How to Find the Best Drum Mic Set

It can be said that one of the most unique distinguishing factors to recognize a band's music is the recording quality of the drum set. With the ability to emit a wide range of frequencies, acoustic drum kits create recording challenges that players need to face.

Of course, to record high-quality drum sounds, you can use high-end microphones. However, the combination of special microphones and polar microphones will expand the creative space more than anything else.

A drum kit is not just a collection of components including drums, cymbals and hi-hats, but they also contribute to the overall harmony of the drum sound. Furthermore, there is no denying that a microphone can only serve one drum at a time, and naturally, the price of fancy studio microphones has also increased significantly.

This is where drum microphones become important. In general, drum microphone kits include separate microphones for snare, tom, kick, and cymbal. Some drummers even like to have a separate microphone for the hi-hat, which is available in some kits.

Investing in a good set of drum microphones can be costly for those on a tight budget. However, from a long-term perspective, this can save you a lot of money.

This article will share the accumulated knowledge and experience with you. In the process, hopefully I can assist you in making the best decisions regarding microphones and the overall drum recording process.

What are Drum Microphones and why do we need them?

A microphone is basically a transducer, which converts sound vibrations into electronic signals. In other words, its job is to convert energy from mechanical waves into a recordable signal. The application of microphones spread across many different fields such as music recording, digital communication, medicine, civil engineering and many other applications.

Regarding basic classification, microphones can be divided into the following types:

Omnidirectional microphone: This type is capable of capturing sound from all sides due to its pickup pattern. Mainly used in studios to record voice or music.

Unidirectional microphone: This type is only capable of recording sound from one specific direction. Its recording pattern is designed to only receive signals when the sound source is placed directly in front of the microphone. They are often used in interviews or to eliminate noise in noisy environments.

Two-way microphone: Also known as a figure-eight microphone, this type is designed to pick up sound from the front and rear. Often used in conversations between two people when wanting to record both sides in equal measure.

Body mounted microphone: This type is often called a lapel microphone or personal microphone. They can clip onto ties, collars or clothing. Often used in television interviews, public events and live performances.

Microphone is not only a recording tool, but also has many different types and applications depending on the purpose of use.

The early history of the microphone

Many people believe that the origin of the microphone comes from Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone. The first version of the telephone used a needle placed in water to register voice vibrations. The change in the liquid controls the current transmitted to the receiver on the opposite side.

The next major step forward in microphone development came from Emil Berliner in 1877. He created the world's first carbon button microphone using a conductive diaphragm. This model offers superior performance compared to Bell's water-based model, which has similarities to the modern microphones we use today.

The digital age of microphones was ushered in by Sony when they introduced the PCM-1 Audio Encoder to consumers for the first time in 1977. This period in recording saw the birth of Digital audio tape (DAT) for consumers.

These DAT devices are capable of recording at sampling rates of 48 Khz and 44.1 Khz. Then, in the early 1990s, multichannel digital recorders quickly attracted attention due to their relatively low prices.

Things to look for when buying a microphone

Drum mics usually have 3 types: dynamic, condenser and ribbon. Here are some points to learn about each type:

Dynamic Mic	Condenser Mic	Ribbon Mic
Can withstand loud sounds without causing distortion	Susceptible to distortion from loud sound sources	Very easily deformed due to loud noise
Record overall intensity with less detail	Capture lots of detail, especially in the delicate parts (such as the decorative details on the cymbal	Record significantly less detail due to their orientation pattern
The response is quite slow, which can compress the drum's attack	Reacts easily and more accurately reproduces the expression of the drum's attack	Tends to remove the high end, putting them in the middle (and also softening up some of the drum's attack)

Drums are naturally loud, so it's important to remember the boundary at which the microphone begins to distort. You can easily purchase the device online, or at your favorite brick-and-mortar music store, to monitor your sound levels using dB measurements.

SPL (Sound Pressure Level) meters do not require much cost. However, it offers a lot of benefits during recording, so you definitely need to buy one.

What is the basic difference between a condenser microphone and a dynamic microphone?

Based on the application, you may need to use a condenser or dynamic microphone when performing. Here are some key points to clarify the important differences between these two types of microphones:

• Dynamic microphones are often more effective at recording loud sounds such as drums and guitars, especially for live instruments, while condenser microphones are often preferred for recording delicate sounds such as vocals during studio, especially in a studio recording environment.

• Dynamic microphones do not require additional power, while condenser microphones require power.

• Dynamic microphones often have low sensitivity and higher gain thresholds, helping them pick up strong signals without harming the speaker set. Meanwhile, condenser microphones often have higher sensitivity, which can lead to distortion when the signal is too strong.

• Dynamic microphones are typically capable of capturing a wider range of frequencies, while condenser microphones offer greater accuracy and dynamics.

• Dynamic microphones often feature passive terminations with very low impedance, contributing to distinctive sound coloration. Meanwhile, condenser microphones usually do not produce much or no color effect in the audio signal.

Benefits of using a drum mic

Build a workout routine by recording your workout sessions and then analyzing them to find areas for improvement. By using a microphone to record your drum kit, you will be able to closely monitor the sound, making it easier to fix weak areas.

Currently, there are many methods for you to record drum sounds with good sound quality. Even your phone can record standard quality blank clips for sharing online. However, in case you prioritize quality like in the studio, you need to use the right tools. For professional music or demos, there is no truly effective alternative to using a microphone.

The detail and richness of sound that a simple condenser microphone can capture is unmatched. Even electronic drum kits cannot fully reproduce the enjoyable results of capturing software and quiet moments on a drum kit.

Many drummers often question whether it's a good idea to record live from their kit during smaller events. While creating a drum kit isn't always necessary or possible for small performances, give it a try if you get the chance. The results are achieved when the sound is transmitted directly to the sound system and the overall harmony of the band is easier to manage.

Disadvantages of using a drum mic

• For each instrument in the drum kit, you need a specific microphone. Each instrument has its own unique appeal across the frequency range, so recording them with high fidelity requires the use of different types of microphones. For example, tuning the sound of a hi-hat with a microphone more closely than tuning a kick drum can result in losing the high frequencies you need. Developing an ear and knowledge of drumming can take many years for a drummer, and even then, there is no clear end to the learning process.

• Adjusting sound for a recording studio can be difficult. Many beginners don't pay enough attention to the room environment or the variables needed to record full, dynamic drum sounds. Recording drums during a live performance is often much easier than recording in a room, because you don't need to worry about the space of the room.

• Finding the right location for the microphone can take time and effort. Properly positioning and angled the microphone can be a tiring task. EQ techniques can only have a partial impact on the sound once you've recorded, for this reason it's extremely important to get the sound set up right from the start.

• Avoiding phase cancellation can be extremely difficult. Phase cancellation during drum recording occurs when two microphones record the same sound but are not in sync with each other. When two signals are out of sync at a distance of 180 degrees, they will interact with each other, causing a weak or lost signal.

• Investing in a quality microphone set can require a large investment. In theory you could use just a single microphone to record the entire drum set, but the end result may not be to your liking. Most drum microphone kits are manufactured on a budget, with high-end versions costing thousands of dollars.

What are the evaluation criteria for drum mic sets?

• Mic Kit: This aspect of a drum mic kit cannot be overlooked, because it has the most important influence on the sound. Depending on your kit, you need to have a keen sense of the number of microphones needed for snare and drums. But the most important thing is that you need to determine whether you need an overhead microphone or not.

• Microphone type: Dynamic range, condenser, or ribbon... which will you choose? Your choice will be based entirely on the genre of music, your playing style, and the sonic signature you want to get out of your drum kit.

• Sound quality: The factor that determines the sound quality that the microphone is capable of reproducing is the type of electronic circuit it uses. High-end models often sound better and more natural, while lower-priced models may lack perfection in some ranges. These models can also have issues such as color and audio compression.

• Cost: Face this reality. Industry standard microphones can cost a significant amount of money. However, if you consider it from a long-term perspective, this investment becomes more meaningful. Even so, you can still incorporate starter drum microphones to create a good drum sound system.

The best drum mic kit options

1. Earthwork DK7

The DK7 is the exclusive choice for studio engineers, performance drummers, and drum enthusiasts, with outstanding class. When sound quality and versatility top the list of Pros in your recording workflow, you'll want to use equipment that delivers the best performance Pros.

This drum mic set includes 7 condenser microphones with high precision in recording. In the collection you will get four DM20 microphones for snare and tom, two SR25MP overhead microphones and one SR20LS.

Installing the DM20 is extremely easy with its integrated gooseneck, making it easy to mount them on the drum. In addition to enjoying 7 exciting microphones, you also get to experience a beautiful and extremely practical carrying case. However, you may ask: "For a price equivalent to a drum set, is this mic set worth the investment?"

If this is your first time investing in a mic set, the answer is probably no. But for experienced drummers and studio engineers, this mic set can change their experience. Earthworks has always focused on quality and innovation, which really shows in the end results you can achieve with this microphone set.

Advantage

• High Fidelity sound

• Fashion Designer

• Clamp the correct position

Defect

• Higher price

• No dynamic microphone option

2. Audix DP7

Audix, along with Shure, have been recognized as two of the leading drum mic brands in the industry. With their impressive line of microphones and recording equipment, they have attracted the interest of many fans in recent years. Among Audix's product lines, the DP7 is a typical example, specifically designed to meet the recording needs of a variety of drummers.

The kit includes Audix i5 microphones for snare, D2 and D4 for toms, D6 microphones for kick drums and a pair of AD51s to be used as overhead microphones. However, the special highlight of the product set is the Audix D6 microphone for bass drums, considered one of the top popular choices in the drum player community today.

The D2 and D4 microphones work accurately in capturing the warmth and power of the tom, appreciated by jazz and rock drummers. The overhead microphones are specially designed to balance the overall sound of the drum kit, which has been pre-EQed by Audix, providing meticulous control of the sound.

Advantage

• D6 kick drum mic

• Flexible choice of mics

• Excellent sound quality

Defect

• Quite expensive

• Vocals are not suitable for all styles of music

3. Shure PGA 7

In my opinion, this list would be incomplete without including at least one flagship product from a famous brand like Shure. Many drummers have embraced the unique sound of Shure microphones, as they have become indispensable icons in the music industry. This refers not only to the fact that this set of mics has excellent sound quality, but also to the presence of classic models, which are considered standard in many distinctive musical styles.

With this 7-piece mic set, you will own a PGA52 microphone for bass drum, PGA56 for tom, PGA57 for snare and PGA81 overhead microphone. The PGA56 demonstrates excellent ability to accentuate the low frequencies of the bass drum, contributing to a powerful sound. While the PGA57 shares similarities with the Shure SM57 and adds brightness to the rich sound of the snare drum.

If you're on a limited budget and looking for a drum mic set with great sound quality, the Shure PGA Drum Kit 7 is definitely a choice not to be missed.

Advantage

• Solid value

• Great kick drum mic

• Choose a versatile mic

Defect

• Better choices can be found at slightly higher prices

• Sound is not the best quality

3. AKGDrum Set Premium

Another term that drummers often use is "AKG". This is a brand that has truly redefined the standard of drum sound control through products like the D12 and D112 microphones. With AKG's premium drum microphone set, you get the modern version of the D12 model, called the D12 VR.

In addition, the product includes 4 D40 microphones for snare or tom, a pair of C214 mechanical microphones and C451 B condenser microphones for hi-hat. The D12 VR integrates active circuitry to create dynamic effects from the sound of the drums and uses phantom power to power the components.

The C214 is the next version of the famous C414 microphone, with excellent frequency range and diversity. This version improves some of the weaknesses of the previous version by simplifying features.

AKG is famous for its diversity of product lines serving a wide range of users. While you can find more affordable options from AKG, their premium drum microphone sets deliver outstanding performance that meets industry standards, it's no wonder they've become the go-to choice. Top choice for studio recording.

Advantage

• Great collection of mics for live and studio use

• Industry standard sound quality

Defect

• Lacks placement options such as ring mounts

• Expensive

4. Sennheiser E600

If you prefer a mid-range option without placing too much weight on the quality aspect, the Sennheiser E600 product line will be suitable for you. This is quite a smart collection, including dynamic and condenser microphones, which you might often see when identifying live drum kits.

In this kit, you will be equipped with 4 E604 microphones for snare or tom, E602E-II kick microphone and a pair of E614 condenser microphones. Another advantage of this set is the ring mount, which makes it easy to clip the microphone to the drum. Drummers have been using this collection for years to tune their kits in live performance situations, so if you're interested in this, it's definitely worth considering this option.

Advantage:

• Good location options

• Industry standard mic solution

Defect:

• There are no spacers on the condenser mic

• Better options can probably be found at the same price

What are your top drum mic choices?

• Excellence in sound quality: Earthworks DK7. This mic set ensures optimal value for your investment, taking care of not only quality but also aesthetics and sound quality, Earthworks has you covered in every aspect.

• Outstanding versatility: Sennheiser E600. This set offers a versatile mid-range choice that performs excellently in a variety of musical styles, including rock and metal. This is the perfect choice for beginners, intermediates, and even advanced drummers.

• Budget-friendly drum mic kit: Shure PGA 7 Drum Kit. This kit meets the needs of both beginners and those who want to record their practice sessions at home. With seven essential parts, this kit has a similar mic configuration to some higher-end kits.

Some Drum recording tips for you

Drum tuning before each recording session is extremely important. This helps you avoid having to make post-recording edits and EQ manipulation later. Tuning toms in particular is extremely important, as they are often played at different intervals based on the number in your drum set.

Phase-related difficulties can be frustrating, but the best way to avoid them is to follow the 3:1 rule when drumming. This suggests that your second microphone should be placed at least three times the distance from the sound source from the first microphone.

Setting the right attack level and decay time on the gate is essential to achieving the cock bite you desire. Some engineers prefer to perform dynamic processing before equalization, while others prefer to do this later. For maximum control over audio, try using ports and expanders in the signal chain.

Whether you use EQ to cut or gain equalization, use it to find areas of sound that are lacking in your recording, then adjust them by boosting or attenuating the signal.

One of the less appreciated aspects of recording drums is compression. Complex compression types such as cloud compression and simultaneous compression techniques can help adjust the dynamics of the recording after equalizing the frequency spectrum with EQ. This will help bring out the little details that make the drum sound richer and fuller.

To add depth and dynamism to drum recordings, you need to rely on various types of background effects, like buffers or software in your DAW. You'll be able to clearly hear the decay of individual background effects to avoid unclear mixes. However, using too many effects can negatively affect the final result, so be careful.

How Many Mics Are Needed to Record Drums?

You can record a high-quality drum kit with just 2 to 4 microphones without much impact on other elements. However, in some cases, you can improve your results even further by using more microphones (up to 12 to 16 microphones).

Ideally, you'll need a dynamic microphone to pick up the bass drum and place it about 6 to 12 inches away from the drum's resonant head. Next, you can use two overhead microphones and place them about 121cm from the snare and about 15.2cm from the floor. Through this, you can record drums realistically, with natural midrange and full midrange arc, similar to the actual sound in a room environment.

The more microphones you have on your drum kit, the better your chances of capturing optimal drum detail and characteristics. That's why the choice of a drum microphone set is a wise one for drummers, helping you achieve significant results with just one investment.

Do drum mics need Phantom power?

Condenser mics require 48v phantom power to operate, which is typically provided through a mixer or amplifier. This type of mic contains active electronic components that require power to operate, while dynamic microphones have a passive structure and do not require phantom power.

Do I need an overhead microphone?

To put it simply, an overhead mic is one that hangs above and captures the entire sound of the drum kit. Using an overhead microphone helps you add subtle elements to your sound during post-recording processing.

Location is important when it comes to overhead microphones, otherwise they can cause interference with nearby microphones. Using a condenser mic is often a suitable choice for overhead mounting.

What Type of Mic is Best for Drums?

Depending on the type of drum you are playing, microphone selection will vary as follows:

Kick drum: When recording a kick drum, you need a microphone that can pick up space and give natural intensity to the bass. The Neumann FET47 is a classic choice for bass drums, while the AKG 414 and Audio Technica 4033 are also versatile options that can be used on many other parts.

Snare drum: When recording snare drums, a dynamic microphone is a good choice. The Shure SM57 is always popular for this part, and the EV RE10 and Lewitt 440 DM microphones are also widely used. For soft sounds, the Neumann KM84 and AKG 451 are effective capacitor choices.

Tom: If you have multiple toms and stands in your drum set, tuning each tom individually can yield good performance. Depending on your preferences, you can try both dynamic and condenser microphones when recording toms. Miktek PM11, Lewitt 340 TT and Sennheiser 421 are options worth looking at.

Overhead microphones: The most common is to use a pair of overhead microphones suspended above the drum. Both condenser and ribbon microphones are good for this. Some top options include Miktek CV3, Roswell K47, AKG 451, Coles 4032, and Royer 121.

Room microphones: Room microphones help add realism and space to the sound of your drums, especially when you want a spacious sound with lots of low-end activity. Metal, rock, and grunge bands often use room microphones to create a sense of excitement and edginess in their recordings. Miktek C7, Marshall 2001, Lewitt LCT 640 and Altec M20 are some suitable options.

How close should the drum mic be?

Depending on the volume, nature and intensity you need, microphone placement will vary. For main audio, you need to hold your microphone 1 to 3 inches from the outer end. In the case of room or overhead mics, they are usually placed about a meter away from the drum kit.

Conclude

When it comes to recording drums, there are no hard and fast rules to be imposed. Years of practice and a keen ear for listening are two powerful tools in your documentation. When done consistently, you will be able to determine what works best to make a solid drum mix.

If you're new to using drum microphones, don't worry about investing in an expensive set of equipment. A more affordable starter kit, like the Shure PGA Drum Kit 7, will provide all the microphones needed to start working on your sound.

However, if you are an experienced drum player, you cannot ignore our favorite product, the Earthworks DK7. Whichever product you choose, hopefully you'll learn from it and create great sounds with your new drum mic set.