An excellent drum mic kit is behind every sold-out arena show and record-shattering song. When utilized, a drum mic kit can bring a drumkit’s tone to another level according to its specification. That’s why having the best drum microphone set is essential when tone-chasing for live and studio settings.
Every Drum Mic Kit Reviewed in this Guide
Every drum mic kit captures different frequencies. Consequently, producing varying results when fed to reference speakers and best in-ear monitors for drummers. Some drum mics set provide drums with a low and tight sound perfect for heavy music. On the other hand, some drum microphone set delivers a bright tone suitable for genres such as jazz and blues.
No matter the tone you’re chasing for either live or recording sessions, there is a drum mic kit for you. If you’re looking for the best drum mic kits on the market, look no further; this guide has you covered!
3 Incredible Budget-Friendly Drum Mic Kit
Rockville PRO-D5 5 Piece Drum Mic Kit
Beginners who want to get into drum recording don’t have to pay a fortune with the Rockville PRO-D5! Featuring steel grills, zinc-alloy hardware, and an aluminum body, the PRO-D5 is a durable kit within the budget market.
The Rockville PRO-D5 is a 5-piece microphone kit with mounting hardware for easier installation. In addition, the kit features a large diaphragm that eliminates unwanted noise.
This drum microphone set includes 4x snare drum mics and a bass drum. The kit’s snare drum mics set delivers a frequency response of 60Hz-13KHz and a sensitivity of -54dB±3dB. Consequently, the bass drum mic offers a frequency response of 30Hz-12KHz and a sensitivity of -58dB±5dB.
Key Features:
- 4x snare drum mics set
- 1x bass drum mic
- Aluminum carrying case
- 5x microphone clips
- XLR Output
Pros:
The Rockville PRO-D5 offers a decent performance fit for beginners wanting to enter drum recording. Moreover, this drum microphone set boasts different microphones for snare, tom, and bass drums. Thus, making the PRO-D5 an excellent value for its price.
Cons:
The Rockville PRO-D5 had noticeable buzzing and humming, which users can prevent using shielded cables and better interfaces.
PYLE-PRO Pyle 7-Piece Wired Dynamic Drum Mic Kit
Perfect for musicians on the go, the PYLE-PRO drum microphone set offers a compact & versatile recording performance. From a punchy low-end up to colorful bright tones, the PYLE-PRO 7-Piece Kit has you covered!
The PYLE-PRO drum mics set features a bass drum mic, four tom and snare mics, and two condenser mics. Therefore, making the PYLE-PRO an all-around champ in the budget-friendly studio drum microphones category.
Furthermore, the PYLE-PRO includes a lightweight but durable carrying case with foam cut-outs for convenient and safe transport. Moreover, the included microphone mounting kit is suitable for almost all drum rims. These Pyle microphones also boast standard 3/8” and 5/8” threads, making them compatible with most mic stands.
Key Features:
- Mic Frequency Response- 50Hz-15kHz / 50Hz-14kHz / 50Hz-18kHz
- 4x snare and tom drum mics set
- 1x bass drum mic
- 2x condenser drum microphone set
- XLR Connectivity
Pros:
The PYLE-PRO Drum Mic Set fits most kits and stands. Thus, making them ideal for gigging musicians who use in-house kits. In addition, the PYLE-PRO drum mics set boasts an excellent performance when recording high-frequency drums such as toms and snares.
Cons:
The PYLE-PRO Drum Mic Set falls when recording low-frequency drums such as a floor tom and bass drum. The kit’s hoop clips are also flimsy and brittle, affecting the microphones’ overall mounting stability.
XTUGA DI7 Wired Dynamic Drum Mic Kit
The XTUGA DI7 Drum Mics Set is ideal for live performances with high sound-pressure levels. In addition, the XTUGA DI7’s uniform super-cardioid pickup patterns allow the set to withstand high-gain levels. The kit can also eliminate external noises, making them a decent choice for studio recordings.
Furthermore, the XTUGA DI7 drum mic kit has four small drum mics, two condenser mics, and one bass drum mic. The set’s small mics feature a frequency response of 50Hz-14KHz, making them ideal for tom, snare, and a small snare drum. Conversely, the big drum mic’s frequency response ranges from 50Hz up to 15KHz, which results in a tight, punchy low-end.
The XTUGA DI7 has a free carrying case, four clamps, and 3/8” and 5/8” thread inserts. These extra features solidify the XTUGA DI7 as an excellent recording and live mic set. Therefore, if you’re out hunting for the best budget-friendly drum mic kit, you can’t go wrong with the XTUGA DI7.
Key Features:
- Uni-directional polar pattern
- XLR connectivity
- Aluminum carrying case
- 7-piece drum mics set
- Supercardioid dynamic microphone construction
Pros:
The XTUGA DI7 drum microphone set excels at delivering a tight low-end without losing bass drum authenticity. In addition, this drum mic kit performs well in loud environments. These features make the XTUGA DI7 great for studio and live drumming sessions.
Cons:
The DI7 drum mics set’s only problem would be its occasional humming, similar to the Rockville PRO-D5. Still, this microphone set delivers a flat response when recording drums and cymbals.
6 Best Drum Mic Kit for Both Recording and Live Performances
PreSonus DM-7: Complete Drum Microphone Set for Recording and Live Sound
It’s easy to get lost through a mix, especially during multi-track sequences. For instance, mixing track layers are a chore if you want everything to sit well within a mix. That’s why if you’re a drummer or producer who wants a great-sounding stem, you’re in for a treat!
The PreSonus DM-7 drum mics set comes with the BD-1 microphone. Thus, allowing drummers to record a quick and tight-sounding bass drum tone thanks to its unique frequency response. On the other hand, the set’s ST-4 microphones are highly versatile! These microphones can also capture the colors and details of the best amplifier for electronic drums and guitars.
Of course, it won’t be a drum mic kit without proper cymbal mics. That’s why the DM-7 incorporates two OH-2 condenser mics, preserving cymbal recordings’ shimmer, shine, and brightness. Therefore, if you’re looking for a great recording drum microphone set, you can never go wrong with Pre-Sonus!
Key Features:
- 1x BD-1 Cardioid dynamic bass drum mic
- 2x OH-2 Small-diaphragm condenser mic
- 4x ST-4 Cardioid dynamic mics
- Free mounts and windscreens
- Hardshell carrying case
Pros:
The Pre-Sonus DM-7 drum mics set completely captures the details of cymbals and drums. Aside from that, this mic kit also delivers an incredible performance when it comes to vocal and guitar recording.
Cons:
The DM-7 comes with attachment clips which are hard to install on drum rims. However, once installed, these clips provide a very stable performance.
Samson DK707 7-Piece Drum Microphone Kit
No products found.The Samson DK707 Drum Mic Kit features a compact, portable construction perfect for touring drummers. Firstly, Samson DK707 comes with four tension-mounted clips, swivel-style mic adapters, and a heavy-duty case. Thus, allowing the DK707 to shine under any musical situation.
Secondly, the Samson DK707 offers a wide range of recording options for drummers. This microphone set features four Q72 snare and tom mic, a Q71 kick drum mic, and two CO2 condenser mics. In addition, the kit’s off-axis noise rejection allows these mics to thrive within high SPL venues.
The Samson DK707 has one mic stand, two tripod stands, and seven XLR cables. These additional inclusions make the DK707 an all-in no-compromise kit for studio and live settings.
Key Features:
- 4x Q72 Snare and Tom Microphones
- Q71 Bass Drum Microphone
- 2x CO2 Condenser Microphones
- 7x XLR Cables
- Free stands, clips, and carrying case
Pros:
The Samson DK707 Drum Mic Set comes with free stands, XLR cables, rim clips, and other accessories. Therefore, making it an exceptional choice for drummers building a live mic-in or recording setup from scratch.
Cons:
Although the set is fully-loaded, the set’s microphones lack the frequency range for a more detailed drum sound. Nevertheless, users can fix this problem with the proper EQ and mix.
No products found.
Sennheiser Pro Audio E604 Dynamic Cardioid
The Sennheiser Pro Audio E604 Dynamic Drum Mic Kit is a highly versatile microphone set. Not only does it have the capacity to capture the intricacies of drums, but the E604 can also record brass and woodwind instruments.
Furthermore, the E604 Dynamic Mic can handle SPLs up to 160dB, resulting in a clear and balanced signal without the unwanted distortions. The microphone also features a lightweight voice coil, delivering high frequency and incredible response while eliminating hums and buzzes.
Lastly, the Sennheiser Pro Audio E604 comes with a reinforced glass-fiber body. This provides the E604 a striking premium look without compromising its durability.
Key Features:
- 3x E604 Microphones
- Reinforced Glass Fiber Body
- XLR-3 Connection
- 40-180000Hz frequency response
- 3x drum rim clips
Pros:
Sennheiser provides the E604 with exceptional versatility, allowing the microphone to handle various instruments such as percussive and woodwinds. The overall specification of the E604 also enables it to have clear and balanced recordings within high SPL areas.
Cons:
Although they are great, the set only includes three E604 microphones— which aren’t enough to mic an entire standard drumkit.
Shure Drum Mic Kit for Performing and Recording Drummers (DMK57-52)
Drummers and music producers alike know the quality Shure microphones provide. Through the DMK57-52, Sennheiser includes the Beta 52A and four SM57 microphones.
As we know, the Shure SM57 is currently the industry standard for recording drums and various instruments. The SM57 utilizes a clean and contoured frequency response, accurately capturing details and intricacies of instruments. In addition, the SM57 incorporates a uniform cardioid pickup pattern, minimizing the background noise for a more precise sound replication.
Moreover, the set’s Beta 52A microphone features a modified super-cardioid pickup pattern, making it an ideal bass drum mic. Shure designed the Beta 52A with a high gain threshold, providing clear recordings under high SPLs. Finally, the BETA 52A has a pneumatic shock system that minimizes excess vibration, leading to a cleaner bass drum recording.
Key Features:
- 3x Shure SM57 Microphones
- 1x Shure Beta52A Bass Drum Microphone
- 3x Shure A56D universal drum mounting system
- Lightweight carrying case
Pros:
This Shure drum mics set includes the industry-standard SM57 into the mix, providing users with accurate recordings every time. Furthermore, the DMK57-52 Shure Mic Set can cover at least a 4-piece drumkit, making it suitable for studio recording and live settings.
Cons:
The Shure SM57 is larger than other drum mics on this list. This kit is not for you if you’re looking for a more compact-sized drum mics set.
AKG Drum Set Session I Drum Mic Set
The AKG Drum Set Session I Set is perfect for drummers who want a professional-level recording without spending a fortune!
The Drum Set Session I features the P2 large-diaphragm mic for kick drums. This microphone boasts a 157dB SPL, allowing it to replicate a bass drum’s thump and overall tone accurately.
Furthermore, the kit also comes with four P4 microphones, which are great for snare and tom drums. These microphones allow users to pick up every intricacy of their snare and tom drums. Thus, resulting in a more vibrant and detailed recording and sound replication.
The AKG Drum Set Session I Drum Mic Set also includes two P17 overhead microphones with a 157dB SPL level. Consequently, allowing drummers to record cymbals, including every shimmer and detail that come with every hit.
Key Features:
- 1x P2 bass drum mic
- 4x P4 snare and tom mics
- 2x P17 overhead condenser mics
- Aluminum carry case
- Free H440 Adapter Plate and stand adapter
Pros:
The AKG Drum Set Session I Drum Mic Set boasts a high SPL threshold. Therefore, allowing the P2, P4, and P17 microphones to handle high noise levels without the unwanted distortions. This feature also makes this drum mic set perfect for live performances and recordings.
Cons:
The set’s P2 bass drum mic comes with built-in microphone clips. I would still recommend getting a mic with a separate clip for better usability and longevity.
Shure PGADRUMKIT7 7-Piece Drum Mic Kit
The Shure PGADRUMKIT7 drum mics set is an all-rounder and no-compromise ingredient to miking-up drumkits. From replicating the booming thump of a bass drum to recording the shimmering highs of cymbals, the PGADRUMKIT7 won’t disappoint.
Firstly, the PGA52 microphone captures the low-end intensity of drum bass drums! The mic’s frequency response accommodates even the lowest of low-end, replicating every thump with precision and tightness.
Secondly, the included PGA56 microphones record tom drums with clarity regardless of intensity. On the other hand, the included PGA57 accurately records the rich and solid sound of snare drums. The PGA57 is also compatible with different instruments and amplifiers, similar to the Shure SM57.
Finally, the PGADRUMKIT7 includes the PGA81s, which are incredible drum overhead microphones. These included microphones are excellent for capturing cymbal tones without the annoying distortions due to high SPLs.
Key Features:
- 1x PGA52 Cardioid Bass Drum Mic
- 3x PGA56 Cardioid Tom Drum Mics
- 1x PGA57 Cardioid Snare/Instrument Drum Mic
- 2x PGA81 Cardioid Condenser Overhead Mic
- Shure AP56DM Mounts and A25D Mic Clips
Pros:
The Shure PGADRUMKIT7 is an excellent choice for standard 5-piece drumkits. Considering the quality Shure provides, this drum mic kit is perfect for those looking for a no-compromise performance.
Cons:
Although this drum mics set is an excellent choice for all skill levels. No one can deny that this product is the most expensive on this list. Also, this drum microphone set can be overkill for beginners who can get by with the Shure SM57.
What to Look for When Buying a Drum Mic Kit— A Buyer’s Guide
As we know, not all drum mics set sound the same. Some drum mic kits will have better clarity and accurate tonal replication. That’s why buyers should know what to consider when buying a drum mic kit.
I crafted this buyer’s guide to make it easier for drummers to find a suitable drum mic kit according to their budget and needs. Therefore, stick around if you’re still confused about the things you should get to build your dream drum setup.
Microphone Sensitivity
Drummers, including me, know how noisy a drumset can get. For instance, a standard drumkit can dish out noise from 90 to 130dB. According to Purdue University, this noise is equivalent to a jet taking off 50ft away.
Therefore, I recommend drummers find a drum mic kit with an SPL of around 150dB up to 160dB. This ensures drummers that the set they are getting will cleanly replicate a drumkit’s sound regardless of a venue’s SPL.
Drum Mics Set Quantity
Every drum mics set will offer different quantities of microphones. Some will offer 3, 5, or sometimes 7-piece drum microphone sets.
To accommodate a 5-piece drumkit, I advise drummers to get a 7-piece mic set. Therefore, allowing them to get the detail of their drums and cymbals.
Dynamic vs. Condenser Microphone
Dynamic and condenser microphones are complicated when we dive into their nitty-gritty. However, both are essential when miking up a drumkit, especially if you have a vast array of drums and cymbals.
To put it simply, dynamic microphones are perfect for bass, snare, and tom drums. Their contact-based recording is excellent for extracting the intricacies of these drums. Conversely, condenser microphones are ideal for recording cymbals.
When buying a drum mic kit, looking for at least four dynamic and two condenser microphones within a set would be ideal.
Frequently Asked Questions About A Drum Mic Kit
What mic should I use for drums?
When looking for a drum mic set, drummers can quickly get away with the SM57 for snares. For tom drums, I would recommend the Shure PGA56, thanks to their clarity and tone retention.
Furthermore, the PGA52 is perfect for recording the thump and intensity of bass drums. Finally, the Shure PGA81s are great for capturing the shimmer, darkness, and brightness of cymbal sets.
How much does it cost to mic a drumset?
The cost of a drum kit mic for beginners could vary from $100 to $200. On the other hand, intermediate to advanced drummers and producers can expect to spend from $300 to $600. A professional drum microphone set for live and production sessions could cost anywhere from $600 to thousands of dollars.
Should you mic the drums?
The utilization of a drum mic kit is entirely optional depending on the needs of drummers. You won’t need a drum microphone kit if you only use your drum kit for rehearsals and practice.
However, I advise using a drum mic kit if you use a PA system on gigs. This will allow you to be heard within the mix. Therefore, providing your bandmates with a better mix of what you’re playing on stage.
A drum mic set is also ideal for recording drumkits rather than relying on artificial drum production. Using authentic drum recordings allows users to have a more natural drum tone within mixes.
Do you need a mixer for drum mics?
Since a drum microphone set uses multiple microphones, it is inevitable to use a mixer. By utilizing a mixer, you do not have to buy a multi-track interface— which costs more than a multi-track mixer. Furthermore, you’ll get better results using a mixer before post-mixing a drum track, resulting in a more accessible recording session.
Can I use any mic for drums?
I understand that some drummers would protest the enormous price of a drum mic kit. However, your typical karaoke mic won’t work perfectly with drum recording.
A cheap microphone would easily distort since most of them do not have the recording capacity for high SPL venues. Therefore, if you want to mic up a drumkit, there’s no way to go but with a drum microphone set.
Enjoy Your New Drum Mic Kit!
A drum microphone set is an excellent addition to live performances and recording sessions. Utilizing a drum mic kit helps drummers to have clean audio through a PA mix or recording mix. That’s why it’s crucial to have the best drum mics set within these playing conditions.
Hopefully, this guide has been instrumental to help you find the best microphone set according to your needs. I would love to hear what microphone set did you get and how did you mount them on your drumkit. You could share these awesome stories through the comment section below.