• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Login/Register
  • My Account
  • 0 items

Vintage Logos

Custom Drumheads, Stage Graphics & Band Merch

Custom Drum Heads, Stage Graphics & Band Merch 888-351-0075
  • ProductsStart Designing Here
    • Custom Bass Drumheads
    • MarchingHeads
    • Speaker Grill Cloth
    • Drum Head Decals
    • Bass Drum Shield Logo
    • Band Stickers
    • MetallicHeads
    • Band Banners
    • Stage Scrims
    • Retractable Banners
    • Band Backdrops
    • Design Services
  • Artwork HelpHelp Creating Your Designs
    • Preparing Digital Files
    • Design Tips & Issues
    • Designer App Features
    • Photo Resources
    • Bass Drum Port Holes
    • Product Templates
    • Raster vs Vector
    • Design Software
    • Copyright Info
    • Installation Instructions
    • Upload Guidelines
    • Design Services Contract
    • Glossary of Terms
  • GalleryGet Inspiration Here
  • ReviewsRave Reviews
  • The Beat
  • Our StoryWhy Us?
  • FAQGet Answers Here
  • SupportGet Help Here
    • Contact Us
    • My Account
    • Ordering
    • Shipping & Turnaround
    • Returns & Refunds
    • Shopping Experience
    • Payment & Pricing
    • Rewards & Offers
    • Check Gift Card Balance
    • Privacy Policies
    • Terms of Use
    • Sitemap

The Best Microphones For Recording Drums

January 22, 2019 By Caleb J. Murphy

The Best Microphones For Recording Drums

The microphone you use to record drums can make the difference between a garage-band sound and a professional sound. You probably know this. That’s why we’re going to talk about the best microphones for recording drums.

(Side note: before recording, make sure you tune up your drum heads!)

Overhead And Room Mics

If you have just two channels to record drums, you’ll want to go with a pair of overhead condenser mics because they can give you a nice stereo sound of the entire kit.

Here are three of the best overhead/room microphones for drums that won’t break the bank:

  • Blue Microphones Bluebird
  • Audio Technica AT2035
  • Studio Projects B1

Kick Drum Mics

If you only have two mics or two mic inputs, that’s okay. But there’s one glaring problem — you don’t get much of the kick drum. That’s why, if you have three mics or mic inputs, the next part of the kit you should mic is the kick drum.

Some people would say it’s the most important part of the drum kit.

So here are the best kick drums on the market:

  • AKG D112
  • Shure Beta52A
  • Audix D6

Snare Mics

The snare is also a crucial part of the kit (heck, every part is crucial). So when it comes to snare mics, you don’t want to cut any corners.

The snare sound is like that necessary slap in the face — part of the thing that makes you bob your head.

And to accurately capture that sound, the best mic to use is the Shure SM57. It’s what all the pros use — because it’s hard to beat.

Hi-Hat Mics

Next up in importance (if you have limited mics or mic inputs) is the high-hat. It’s definitely the most important cymbal on any drum kit. It’s the only cymbal that always gets its own microphone.

The type of mic you’ll want to use is a cardioid small diaphragm condenser. The engineer-tested-and-approved mic is the Shure SM81. And it’s less than $300, so it’s still within reach for most DIY producers with home studios.

Tom Mics

Usually, engineers don’t mic the toms individually — they almost always pick up well enough in the overhead/room mics.

But, if the toms aren’t getting that umph-y sound you’re looking for, you can throw a mic on one or all of them. And you can just use a good ol’ Shure SM57 — or any other classic dynamic mic, like a Sennheiser MD421 or a Shure SM58.

The More Mics, The Better

When it comes to getting a professional sound on your drums, the more mics you have, the better. If you have enough mics and mic inputs, put one on every single piece of the kit. You can always mute some of the mics if it’s too much (like the tom mics).

But, as is the case with many home recording studios, you may only have 2-4 mic inputs and mics. In that case, it’s best to mic the parts of the kit in this order: two overhead mics, a kick drum mic, a snare mic (which can also pick up the hi-hat), a hi-hat mic, and tom mics (optional).

Caleb J. Murphy is a songwriter and producer based in Austin, TX. He’s also the founder of Musician With A Day Job, a blog that helps part-time musicians succeed.

Primary Sidebar

Featured Product

  • Vintage Logos Gift Card Vintage Logos Gift Card $25.00 – $500.00

Ready to Rock?

888-351-0075

Vintage Logos Inc.
2692 Madison Road
Suite N1-304
Cincinnati, OH 45208-1320

Stay updated on what’s going on with us and on stages everywhere!

Open Hours

Monday-Thursday
10am-6pm EST
Friday
10am-5pm EST

READY TO ROCK?

EMAIL US!

Vintage Logos Inc. has over 20 years experience helping bands create high-quality, custom drum heads and stage graphics that produce a consistent look and feel, better recognition, a more professional look, and more gigs.

  • Products
    • Custom Bass Drumheads
    • MarchingHeads
    • Speaker Grill Cloth
    • Drum Head Decals
    • Bass Drum Shield Logo
    • Band Stickers
    • MetallicHeads
    • Band Banners
    • Stage Scrims
    • Retractable Banners
    • Band Backdrops
    • Design Services
  • Artwork Help
    • Preparing Digital Files
    • Design Tips & Issues
    • Designer App Features
    • Photo Resources
    • Bass Drum Port Holes
    • Product Templates
    • Raster vs Vector
    • Design Software
    • Copyright Info
    • Installation Instructions
    • Upload Guidelines
    • Design Services Contract
    • Glossary of Terms
  • Gallery
  • Reviews
  • The Beat
  • Our Story
  • FAQ
  • Support
    • Contact Us
    • My Account
    • Ordering
    • Shipping & Turnaround
    • Returns & Refunds
    • Shopping Experience
    • Payment & Pricing
    • Rewards & Offers
    • Check Gift Card Balance
    • Privacy Policies
    • Terms of Use
    • Sitemap
Copyright © 2023 Vintage Logos Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use. Privacy Policy. Sitemap. Website by Focus 5 Design.

Login

Register | Lost your password?

Register

Log In | Lost your password?

Reset Password

Lost your password? Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.

Log In | Register