Overhead mics for drummers
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The supercardioid pickup pattern provides excellent gain before feedback while rejecting unwanted stage noise, and the universal drum mounts work with most rim configurations using standard XLR connections you already own.
Best For: Drummers and recording enthusiasts seeking a complete, budget-friendly microphone solution that covers their entire drum kit with professional-grade metal construction and versatile mounting options.
Pros:
- Complete 7-piece kit includes everything needed for full drum coverage from kick to overheads with all mounting hardware included
- High-performance supercardioid pickup pattern delivers excellent gain before feedback and superior noise rejection for stage use
- Versatile compatibility with standard XLR connections and universal drum mounts that work with most rim configurations
Cons:
- Some users reported compatibility issues with certain drum rim clips despite universal design claims
- At 6.34 pounds total weight, the kit may add noticeable bulk when fully mounted on a drum set
- 15 KHz frequency response ceiling is lower than some premium microphones that extend into higher frequencies
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7-Piece Drum Microphone Kit for Stage & Studio Recording
Budget-conscious drummers who need extensive microphone coverage for their entire kit will find exceptional value in this 7-piece drum microphone collection, which delivers professional-grade recording capabilities without the premium price tag that typically accompanies studio-quality equipment.
They make your drums sound incredibly crisp and clean, and they easily bring out all the subtle nuances that you may play around the kit.
I found them to compete quite closely with the Earthworks SR25 mics. It can also be used on drum shells thanks to high SPL handling and built in pad.
Transparency is its best trait, it captures sound sources and ambience without altering the sound.
While those are the clear winner, these mics come very close, and they’re less than half the price. It has such a durable body, and it’s been kitted with a scratch-resistant finish, along with a dent-resistant grille. While many studio condensers hover around 130 dB, which works fine for moderate playing styles, I’ve found this leaves little headroom for those explosive fills that make recordings truly come alive.
Phantom Power Requirements
Before you even think about connecting those shiny new overhead microphones to your audio interface, phantom power requirements demand your attention because one wrong assumption can leave you with expensive paperweights instead of functioning recording tools.
I typically look for microphones offering 20 Hz to 20 kHz response, though I’ll admit that wider ranges like 16 Hz to 20 kHz provide even better results for capturing subtle low-end nuances from kick drums. So why do some people still opt for dynamic mics? When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
The sE Electronics sE7 is a back-electret small diaphragm condenser microphone designed with versatility in mind.
Cymbals sound crisp but not too bright. These small-diaphragm condensers feature matched sensitivity within ±0.5dB, ensuring accurate stereo imaging that’s vital for overhead placement above your kit. Some more affordable mics like the Samson C02 pair will also need power.
Power sometimes comes from a battery source but in the majority of circumstances it is actually run to the mic through a mixing desk or audio interface using something called phantom power.
Some of the heavier products are rated so because they have cases that add to the bulk.
Warranty
The warranty offered will come down to each manufacturer, as they all have their own policies when it comes to this. Audio-Technica’s attention to detail is evident in the AT4041SP’s sound reproduction, which is crisp and accurate, handling both subtle and loud dynamics without distortion.
However, the AT4041SP lacks multiple polar pattern options, meaning users are limited to a fixed cardioid pickup.
By recording from above, these microphones inevitably get a bit of everything when they pick up the hi-hats. They make your drums and cymbals sound a lot more lively compared to the flat sounds that the other mics give you. The Beyerdynamic MC930 is a great example of a full frequency response.
If you don’t have a full frequency response, some of the sounds can go missing, or you can get a low-quality sound like an old-school telephone.
Impedance
Impedance is AC current resistance.
We took into account all these data, and selected the highest rated options to recommend above. Choose based on your specific recording environment, budget constraints, and desired sonic characteristics.
I love how this mic sounds when using a single one, but you’ll find mixing and EQing to be a bit easier when using two.
Large-diaphragm mics wouldn’t be my first suggestion for live gigging, but this one is definitely the exception. Microphones should last a long time if treated right, especially dynamic microphones, so look for products with a one or two year warranty if you can just to make sure you can be confident in your purchase over long periods of time.
It shares many of the same features, but it comes at a much more affordable price.