Best Drum Mics For Recording 2023

If you’re serious about recording your own drums, you’ll need to set up a separate microphone and recording space for capturing the best sound quality. That can mean setting up a separate mic and stand in the corner of your living room, or finding a spot for it in a corner of your garage.

As you shop for the best drum mics for you, it’s important to think about what kind of kit you’re recording. If you’re only planning to record a practice snare and a hi-hat, a stereo microphone will be more than enough. If you’re recording a full kit, you’ll want a stereo set-up, but you can choose from a variety of options, from compact pencil mics to large-diaphragm condensers.

Here are the best drum mics for recording according to your needs.

# Preview Product Price
1 Shure Drum Microphone Kit for Performing and Recording Drummers, Conveniently Packaged Selection of Mics and Mounts with Options for Kick Drum, Snare Drum, Rack Toms, Floor Toms and Congas (DMK57-52) Shure Drum Microphone Kit for Performing and Recording Drummers, Conveniently Packaged Selection of Mics and Mounts with Options for Kick Drum, Snare Drum, Rack Toms, Floor Toms and Congas (DMK57-52) $439.00
2 PYLE-PRO Pyle 7-Piece Wired Dynamic Kit-Kick Bass, Tom/Snare & Cymbals Microphone Set-for Drums, Vocal, & Other Instrument-Complete with Thread Clip, Inserts, Mics Holder & Case-PDKM7 PYLE-PRO Pyle 7-Piece Wired Dynamic Kit-Kick Bass, Tom/Snare & Cymbals Microphone Set-for Drums, Vocal, & Other Instrument-Complete with Thread Clip, Inserts, Mics Holder & Case-PDKM7 $149.99
3 DM-7: Complete Drum Microphone Set for Recording and Live Sound DM-7: Complete Drum Microphone Set for Recording and Live Sound $299.99
4 Cad Audio Stage7 Premium 7-Piece Drum Instrument Mic Pack with Vinyl Carrying Case + 7 On Stage Microphones Cables, 20 Feet Cad Audio Stage7 Premium 7-Piece Drum Instrument Mic Pack with Vinyl Carrying Case + 7 On Stage Microphones Cables, 20 Feet $248.99
5 Samson DK707 7-Piece Drum Microphone Kit with 7 Premium XLR Mic Cables, XLR-M to XLR-F - Recording Accessory Bundle Samson DK707 7-Piece Drum Microphone Kit with 7 Premium XLR Mic Cables, XLR-M to XLR-F – Recording Accessory Bundle $294.99
6 XTUGA DI7 7-Piece Wired Dynamic Drum Mic Kit (Whole Metal) Kick Bass, Tom/Snare & Cymbals Microphone-Use for Drums, Vocal, Other Instrument Complete with Thread Clip 7 On Stage Audio Cables 16.5FT XTUGA DI7 7-Piece Wired Dynamic Drum Mic Kit (Whole Metal) Kick Bass, Tom/Snare & Cymbals Microphone-Use for Drums, Vocal, Other Instrument Complete with Thread Clip 7 On Stage Audio Cables 16.5FT $129.99
7 Shure PG ALTA 5-Piece Drum Microphone Kit for Performing and Recording Drummers - Includes Mics, Mounts and Cables with options for Kick Drum, Snare and Tom (PGADRUMKIT5) Shure PG ALTA 5-Piece Drum Microphone Kit for Performing and Recording Drummers – Includes Mics, Mounts and Cables with options for Kick Drum, Snare and Tom (PGADRUMKIT5) $329.00
8 Shure PGA56-XLR Cardioid Swivel-Mount Dynamic Snare/Tom Microphone with AP56DM Drum Mount and 15' XLR-XLR Cable Shure PGA56-XLR Cardioid Swivel-Mount Dynamic Snare/Tom Microphone with AP56DM Drum Mount and 15′ XLR-XLR Cable $75.00
9 Monoprice 7-piece Drum and Instrument Mic Kit | With Mounts and Case, balanced XLR connections - Stage Right Series Monoprice 7-piece Drum and Instrument Mic Kit | With Mounts and Case, balanced XLR connections – Stage Right Series $258.76
10 XTUGA New MI7 7-Piece Wired Dynamic Drum Mic Kit (Whole Metal)- Kick Bass, Tom/Snare & Cymbals Microphone Set - Use for Drums, Vocal, Other Instrument Complete with Thread Clip, Inserts, Mics Holder XTUGA New MI7 7-Piece Wired Dynamic Drum Mic Kit (Whole Metal)- Kick Bass, Tom/Snare & Cymbals Microphone Set – Use for Drums, Vocal, Other Instrument Complete with Thread Clip, Inserts, Mics Holder $119.99

Table of Contents

Our Editor’s Best Drum Mics For Recording Reviews


Shure Drum Microphone Kit for Performing and Recording Drummers, Conveniently Packaged Selection of Mics and Mounts with Options for Kick Drum, Snare Drum, Rack Toms, Floor Toms and Congas (DMK57-52)

 Shure Drum Microphone Kit for Performing and Recording Drummers, Conveniently Packaged Selection of Mics and Mounts with Options for Kick Drum, Snare Drum, Rack Toms, Floor Toms and Congas (DMK57-52)

Key Features:

  • The SM57 is a high-quality, cardioid dynamic microphone that is a standard for recording snare drums, and is also a reliable and high-performing choice for toms. It has a contoured frequency response that cuts through the mix with exceptional impact, while accurately reproducing sound.

  • The Beta 52A is a supercardioid drum mic that is perfect for the kick drum. It has a carefully tailored frequency response that gives it a low-end punch and sonic presence. The mic comes with its own pneumatic shock mount and is designed with an integral locking stand mount for quick and easy set up.

  • The A56D is a universal drum mounting system that can be used to position microphones virtually anywhere – on drum rims, microphone stands, even cymbal stands. The A56D is small, secure, and can be used with any standard microphone, making it a great tool for both stage and studio environments.

  • A drum mic kit is a great way to get high-quality sound when recording drums. The kit includes top-quality microphones and an affordable price, making it an exceptional value for the performing drummer.

  • This is a drum mic that can be used to record kick drums, snare drums, and rack/floor toms.


PYLE-PRO Pyle 7-Piece Wired Dynamic Kit-Kick Bass, Tom/Snare & Cymbals Microphone Set-for Drums, Vocal, & Other Instrument-Complete with Thread Clip, Inserts, Mics Holder & Case-PDKM7

 PYLE-PRO Pyle 7-Piece Wired Dynamic Kit-Kick Bass, Tom/Snare & Cymbals Microphone Set-for Drums, Vocal, & Other Instrument-Complete with Thread Clip, Inserts, Mics Holder & Case-PDKM7

Key Features:

  • The drum mics are designed for recording drums and other low frequency instruments. The big drum mic is for bass drums and low frequency instruments, the small drum mic is for Tom and snare drums, and the overhead condenser mics are for cymbals, pianos, and vocals.

  • These drum mics are compact and versatile, making them ideal for close recording. They are designed for just about any set of drums or other musical instruments.

  • The drum mics for recording are designed to be compatible with most microphone stands and drum mounts. They come with standard XLR connectors to allow compatibility with most audio instruments.

  • The drum mics for recording come with a carry case to protect the mini microphones and allow for quick setup and safe transport. The case includes a set of keys and briefcase-style locks to add safety to your audio accessories.

  • This set of drum mics is perfect for recording a full band in a studio setting. The big drum mic will capture the low end of the kit, while the four small drum mics will capture the highs. The two condenser mics will capture the midrange frequencies, and the holder will keep them in place. The four thread clips and inserts will keep the mics from moving around, and the two wind screens will help reduce unwanted noise.


DM-7: Complete Drum Microphone Set for Recording and Live Sound

 DM-7: Complete Drum Microphone Set for Recording and Live Sound

Key Features:

  • The BD-1 is a cardioid dynamic microphone that is designed for kick drums and bass amps. It features a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz and a low-mass diaphragm for extended low-frequency response.

  • The ST-4 cardioid dynamic microphones are great for recording drums, as they can be mounted on the rim of the drums for a great sound. They also work well for recording guitar amps and other instruments.

  • The OH-2 is a small-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone that comes with clips and foam windscreens. It is designed for drum overheads, high hats, and other instruments.

  • This is a set of drum mics that are good for recording multiple tracks at once. They can be used for acoustic drums, guitar cabinets, bass cabinets, and other acoustic instruments.

  • The drum mics for recording is a set of microphones that can be used to record drums. It includes four different microphones that can be used to record different parts of the drums, and it also includes a mount for the microphones.


Cad Audio Stage7 Premium 7-Piece Drum Instrument Mic Pack with Vinyl Carrying Case + 7 On Stage Microphones Cables, 20 Feet

 Cad Audio Stage7 Premium 7-Piece Drum Instrument Mic Pack with Vinyl Carrying Case + 7 On Stage Microphones Cables, 20 Feet

Key Features:

  • The CAD Stage7 is a seven-piece drum mic pack that includes one D10 cardioid dynamic mic, three D29 dynamic tom mics, one D19 dynamic snare drum mic, and 2 C9 instrument condensers for high hats, cymbals or overheads. This is a great option for recording a drum set, as it includes mics for all the different pieces.

  • The D10 is a cardioid, moving-coil dynamic microphone that is specifically designed and carefully equalized for kick drum capture and reinforcement. The microphone is also designed for floor toms, electric guitar, and electric bass cabinets.

  • The D19 Percussion Microphone is a microphone specifically designed for capturing and reinforcing the sound of a snare drum or other acoustic percussive instruments. It has a super-cardioid polar pattern that helps reduce background noise and a drum clip that makes it easy to attach to a snare drum.

  • The D29 is a cardioid, moving-coil dynamic microphone specifically designed for the capture and reinforcement of tom-tom drums and other acoustic percussive instruments. Excellent results are also obtained when used on most electrical and acoustical instruments.

  • This is a drum mic designed for recording. It has a cardioid polar pattern which means it is most sensitive to sounds coming from the front, and less sensitive to sounds coming from the rear. This makes it ideal for recording drum overheads, but it can also be used for other instruments like classical stringed instruments, acoustic guitars, and folk instruments.


Samson DK707 7-Piece Drum Microphone Kit with 7 Premium XLR Mic Cables, XLR-M to XLR-F – Recording Accessory Bundle

 Samson DK707 7-Piece Drum Microphone Kit with 7 Premium XLR Mic Cables, XLR-M to XLR-F - Recording Accessory Bundle

Key Features:

  • The Samson DK707 7-Piece Drum Microphone Kit is a collection of professional quality microphones designed to provide excellent sound for close-mic performance and recording environments.

  • This is a drum mic kit that includes 4 Q72 instrument mics, a Q71 kick drum mic, 2 CO2 pencil condenser mics, seven swivel-style mic adapters, four tension-mounted rim clips, and a hardshell carrying case.

  • The Samson DK707 7-piece drum mic kit is a great option for recording drums on a budget. The kit includes seven different mics that can be used to capture the sound of the drums from all angles. The mics are designed to reject off-axis noise and effectively capture loud sources.

  • The drum mics for recording are portable and easy to use. They come with a deluxe hardshell carrying case for easy storage and transportation.

  • This is a drum mic kit that includes 7 XLR mic cables.


XTUGA DI7 7-Piece Wired Dynamic Drum Mic Kit (Whole Metal) Kick Bass, Tom/Snare & Cymbals Microphone-Use for Drums, Vocal, Other Instrument Complete with Thread Clip 7 On Stage Audio Cables 16.5FT

 XTUGA DI7 7-Piece Wired Dynamic Drum Mic Kit (Whole Metal) Kick Bass, Tom/Snare & Cymbals Microphone-Use for Drums, Vocal, Other Instrument Complete with Thread Clip 7 On Stage Audio Cables 16.5FT

Key Features:

  • The Supercardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone is a high output dynamic microphone with a tailored frequency response designed specifically for kick drums and other bass instruments. It provides superb attack and punch, and delivers studio quality sound even at extremely high sound pressure levels.

  • The drum mic is designed for professional sound reinforcement and recording. It is a high output supercardioid dynamic microphone that provides high gain before feedback and excellent rejection of unwanted noise.

  • The drum mics for recording are simple to install and connect, with a built-in dynamic locking stand adapter with an integral XLR connector. Each instrument microphone is designed with the standard thread 3/8″ or 5/8″ to match all types of microphone stand. The stand adapter keeps the microphone securely in place, even if it is struck by a drumstick.

  • The drum mics for recording are adaptable and have a wide range of applications. They can be used for close miking of tom-toms and other percussion instruments, as well as guitar amplifiers, brass instruments, and woodwinds. All mics come with standard XLR connectors to allow compatibility with most audio instruments.

  • This is a pack of drum mics designed for recording purposes. It includes one big drum mic, four small drum mics, two condenser mics with holders, four thread clips, thread inserts, four clamps for snare/tom mics, two wind screens for condenser mics, seven XLR to XLR audio cables, and one aluminum carry case.


Shure PG ALTA 5-Piece Drum Microphone Kit for Performing and Recording Drummers – Includes Mics, Mounts and Cables with options for Kick Drum, Snare and Tom (PGADRUMKIT5)

 Shure PG ALTA 5-Piece Drum Microphone Kit for Performing and Recording Drummers - Includes Mics, Mounts and Cables with options for Kick Drum, Snare and Tom (PGADRUMKIT5)

Key Features:

  • The PGA52 is a cardioid dynamic kick drum microphone that is designed for recording. It has a frequency response of 50 Hz to 15 kHz and a sensitivity of -54 dBV/Pa.

  • The PGA56 is a professional quality microphone designed for capturing the sound of drums and other percussion instruments. It features a cardioid pickup pattern that helps to isolate the sound of the drums from the rest of the band, and its rugged construction can withstand the rigors of live performance.

  • The PGA57 is a cardioid dynamic instrument microphone that is great for recording drums. It has a frequency response of 50Hz-15kHz and a sensitivity of -54dBV/Pa.

  • The A25D break-resistant microphone clip is designed to hold a microphone securely in place while recording. It is made of durable materials and has a strong grip to keep the microphone from moving.

  • These are three break-resistant drum rim mounts that are designed for recording. They are made to be durable and reliable, and will provide a great sound quality for your recordings.


Shure PGA56-XLR Cardioid Swivel-Mount Dynamic Snare/Tom Microphone with AP56DM Drum Mount and 15′ XLR-XLR Cable

 Shure PGA56-XLR Cardioid Swivel-Mount Dynamic Snare/Tom Microphone with AP56DM Drum Mount and 15' XLR-XLR Cable

Key Features:

  • The drum mic is designed to pick up the sound of the drums clearly and reproduce it accurately.

  • This drum mic is designed for easy and quick positioning, with a swivel joint and quick release latch similar to bicycle component-locking technology.

  • This is a drum mic that is good for recording because it has a cardioid polar pattern. This means that it will pick up audio from the source while rejecting unwanted noise.

  • The drum mics for recording have an updated industrial design with a black metallic finish and grille for an unobtrusive visual presence.

  • The Drumfire DF-DM1 drum mic is a great choice for recording drums. It comes with a drum mount for quick attachment to drum rims, so you don’t need an additional mic stand.


Monoprice 7-piece Drum and Instrument Mic Kit | With Mounts and Case, balanced XLR connections – Stage Right Series

 Monoprice 7-piece Drum and Instrument Mic Kit | With Mounts and Case, balanced XLR connections - Stage Right Series

Key Features:

  • These are drum mics for recording that are designed to capture the subtle nuances of music at extremely high sound pressure levels.

  • The drum mics for recording are versatile and can be used for any drum or musical style. They are designed to fit where traditional mics won’t, making them a great choice for any shopper.

  • The drum mics for recording have XLR connections for low noise transmission to mixing consoles. The Kick, Snare, and Tom mics include integrated stand mount threads.

  • The kit includes a carrying case, drum rim mic clamps, mic clips, and windscreens for the condenser mics.

  • This is a recording kit that includes a bass drum mic, a snare mic, three tom mics, two overhead condenser mics, four drum rim mounts, two mic clips, two windscreens, and a carrying case.


XTUGA New MI7 7-Piece Wired Dynamic Drum Mic Kit (Whole Metal)- Kick Bass, Tom/Snare & Cymbals Microphone Set – Use for Drums, Vocal, Other Instrument Complete with Thread Clip, Inserts, Mics Holder

 XTUGA New MI7 7-Piece Wired Dynamic Drum Mic Kit (Whole Metal)- Kick Bass, Tom/Snare & Cymbals Microphone Set - Use for Drums, Vocal, Other Instrument Complete with Thread Clip, Inserts, Mics Holder

Key Features:

  • The Supercardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone is a high output dynamic microphone with a tailored frequency response designed specifically for kick drums and other bass instruments. It provides superb attack and punch, and delivers studio quality sound even at extremely high sound pressure levels.

  • The drum mic is a high output, supercardioid dynamic microphone designed for professional sound reinforcement and project studio recording. It has an extremely uniform supercardioid pickup pattern that provides high gain before feedback and excellent rejection of unwanted noise.

  • The mic is easy to install and connect, with a built-in dynamic locking stand adapter and integral XLR connector. It is also designed to fit all types of microphone stand, with the stand adapter keeping the mic securely in place, even if it is struck by a drumstick.

  • The ADAPTABLE AND WIDE RANGE OF APPLICATIONS:Typical microphone applications include close miking of tom-toms and other percussion instruments, as well as guitar amplifiers, brass instruments, and woodwinds. All mics comes with standard XLR connectors to allow compatibility with most audio instruments. is a great choice for a shopper looking for a versatile and affordable drum mic.

  • This pack includes a big drum mic, four small drum mics, two condenser mics with a holder, four thread clips, thread inserts, four clamps for snare/tom mics, two wind screens for condenser mics, and an aluminum carry case.


Best Drum Mics For Recording Buying Guide

1. Type of Drum Mic: Before you buy a drum mic, you need to consider the following types:

a. Dynamic Drum Mic: This is the most common type of drum mic. It is affordable and robust, and is preferred by most drummers.

Dynamic mics are good for high and low tone drums, including toms, bass drums, and gongs, but they are not very good in capturing cymbals.

b. Ribbon Drum Mic: This type of mic gives a more neutral sound reproduction and is suited for both low and high tones. Ribbon mics are very expensive but they are one of the best mics for capturing cymbals.

c. Condenser Drum Mic: These mics are rarely used for drum sets. They are better suited for studio recording and for vocals.

d. Lapel Drum Mic: This type of mic is attached to the drum set with a clip and is used for close-up recordings.

e. Stereo Pair: This is the most expensive type of drum mic. They are used for capturing the stereo image of the drum set.

f. Multi-Pattern Drum Mic: These are the best type of drum mic for recording drum sets. They have a switchable polar pattern and can be used for capturing close and distant sounds.

2. Polar Pattern of Drum Mic: In order to get a good sound when recording drums, it is important to select the right polar pattern of the drum mic.

There are two main polar patterns of a drum mic: the omni and the bi-directional.

The omni-directional polar pattern captures the sound equally from all directions. This is the most popular drum mic pattern and is preferred by most drummers.

The bidirectional polar pattern is also called a figure-8 polar pattern as it resembles the shape of the number 8.

This type of mic captures sound equally from the front and back but not from the sides. Hence, it is not recommended for drum sets.

3. Frequency Response of Drum Mic: You also need to consider the frequency response of a drum mic before buying one.

A good drum mic should have a flat frequency response. This means that it should respond equally to all frequencies in the audible range.

This is very important for capturing the entire sound of the drum set equally well.

The frequency response of a drum mic should be between 20 Hz and 20 kHz.

4. Directional Characteristics of Drum Mic: It is very important to consider the directional characteristics of a drum mic before buying one.

This means how well the mic captures the sound from different directions.

There are two types of directional characteristics of a drum mic: the cardioid and the bi-directional.

The cardioid pattern is the most popular and is the standard polar pattern of a dynamic mic.

This type of mic picks up sound equally from the front and back but not equally from the sides.

The bi-directional pattern is also called a figure-8 and is commonly used for ribbon mics.

The figure-8 pattern picks up sound equally from the front and back but not equally from the sides. Hence, this type of mic is not recommended for drum sets.

5. Equivalent Noise Level (ENL): Equivalent noise level is a unitless number that is used to indicate the self-noise of a microphone and is expressed in dB.

The lower the equivalent noise level of a mic, the better.

You should also consider the self-noise of


Drum Mics For Recording FAQs

1. What is the best drum mic for recording?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the specific drum sound that you are trying to capture. However, some popular choices for drum miking include the Shure SM57, the AKG D112, and the Sennheiser e902.

2. What are the different types of drum mics?

The three most common types of drum mics are dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones.

3. How do I place drum mics for recording?

There are a few different ways to mic a drum set for recording, but the most common method is to use a kick drum mic, a snare drum mic, and two overhead mics.

4. What are the best settings for recording drums?

The best settings for recording drums vary depending on the type of drums being recorded, the acoustics of the recording space, and the desired sound.

5. What are some common problems with drum mic recording?

Some common problems with drum mic recording include:-Tuning: Drums can often be out of tune, which can make recorded drums sound tinny or thin.-Bleeding: Drums can often bleed into each other, making it difficult to isolate each drum sound.-Phase: Incorrect mic placement can cause phase issues, which can make the drums sound thin or hollow.-Distance: Mics should be placed close to the drums in order to capture the full sound, but not so close that they pick up too much bleed.


Conclusion

There are many great drum mics for recording on the market. Our list of the best drum mics for recording will help you save time researching and choosing the best one for you.