to mic your other tools. Actually, numerous also use this as a singing microphone.
It’s not simply functional, however it’s likewise capable of accurate recordings. It includes incredibly low distortion so you record what the songs really sounds like.
Another special characteristic of the Rode NT1-A is that it has an extremely low self-noise level. It’s actually among the quietest microphones in the whole world. Its cardioid polar pattern truly concentrates on the audios coming right before it. It does not get ambient noise, neither does it capture the noises made by various other tools on phase.
It’s also not all that hefty as well as large, so it’s portable also. It’s fairly hard also, as the mic bod has nickel plating.
Features:
- Matched pair of cardioid condenser microphones
- Low self-noise and wide dynamic range
- Ideal for stereo recording and capturing room ambience
- Suitable for drum overheads and other studio applications
Pros:
- Matched pair offers balanced stereo recording capabilities
- Low self-noise ensures minimal interference with recordings
- Cardioid pattern focuses on the drum kit while reducing background noise
- Versatile for capturing drum kit details and overall soundscapes
Cons:
- Might not be optimized solely for drum kit overheads.
4: Shure KSM141/SL Dual-Pattern
- Cardioid or omnidirectional polar pattern, ultra-thin diaphragm, transformer less Preamplifier circuitry
- Switchable pad (25dB, 15dB) for very high input SPL sources
- Three-position switchable low-frequency filter minimizes background noise and proximity effect
- Subsonic filter eliminates low frequency rumble (less than 17 Hz) caused by mechanical vibration
This can be offered separately, though as a set you can get a discount. This is likewise quite pricey, but then it offers features you do not obtain from other mics.
To start with, this includes a dual polar pattern. You can utilize it as a cardioid mic so you just catch the noise made by what’s right in front of it. Or you can use it as an omnidirectional mic so you can record all the sounds coming from all directions.
This additionally utilizes a tiny diaphragm, to ensure that it can catch sharp noises really faithfully. Its transformer-less preamplifier likewise helps make sure that you do not suffer from any kind of kind of distortion whatsoever. It additionally features a subsonic filter that greatly reduces the low frequency rumble you can receive from any type of mechanical resonance.
With this, you have a switchable pad so you can deal with very high sound stress levels. The switchable low-frequency filter can also aid lessen the background noise
All these functions permit you to utilize these mics for an incredibly vast array of tools, including acoustic instruments, winds, low frequency instruments like basses, and coral reefs ensembles.
Features:
- Dual-pattern condenser microphone (cardioid and omnidirectional)
- Class A, transformerless preamplifier circuitry
- Switchable patterns for versatile recording options
- Low self-noise and extended frequency response
Pros:
- Dual-pattern design allows flexibility in capturing various drum kit setups
- Transformerless preamp circuitry ensures clean and transparent sound
- Suitable for both close miking and ambient recording
- Well-suited for capturing drum kits and other instruments
Cons:
- Switchable patterns might require careful adjustment for optimal results.
5: Sennheiser MD 441-U
- Accurate and versatile dynamic microphone with integral pop filter, perfect for vocals and virutally every instrument
- Precise and distortion-free reproduction even at the highest sound pressure levels
- Spring capsule mounting provides low sensitivity to handling noise
- Five-position low frequency contour switch and two-position high frequency switch
- Hum compensating coil
Currently unlike the others, this isn’t a condenser mic however a dynamic one. That implies it is difficult as well as won’t warp easily. However it also provides the accuracy and vibrant variety you would certainly anticipate from a condenser mic.
Part of its excellence is due to its super-cardioid polar pattern. This indicates that it only gets the noise from a much slim variety in front of it.
Also has several setups so that you can establish it up to best suit your audio setting. It has a 5-position radio frequency shape switch, in addition to a 2-position high frequency switch.
It also lessens noise exceptionally well, comes with a damped inner shock suspension together with a hum bucking coil.
Features:
- Dynamic microphone with supercardioid pickup pattern
- Excellent feedback rejection and off-axis sound attenuation
- Durable metal construction for rugged use
- Suitable for capturing drums and other high-SPL sources
Pros:
- Supercardioid pattern isolates drum sounds effectively
- Excellent feedback rejection makes it suitable for live performances
- Durable build ensures reliability in demanding environments
- Dynamic design handles high-SPL sources without distortion
Cons:
- As a dynamic microphone, it might not capture the same level of detail as condenser microphones.
Why Do You Need Expenses Drum Mics?
The mics need to be above for the straightforward reason that there’s nothing else location for them. You can not have them right beside you, given that they would certainly just be in the way.
There are 2 basic reasons that you would certainly need a collection of overhanging mics. The first reason is for videotaping your beats. You can after that use it to blend with other tools or edit the beat with your music modifying software.
The other primary reason for mics is to forecast the sound over a bigger area. Certain, drums are in fact loud instruments. But also for stadiums, mics are certainly going to be required to ensure that every person can hear them.
FAQs
Why are overhead drum microphones important in drum recording?
Overhead drum microphones play a crucial role in drum recording as they capture the overall sound and ambience of the drum kit. They provide a clear representation of the kit’s spatial characteristics, cymbal nuances, and the interaction between different drum components.
What features should I look for in the best overhead drum microphones?
When selecting overhead drum microphones, consider features like microphone type (condenser or dynamic), pickup pattern (cardioid, supercardioid, omnidirectional), SPL handling capacity, durability, and whether they come as a matched pair for stereo recording.
How does the choice between condenser and dynamic microphones impact drum recording?
Condenser microphones are known for their sensitivity and ability to capture detailed nuances, making them ideal for capturing the subtleties of cymbals and higher-frequency elements. Dynamic microphones are rugged and can handle high sound pressure levels (SPL), making them suitable for capturing the overall drum kit’s power and impact.
What are some advantages of using a matched pair of overhead drum microphones?
Using a matched pair of overhead drum microphones ensures consistent sound quality across the stereo field. This is crucial for capturing an accurate stereo image and preserving the balance between the left and right channels in drum recordings.
How do different pickup patterns in overhead drum microphones affect the recording process?
Different pickup patterns offer varying degrees of sound isolation and room ambience capture. Cardioid patterns focus on the source while reducing background noise, making them ideal for isolating drum sounds. Supercardioid and omnidirectional patterns offer different levels of room sound and ambient capture, allowing for creative recording approaches.
Get the Sennheiser. This is one more terrific example of German engineering, and the Sennheiser MD 441-U won’t allow you down. It’s used by experts throughout the globe, as well as you obtain your money’s worth and extra. It can be used for numerous applications and instruments, it consistently records just what you want, and also it reduces sound very well. It may be a little bit costly, but with proper care it will certainly last you for a life time. Among the best overhead drum mics, this is the market criterion you can get without breaking the financial institution.
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