Best Snare Drums For Recording 2023

When you’re recording your own music, it’s crucial to have the right tools for the job. What you use can make a huge difference in the overall sound of your track, and that includes the drum kit. If you’re thinking of buying a new kit, it can be a challenge to know what you need and what you can do without. Before you commit to a set, it’s always worth trying out a variety of options before you buy. But what if you don’t have a drum kit? What if you have a kit, but it’s not the right one for you?

If that’s the case, a snare drum can be a great alternative to a full drum kit. There are a number of options out there, from acoustic and synthetic drums to a variety of different sizes and styles. So how do you choose the right one?

To help you find the best snare drum for your needs, we’ve rounded up the most popular models out there and researched the specs, features, and prices so you can make a smart buying decision.

Read on to find the right one for you.

Table of Contents

Our Editor’s Best Snare Drums For Recording Reviews


Yamaha Recording Custom 14×6.5 Aluminum Snare Drum

 Yamaha Recording Custom 14x6.5 Aluminum Snare Drum

Key Features:

  • The snare drums are designed for recording in collaboration with Steve Gadd. They are made of high-quality materials and have a great sound.

  • This snare drum is made from 1.2mm aluminum, making it durable and perfect for recording. Its sound is clear and crisp, making it ideal for a wide range of genres.

  • This product features a newly designed one-piece lug, which is perfect for recording. It is made of high-quality materials and is designed to provide superior sound quality.

  • This is a snare strainer with 25 strands, designed for recording purposes. It is made of high quality materials and construction, and is designed to provide superior sound quality and performance.

  • This snare drum is designed for recording purposes and has a 45 degree bearing edge. This allows for a more natural sound when recording and gives the drum a more vintage feel.


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 cardioid dynamic microphone that is popular for snare drums and toms. It has a contoured frequency response that helps it cut through the mix with exceptional impact, while accurately reproducing sound.

  • The Beta 52A is a snare drum designed for recording. It has a supercardioid pickup pattern for a tight, focused sound, and a pneumatic shock mount to reduce vibrations. It also has a locking stand mount for easy set-up.

  • The A56D is a versatile and easy to use mounting system for microphones. It can be used to position microphones on drum rims, microphone stands, or 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.

  • The Drum Mic Kit is a great value for the money and it includes top quality microphones. It is an affordable price for the quality of the product.

  • This is a great snare drum for recording because it can be used for a variety of applications, including kick drums, snare drums, and rack/floor toms.


Pyle Pro Electronic Drum kit – Portable Electric Tabletop Drum Set Machine with Digital Panel, 7 Drum Pad, Hi-Hat / Kick Bass Pedal Controller USB AUX -Tom Toms, Hi-Hat, Snare Drums, Cymbals – PTED06

 Pyle Pro Electronic Drum kit - Portable Electric Tabletop Drum Set Machine with Digital Panel, 7 Drum Pad, Hi-Hat / Kick Bass Pedal Controller USB AUX -Tom Toms, Hi-Hat, Snare Drums, Cymbals - PTED06

Key Features:

  • This snare drum is perfect for recording purposes as it reproduces the full sound of a drumset. It includes 7 drum pads, a hi-hat, and a kick bass drum digital pedal controller. This is perfect for both professional and beginner drummers.

  • This snare drum is perfect for recording. It comes with 55 preset plus 10 custom preloaded drum kits, 300 plus cymbal or drum sounds, and it also has a drum trainer learning mode for beginners/starter.

  • This snare drum has a digital control panel that allows you to create, record, and edit your own music. It has an LCD screen and a variety of audio configuration controls that let you customize your sound.

  • This snare drum has a USB connection so you can connect it to your computer to use as a MIDI connection for your favorite desktop software. It also has an AUX in jack for connecting other devices and a phone out jack for amplifiers or headphones.

  • The snare drums are perfect for recording and are portable so you can take them wherever you go. They come with drumsticks and an AC adapter, and run on (6) x ‘C’ batteries so you can go wireless and practice drumming anywhere.


Yamaha Recording Custom Snare Drum – 5.5 Inch X 14 Inch – Real Wood

 Yamaha Recording Custom Snare Drum - 5.5 Inch X 14 Inch - Real Wood

Key Features:

  • This is a 5.5″ x 14″ Birch Snare Drum with 1.6mm Triple-flanged Hoops. It is made of real wood.


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 snare drums for recording have a tailored microphone cartridge design that allows for clear reproduction of sound source. This makes them ideal for use in recording studios or for live performances.

  • The snare drums for recording have a swivel joint with a quick release latch. This allows you to position the drums quickly and easily, similar to how you would position a bicycle component.

  • This snare drum is designed for recording, and has a cardioid polar pattern that picks up audio from the source while rejecting unwanted noise. This makes it ideal for capturing clear, crisp snare drum sounds in the studio.

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

  • The snare drums for recording come with a drum mount for quick attachment to drum rims, so no additional mic stand is required.


Ludwig Snare Drum, 14-inch (LM402)

 Ludwig Snare Drum, 14-inch (LM402)

Key Features:

  • The Ludwig snare drums are some of the best in the business and perfect for recording. They have a great sound and are built to last.

  • The LM402 is a top-of-the-line snare drum that is perfect for recording. It has a deep, rich sound that is perfect for any style of music.

  • This snare drum is perfect for recording and is known for its great sound quality.

  • The Ludwig 400 Series Snare Drums are versatile and can be used for a variety of genres, from Jazz to Metal. They provide the perfect sound in the studio or on stage, making them a great choice for recording.

  • This snare drum is perfect for recording purposes because it produces a bright, crisp sound that is balanced with full resonant tone and snare crack.


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 40 Hz to 10 kHz and a sensitivity of -54 dBV/Pa.

  • The PGA56 is a professional quality microphone designed for use with snare drums and other percussion instruments. It features a cardioid pickup pattern that minimizes background noise and feedback, and a rugged construction that can withstand the rigors of live performances.

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

  • This is a break-resistant microphone clip for a snare drum, designed for recording purposes. It is made of durable materials and is easy to attach and remove.

  • The 3x AP56DM Break-resistant Drum Rim Mounts are a great way to mount your snare drums for recording. They are made of a durable plastic and come with a break-resistant design.


Drum Mircophone Clips Adjustable Mic Mount Snare Rim Clamp Holder, Black 2 Packs

 Drum Mircophone Clips Adjustable Mic Mount Snare Rim Clamp Holder, Black 2 Packs

Key Features:

  • The hm25 is a standard drum clamp that is suitable for all kinds of drums, such as wheat drums and erhu accompaniment organs. It can also be used as a microphone stand.

  • This is a package of two snare drum mic clips, made of high quality plastic. They are stable and durable.

  • This is a mic clip specifically for recording snare drums. It is easy to clip onto most drum rims and percussion instruments for recording purposes.

  • This snare drum mic clamp is suitable for microphones with a diameter of 18mm to 22mm. It is made of high quality materials and is designed to provide a secure hold for your microphone while you are recording.

  • The snare drums for recording have a screw on the sliding length adjuster that can be used to adjust the mic height. The fastener that holds the mic can also be swivelled 90 degrees to get the optimal placement.


LyxJam 8-Piece Electronic Drum Kit, Professional Drum Set with Real Mesh Fabric, 448 Preloaded Sounds, 70 Songs, 15-Song Recording Capacity, Choke,Rim,Edge Capability & Kick Pad, Drum Sticks Included

 LyxJam 8-Piece Electronic Drum Kit, Professional Drum Set with Real Mesh Fabric, 448 Preloaded Sounds, 70 Songs, 15-Song Recording Capacity, Choke,Rim,Edge Capability & Kick Pad, Drum Sticks Included

Key Features:

  • This professional-grade drum kit is perfect for recording purposes. It includes everything a drummer needs to play like a pro, including three 8” mesh tom pads, a 10” mesh snare pad, a 12” crash cymbal, a 12” ride cymbal, an 8” hi-hat cymbal with controller, a 6” kick pad, sound module, and drum sticks.

  • These are snare drums that are designed for recording purposes. They feature all-mesh woven drum heads that are said to provide a more immersive, realistic, and dynamic drumming experience. They are also said to be perfect for beginner to advanced players who are looking for recording capability, better volume control, and sound variety.

  • This snare drum is perfect for recording purposes. It comes with 448 sounds, 70 songs, and a generous 15-song recording capacity. It also has a built-in metronome and countless other preloaded kits. Plus, it has an easy-read LED display and connection ports for headphones, external speaker system, USB, and more.

  • This is a set of snare drums and cymbals that are designed to be sensitive to different playing styles and techniques. They include three 8” tom drums with rim shots, a 10” snare with layered rims, and a 12” crash and ride cymbal with edge and choke functionality. This set is perfect for recording drum tracks with a realistic and nuanced sound.

  • This is a great snare drum for recording for a shopper. It is easy to set up and has all the necessary supplies included. The drum is also great for beginners who want to learn how to play the drums.


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 has a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz and a sensitivity of -54 dBV/Pa.

  • The ST-4 cardioid dynamic microphones are designed for toms, snare, guitar amps, and more. They have an adjustable rim-mounts for easy placement and a clear, natural sound.

  • This is a set of two microphones designed for recording snare drums. The microphones are small and have a cardioid pattern, which helps to reduce bleed from other instruments. The set comes with clips and foam windscreens to help protect the microphones from wind and other environmental hazards.

  • This is a great snare drum for recording multitrack recordings of acoustic drum kits, guitar and bass cabinets, acoustic instruments, ensembles, and more. It has a great sound and is very easy to use.

  • The snare drums for recording are sold as a complete microphone set. The set includes one snare drum, one kick drum, one hi-hat, and one cymbal.


Best Snare Drums For Recording Buying Guide

Before choosing the best snare drum you should consider following options:

1. Construction: The wood and steel construction of a snare drum can make a significant difference to how it sounds. A wooden shell will produce a rounded, softer tone, while steel will produce a sharper sound.

Steel shells are generally louder, as well as being more durable. The steel can also be plated in a variety of ways to alter the sound. Brass-plated steel drums are popular for jazz and funk music, while zinc-coated steel drums are best suited to rock and heavy metal.

2. Size: Snare drums come in a variety of sizes, ranging from as small as 8 inches to as large as 30 inches. The size of the drum will depend on its intended use.

Drums used for marching bands are usually larger, while those used for orchestral music are usually quite small. The size of the drum will also dictate the tonal quality and volume level.

3. Tone Quality: The tonal quality of a snare drum can vary considerably, depending on the materials used.

Wooden shells tend to produce a warmer, rounder tone, while steel drums produce a more cutting sound. The drum heads also play an important role in dictating the tone, as well as the tension applied to the head.

4. Features: Some snare drums come with added features that can make them more suitable for a specific purpose. Features include throw-off and butt-side attachments, which enable a drummer to produce two distinctly different sounds from a single drum.

Drummers who perform heavy rock music often favor a snare drum with two steel wires, which produces a particularly piercing sound. A drum with a built-in swivel attachment can also make it easier to maneuver the drum when it is played in a marching band.

5. Durability: Drums used in marching bands can see a lot of wear and tear, which places a premium on durability. Steel drums are generally stronger and longer-lasting than wooden drums.

If you are looking for a snare drum to use in an orchestral setting, durability is likely not a major concern.


Snare Drums For Recording FAQs

1.What are the best techniques for recording snare drums?

The best techniques for recording snare drums vary depending on the sound that the engineer or producer is trying to achieve. Some common techniques include using a close mic on the snare drum, using a room mic to capture the drum’s ambient sound, and using a mix of both close and room mics to get a balance of the two sounds. Experimentation is often the key to finding the perfect sound for a particular snare drum, so it’s important to try out a few different techniques to see what works best.

2.What are some common problems that occur when recording snare drums?

Some common problems that occur when recording snare drums are:* The snare drum sound is too thin* The snare drum sound is too harsh* The snare drum sound is too muffled* The snare drum sound is too ringy

3.What are some tips for getting a great snare sound in the studio?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to get a great snare sound in the studio will vary depending on the specific snare drum being used, the type of music being recorded, and the overall sound of the drum kit. However, some tips for getting a great snare sound in the studio include experimenting with different mic placements, using a mix of close and distant mics, and EQing the snare to taste.

4.How do you mic a snare drum for recording?

For a snare drum, you will want to use a dynamic microphone. Place the microphone about 6 inches away from the drum, pointing towards the center of the drum. You may need to experiment with the placement to get the sound you want.

5.What are some of the best snare drums for recording?

Some of the best snare drums for recording are the Ludwig Black Beauty, the Gretsch Copperphonic, and the DW Collector’s Series.


Conclusion

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